A creative makers space for educators. The CenterSpace is an organized and efficient work space dedicated to expanding the making experience.

Your Learning and Making Center
The CenterSpace is our hub for linking educators with new technologies used in the classroom. We have created an inquiry-based and connected learning environment that inspire creative problem-solving and making. We are open five days a week for all educators that need a place to work on classroom projects, meet with other teachers or join one of our many workshops. Our MakerSpace is regularly updated with new equipment and supplies to keep up with technology.
The CenterSpace is open to all educators that need a place to work on classroom projects or just try a new piece of equipment or software.
Workshops
We offer a variety of culturally and socially relevant professional development workshops based on Common Core State Standards. For most workshops, you can receive CPDUs/Work Hours in Math, Science, English and Language Arts.
The CenterSpace is a creative space! Join us for our regularly scheduled art workshops. We have created a culturally-relevant workshop series that educators at any artistic level can enjoy.
Equipment | Resources
We currently have Mac and PC computers, cold laminator,
digital letter press libraries, poster maker, color printer, wide-format printer, vinyl cutters, mug maker, 3D printer and laser cutter. We have all the resources you need to conceptualize, design and create the project of your choice.
Partners
The CenterSpace partners with outside educational groups to bring a richer experience to the CenterSpace. Whether you want to work with an emerging artist, register for a workshop on a contemporary topic, or update a skill, we partner with many of the leading educational groups in Chicago.



For more information, please contact:
Upcoming Events

CenterSpace
Wellness Saturday
Un San Valentin Sin Ti:
Zumba & Bad Bunny Fiesta
February 11, 2023
11:00 am - 1:00 pm
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$5.00 General Public (Suggested Donation)
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Registration Required
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Giveaways
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Light refreshments will be provided.
Northeastern Illinois University's Center for College Access and Success is inviting the NEIU community for its Wellness Saturday’s Un San Valentin Sin Ti: Zumba and Bad Bunny Fiesta. Join us for this 2 hours cardio dance party. Do not let the 2 hours scare you off, you can do as little or as much as you like.
Event Location:
Northeastern Illinois University
El Centro Campus
3390 N. Avondale Ave.
Chicago, IL 60618

CenterSpace
Make and Take
Heart Shaped Piñata
February 15, 2023
6:30 pm - 8:30 pm
Join us for our next family friendly Make and Take Night. Participants will create a one of a kind heart-shaped piñata using recycled heart-shaped candy boxes.
Event Location:
Northeastern Illinois University
El Centro Campus
3390 N. Avondale Ave.
Chicago, IL 60618
Equipment

HP Wide-Format Printer
Poster Maker
Mac and PC computers Color Printer
T-Shirt Maker
Face Mask Maker
Cameo Vinyl Cutters
Digital Die Cut Library
Sizzix Die Cut Machines
Cold Laminator
Electric Button Maker
Hours
CenterSpace | Maker Space
Spring Semester Hours (By Appointment)
Monday - Thursday
10:00 am - 6:00 pm
Friday
10:00 am - 5:00 pm
Health & Safety
Due to NEIU's COVID guidelines, please make an appointment to meet our social distancing and disinfecting measures.
Mask optional
Guest, students, faculty and staff must wear a face mask or face covering when visiting University locations and in public spaces including outdoor spaces if social distancing cannot be maintained.
New Location
Northeastern Illinois University
El Centro Campus
3390 N. Avondale Ave.
Chicago, IL 60618
(Enter building on Kimball Ave)
CenterSpace Room 202
Parking
Free Parking
Limited free street parking is available on
Avondale Ave. and Henderson St.
Passport Parking App
Paid Parking Available through the
Passport App
On-Demand Workshops

"Calaca" Frida Inspired Tote Bag
Participants will create a “Calaca” Frida Inspired Day of the Dead tote bag. After using the heat press machine to press the “Calaca” Frida image, participants will use fabric markers to customize their bag.
This project will be completed in one session.
All materials will be provided.
One 12"x12" tote bag per participant
Presented by:
J. Manuel López, CCAS Graphic Designer
$10.00 per person

"El Corazón" Shadow Box
Inspired by the Mexican Loteria and Day of the Dead, participants will create a one of a kind Shadow Box. Customize your shadow box by bringing your own pictures, flowers or figurines.
This project will be completed in one session.
All materials will be provided.
One 9" x 11" shadow box per participant
Presented by:
J. Manuel López, CCAS Graphic Designer
$15.00 per person

Day of the Dead: Owl Cup/Pencil Holder
Participants will decorate the ceramic Day of the Dead sugar skull owl mug using acrylic paint or paint markers. This collectible mug is finished with a clear glaze of mod podge.
This project will be completed in one session.
All materials will be provided.
One 6" ceramic mug per participant
Presented by:
J. Manuel López, CCAS Graphic Designer
$10.00 per person

"Vida" Tote Bag
Participants will create a “Vida” tote bag. After using the heat press machine to press the “Vida” image, participants will use fabric markers to customize their bag.
This project will be completed in one session.
All materials will be provided.
One 12" x 12" tote bag per participant
Presented by:
J. Manuel López, CCAS Graphic Designer
$10.00 per person
Contact Us
For more information please contact:
Juan Manuel López
CenterSpace Manager
(312) 563-7208