Looking for support, mentorship and a creative center to work on their own projects and properly develop small businesses, a select group of MICA alumni settled into the workspace one year later, serving as the facility’s first-ever Entrepreneurs-in-Residence. Through a unique partnership between the College and BARCO, five MICA alumni were selected for the six-month residency, which includes studio space and access to Open Works' facilities, workshops and certification classes.

One of those entrepreneurs, Byron Banghart ’14 (Social Design M.A.) is steadily trying to build relationships as he works on his projects at the makerspace.

“The most valuable part of my residency thus far has not been what I have physically made, but rather, the connections I have made with other like-minded individuals who embraced the need to create positive change in our local and global communities. I intend to learn as much as I can during my time here.”

Designing and building flat pack hanging shelters, which will be sold as kits, Banghart is also producing a guide for teaching vocational skills and life lessons from a project-based perspective. The alumnus believes he’s making some of his best work during his residency through the MICA/Open Works partnership.

“My goal is to improve the overall well-being of our environment in whatever capacity I am able. By framing each task with that goal in mind, it is easy to love what you do.”