Patterns of Meaning Featured in "Manufacturing Talks" with Jim Vinoski

Jim Vinoski, manufacturing expert and author, published a piece in his Manufacturing Talks newsletter highlighting Patterns of Meaning and Ellwood Group as two Pittsburgh-area programs leading the way in engaging youth with the manufacturing industry.

Ellwood Group, a specialty metals producer and a Patterns of Meaning partner, is opening its factory doors to students, funding manufacturing summer camps, and building scholarship pipelines for skilled trades. 

With the Patterns Initiative, the focus is on reaching K-12 students through arts-integrated programming. Students gain hands-on experiences with casting, mold-making, and industrial history through programs and workshops in the classroom and at Patterns of Meaning's workshop and exhibit space at the Energy Innovation Center.

Cory Bonnet works with a student in the Patterns of Meaning Workshop

Patterns’ Director and artist Cory Bonnet spoke with Vinoski about what he's learned working directly with students, especially the younger ones.  Among the things Cory and Jim discussed were the challenges of starting from scratch with younger students who have no frame of reference for steel or manufacturing, why the in-class introductions are so critical before students visit the exhibit hall, and how hands-on experiences help students connect their math and science classes to their creative process.

We're glad to be part of this conversation. Read the full article on Manufacturing Talks.