Confluent Space plans ‘Glow Show’ and ‘Grow Show’ June 3-4 in Richland

Confluent Space in Richland has become a beacon of creativity and culture since it opened about four months ago.

So it’s fitting that its next big event is the Glow Show, which will feature art that incorporates glowing and/or lighted elements.

“We’re all about combining arts and technology,” and the show provides an ideal opportunity for that, said Nick Napoli, Confluent president.

“I’m excited to see what people come up with,” he said.

The Glow Show starts at 7 p.m. June 3 at Confluent, 285 Williams Blvd. Live music is planned and drinks will be served.

The event will be followed the next day by the Grow Show, an afternoon of activities celebrating Confluent’s new community garden beds.

It’s a busy time at the space, which made its debut in early February. And that’s exactly how its leaders envisioned it.

“(Confluent) is right in line with where things are going in terms of sustainability and do-it-yourself,” said Jesse Lane, a board member.

“I think we’re making a real impact in the community,” Lane added. “People have been really supportive.”

Confluent is the first makerspace in the Tri-Cities — a spot where people gather to work on art and technology projects, share knowledge and tools, and take classes.

It’s packed full of equipment, from circular saws and heat guns to a metal mill and 3-D printers.

It’s also filled with art. Confluent is home to the DrewBoy Creative gallery, which has run successful exhibitions including The Red Show and the Tri-Cities Public Market Dream Show.

On any given day at Confluent, the space is filled with people making creations, collaborating and learning.

Its busy class schedule includes offerings from acrylic painting and sewing to making yard games.

Confluent’s hours are from noon to 8 p.m. Wednesdays through Sundays.

The Glow Show will feature as much light-themed art as the space can hold.

Napoli is organizing the event with the artist Michael Nemo. Three bands are set to play, including the Tri-City based Lingering Souls and SupperClub and the Portland-based Mini Blinds.

The Glow Show is for people 21 and older. Cover is $5.

The Grow Show will run from 1 to 5 p.m. June 4 and include talks on topics such as aquaponics and irrigation, as well as activities for kids. SCRAP Tri-Cities and the Washington State University Master Gardener program will be on hand, and attendees will be able to check out Confluent’s new community garden beds.

In true Confluent fashion, they’re laid out creatively — like the center of a Pac-Man board.

Admission to the Grow Show is free.

Raffles will be held during both shows, with the money raised helping to cover membership costs for those who are low-income.

A silent auction also will be held during the Grow Show.

As Confluent leaders celebrate a successful first few months, they’re also looking ahead, with plans big and small, from adding ceramics instruction this summer to starting an artist-in-residence program.

That’s the beauty of the makerspace — that possibilities abound.

At Confluent, “you find tech (people) working with the arts. You find people into metalworking (collaborating) with tech guys. We have people who have learned to sew. Now we’re gardening,” said Amanda Becerra, board member. “Every time we walk into a room together, another idea hatches.”

For more on Confluent, go to www.confluent.space or search “Confluent Space Tri-Cities” on Facebook.

This story was originally published May 26, 2016 at 12:38 PM with the headline "Confluent Space plans ‘Glow Show’ and ‘Grow Show’ June 3-4 in Richland."