A Creative Playground You Didn’t Know You Needed (Until Now)

Exploring CSU’s Richardson Design Center as a Lifelong Learner

GENERAL MEETINGGUEST SPEAKER

Presented by Cheryl Van Ackern | May 2025

6/12/20252 min read

Have you ever dreamed of turning your creative sparks into full-on fireworks -without homework, tuition bills, or the pressure of a gradebook? Cheryl Van Ackern showed us just how possible that is in her inspiring May 2025 presentation about the Richardson Design Center (RDC) at Colorado State University.

Yup, this is real. And if you’re 55 or older, it’s free.

TL;DR Takeaway:
Thanks to Cheryl’s presentation, we now know the Richardson Design Center is the place for creative grown-ups to learn, play, and make. Free classes. Real tools. Big ideas. And a whole lot of fun.

So What Is It?

The RDC is like Disneyland for makers, except with more sewing machines, laser cutters, and dye sublimation printers (don’t worry, we’ll get to that). In Cheryl’s class, “Foundations of Textile Design,” she and her classmates dove into sewing, quilting, upcycling, felting, crochet, embroidery, and even digital design using Adobe Illustrator. Basically, if it involves fabric, fibers, or creative chaos—you’re in the right place.

Oh, and did we mention the labs? There are multiple multiple maker spaces where you can play with:

  • Fabric printers

  • Media cutters & lasers

  • 3D printers and scanners

  • Wood and metal tools

  • Imaging & printmaking equipment

It’s like a toy store for grown-ups who love to create.

What Do You Get to Make?

From bucket hats to custom bags, quilted projects to bicycle sleeves, Cheryl and her classmates got their hands on it all. She even tried laser-etched earrings and wood charcuterie boards. Thanks to tools like the calendar press and dye-sublimation printers, they learned how to make those custom designs permanent and stunning.

Curious about dye sublimation? It’s basically printing magic. A design is transferred to fabric using heat, becoming part of the material itself. The results? Bright colors, crisp detail, and a finish that won’t fade in the wash.

Not Just Fabric

The RDC offers more than just fiber arts. Cheryl’s presentation highlighted other creative paths like:

  • 3D modeling & animation

  • Mixed reality design

  • Woodworking & metalwork

  • Graphic storytelling

  • Co-designing with communities

And if you’re already pretty handy, there are volunteer opportunities to keep you involved and inspired.

How Do You Jump In?

Visit the Lifelong Learners page at CSU, pick a class that tickles your fancy, and sign up. No pressure. No final exams. Just creative joy in a space designed to let your imagination run wild.