The Memorial Union’s Workspace has introduced a new program this fall, inviting Iowa State students and Ames residents to attend free craft demonstrations.

The program, called Free Activities and Crafts (F.A.C.) showcases a particular artistic activity once a week and is taught by different Ames community members, said Michelle Longfellow, the part-time Workspace employee who is coordinating the effort.

“Each week we have a guest artist come in and teach a new activity,” Longfellow said. “People are encouraged to come in and watch and also to try things out for themselves.”

F.A.C. began last week and featured demonstrations about tie-dying and making greeting cards.

Mark Knuth, program and training coordinator of the Memorial Union, said the events were well attended and provided great social interaction between instructor and attendees.

“This program is really about encouraging new people to come down to the Workspace,” Knuth said. “We want to get people down here who don’t really know what the Workspace is about so they can check things out.”

The F.A.C. idea was conceived last fall by Knuth and brought before the Ames Community Arts Council with a request for financial aid. The council gave Knuth a grant that allows him “to do advertising I wouldn’t have been able to do before.” Knuth runs ads in the Daily on the day of the demonstration, in addition to occasional ads in the Ames Tribune.

Funding for the F.A.C. ends in December and demonstrations will be held once a week until that time, excluding Dead Week and Finals Week.

Most demonstrations are also offered as classes, Longfellow said, and people are encouraged to pick up a brochure and sign up for a class anytime. Classes are not free. Costs are determined by the amount of supplies needed and the hours involved.

Also new this year is the manner in which classes are scheduled.

“We are trying something different this year,” Longfellow said. “Once three people sign up for a class, we negotiate with participants and the instructor to determine what time the class should be held. We want to do what works best for everyone involved.”

Upcoming demonstrations include jewelry casting, leatherworking, woodworking, air brushing and lapidary.

Knuth said he is always looking for people to do demonstrations at the Workspace. Demonstrations feature a variety of presenters including students, professors, Memorial Union employees and community artists.

“This is a great opportunity for anyone with an appropriate talent that they want to share,” Knuth said. “It’s wonderful for people who want to do their art, get paid and show it to the public.”

This week, there will be a ceramics demonstration on Wednesday from 7-9 p.m. Knuth said he promises participants will “be able to get their hands dirty and have fun.”