Here’s a feelgood story for you!
St. Louis ArtWorks’ teaching artist Tia Bible has joined the call of creating face shields for healthcare workers in St. Louis.
Tia woke up to a group text from former co-workers, from the now-defunct Tech Shop, informing the group that a past co-worker was in touch with someone at BJC. The co-worker was interested in producing face shields for healthcare workers during the COVID-19 crisis, and he needed some help. That text ignited a spark in Tia, and she immediately reached out to him. This was a cause Tia could not ignore, especially after her boyfriend had a recent COVID-19 scare. One of his co-workers, whom he works closely with, had tested positive for the complicated virus.
“Our community needs all the help it can get during these trying times”, said Bible. “Being able to utilize my skills to help out those on the front lines is the least I can do. I’m thankful that Priscilla (Executive Director of St. Louis ArtWorks) and our board members allowed me to bring the machine to the safety of my home to help in this way.”
After receiving the text on March 21, Tia has worked non-stop at her home, using the Artemis 3-D 300 Printer loaned to her by St. Louis ArtWorks. St. Louis ArtWorks’ closed its doors following the state and local government’s order. The 3-D Printer, which was purchased by St. Louis ArtWorks, prints two components of the mask in less than 3 hours, which equal up 50 face shields a week. The group’s goal is to complete 300 for BJC.
Giving back to the community is what Tia is made of, after all, she works at St. Louis ArtWorks as one of the teachers for the Textile Discipline. She also teaches private lessons in woodturning, laser cutting, vinyl cutting, heat press and screen printing at MADE makerspace located down the street from St. Louis ArtWorks. Printing face shields on a 3-D printer is just another way this natural artist can give back to a cause that is bigger than she.
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