Date/Time: July 13-17, 2026; 9AM to 12:00PM

Age Range: For rising 9th-12th graders

Discover the intricate balance of skill and artistry in welding. This comprehensive course, led by Mixxer Resident Artist Thaddeus Prevette, offers an introduction into the world of welding techniques and creative expression. The best part is - No Experience is Needed!

Over the five-day session, you'll gain hands-on experience with Arc Welding. Learn how to safely operate welding equipment, understand different metals and their properties, and master essential welding techniques like joint preparation, heat control, and puddle manipulation.

Beyond technical proficiency, this course introduces students to the artistic side of welding. Explore the possibilities of creating unique and visually stunning metalwork. Thaddeus will guide you through design concepts, project planning, and finishing techniques to help you bring your ideas to life.

This course is the perfect opportunity to ignite your creativity and forge your path in the world of metalworking. 

Instructor Bio: Thaddeus Prevette is a sculpture artist who began working with three dimensional objects back in 2016. He graduated from Western Carolina University in 2020 with a BFA in studio art and graduated from East Carolina University with an MFA in sculpture in May of 2023. He participates in public art exhibitions and was commissioned for the design of the ECU 911 Memorial sculpture back in 2021. He works with recycled and repurposed material to create narrative artwork that is influenced by historic and modern mythologies. 

Date/Time: July 20 - 24, 2026; 9:00AM to 3:00PM

Age Range: Rising 9th through 12th grade youth

Have an idea you’ve been dreaming about bringing to life?

In Design It – Make It!, youth will work with Mixxer instructors Carrie Beach and Thaddeus Prevette to turn their own creative concepts into real, finished projects.

Participants will have access to multiple Mixxer shops, including textile, tech, arts, print, jewelry, and industrial spaces, allowing them to choose the tools and materials that best fit their vision. Whether it’s wearable art, a tech prototype, a custom print project, or a hands-on fabrication build, students will be supported in bringing their ideas to life.

Each day includes structured, hands-on instruction and guided making from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM. From 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM, participants may stay at Mixxer to continue working independently on their projects with staff support available.

Program fees include up to $100 in materials per participant to help cover project costs.

Before the session begins, each participant will be contacted individually to learn more about their project ideas. Students will also be invited to a pre-program orientation session, where they will tour the facility, meet instructors, and gain a clear understanding of available tools, spaces, and project possibilities.

Dates/Times: July 27-31, 2026; 9:00AM to 12:00PM

Age Range: Rising 6th -12th grade youth

Would you like to learn new ways to build interesting and fun projects? 

Cardboard is one of the most available, low-cost, and easy to work with materials for building interesting things. Come learn to measure, cut and connect cardboard in ways that will give you new ideas how to use the material. 

We will be practicing measuring, learning tool safety, and trying new cardboard techniques.  We will even explore computer aided design (CAD) and laser cutting. Campers will build a desktop storage container, make texture art, and create a project of their choosing that uses their new knowledge.

Instructor Bio