Circuit Breaker Labs Open Studio Weekend / July 18-19 / 12-5

Free Admission • Drop In Anytime BUT we encourage registration since the studio is a small space

Ever wondered what happens behind the scenes at Circuit Breaker Labs?

Join us for Circuit Breaker Labs Open Studio Weekend as part of the National Open Studios Weekend, a nationwide celebration of artists, makers, and creative spaces. For two days only, we're opening the doors to our working studio and inviting visitors to see how discarded electronics are transformed into art, jewelry, home décor, and gifts.

We encourage you to select a tour time in order to help us control the tour sizes. The Circuit Breaker Labs studio is a great workspace but can easily get congested with too many visitors. 

Take a Behind-the-Scenes Studio Tour

Every hour, on the hour, Artist, Owner, and Founder Amanda Preske will lead a 20-minute guided tour of the Circuit Breaker Labs studio. You'll get an inside look at our materials, tools, machines, and creative process while learning how we design and manufacture our products from reclaimed electronics.

Tours include:

• Access to our working studio space
• Demonstrations of materials and equipment
• Stories behind our artwork and products
• Opportunities to ask questions 
• We don't recommend tours to children under 12 due to studio hazards (sharp items, tools, and the studio is absolutely prohibited to kids under 8)

Create Your Own E-Waste Collage

Between tours, visitors are invited to explore their own creativity in the Because Science Craft Lab.

Using reclaimed electronic components such as circuit boards, wires, capacitors, keyboard keys, and other fascinating parts, you'll create a one-of-a-kind collage inspired by technology, sustainability, and art.

This activity is perfect for:

• Curious makers of all ages
• Anyone interested in electronics, sustainability, or creative reuse
• Families seeking a unique hands-on experience
• If you can hold a crayon, you can make a collage! Adults & kids of all ages are welcome to participate

This is a completely self-guided activity while Amanda is providing the tour, otherwise Amanda will be in the Craft Lab to assist with Collage Making! E-waste collage will be set up from 12-5 so everyone is welcome to stop by whenever they like within that window to make a collage to take home. Expect to take anywhere from ten minutes to an hour to complete the project; timing depends on how detailed and meticulous your approach to making art is!

NOTE ABOUT TICKET PRICING: E-waste collage is offered for free every time we offer it in order to allow adults and children of all backgrounds & means the opportunity to participate. If you are able, we encourage you to select the paid ticket so that we can continue to be able to offer free programming to our community. If you wish to pay for e-waste collage and attend a tour, add both to your cart!

About Circuit Breaker Labs & Because Science

Started by Amanda Preske in 2007 in Rochester, NY, Circuit Breaker Labs transforms electronic waste into artwork, jewelry, ornaments, and home décor. Amanda shows her work across the United States at Art Fairs, Scientific conferences, and festivals. In 2018, Amanda moved Circuit Breaker Labs to Washington DC. After many requests to expand her science gift offerings, Amanda created Because Science in 2021, a brand and storefront located in Vienna, VA, and then permanently relocated it to Washington DC in 2022. She also launched the Craft Lab, which is a hands-on science event space within the Because Science building, and relocated the Circuit Breaker Labs studio to the back of the building. When you visit, you'll step into the Because Science storefront, pass through the Craft Lab, and then reach the Circuit Breaker Labs studio, getting to see the full scope of what we do!

Getting Here & What to Expect:
All events take place inside the Craft Lab at Because Science, our retail shop located at 1759 Columbia Rd NW, Washington, DC (across from the Line Hotel in Adams Morgan).

 Look for the squiggly rainbow mural! Enter Because Science and walk to the back of the store (between the biology and anatomy sections) to find the entrance to the Craft Lab
 Metro: We're a 10-minute walk from the Woodley Park (red line) or Columbia Heights (green line) Metro stations.
 Bus: The D72, D74, C51, and C53 buses stop nearby.
 Parking: Street parking is mostly limited to 30 minutes—walking, biking, or ride share is recommended. There is a parking garage located at 2421 18th St NW, about a block away. 

If you’re running late or need help finding us, just call the store at 202-248-1366