INA, Ill. (December 11, 2024)—The Rend Lake College Welding program and Instructor Mike Meinert have partnered with the Cedarhurst Center for the Arts to create a decoration for The Lights 2024 display.
"We have partnered with Cedarhurst for the last two years, helping them with their Christmas decoration display," says Meinert. "Asking us to partner with them has been great for both the students in welding as well as the college being able to display the program's potential in creative design."
Pictured, from L to R: Welding Instructor Mike Meinert, Haedyn Bowman, Gavin Barnett, Lane McCollum, Landon Bowsher, Myranda Stoeber, Tristan Holbrook, Dean Kubiak, Chris Bryan, Josh Steely, Mackenzie Griffin and Robert Johnson
Meinert shares that with projects such as these, he is able to incorporate blueprint and fabrication into the classroom. "It's nice to see projects like this come together all while learning."
This year, the welding students created cubed shapes that will eventually become a variety of displays at Cedarhurst – from artistic, geometric features to wrapped gift boxes.
"Mikey and the RLC Welding program have been wonderful partners in helping create custom pieces for Cedarhurst’s holiday lights display, The Lights," says Courtney Kabat, Cedarhurst Director of Visitor Engagement. "For our second year, we have partnered together to give the students real-life, working client experience while Cedarhurst benefits from their talents and creations."
Kabat shares that when Cedarhurst started The Lights three years ago, they knew they wanted it to be a regional program so that the community will be included and involved. With this in mind, Cedarhurst wanted to lean into the young, local talent of students. With this model, the students get to prototype, learn and create amazing pieces that are on display for thousands of people to see at Cedarhurst Center for the Arts. It aligns with their mission of promoting and supporting local artists in the region.
RLC Welding Program
Rend Lake College's Welding program offers a range of training options including the welding technology degree and multiple certificates. Let RLC prepare you for a rewarding career in welding.
For more information, please visit rlc.edu/welding-technology
