Every day is an invention.
Welcome to the ALL Art Show Explorer!
Dive deeper into the world of Adult Life Lab, learn more about the art, artists,
and the film — and access DIY resources to get creative.
Quick Links
DIY Resources
Create. Innovate. Collaborate.
Learn About Turku, Finland
Filming Location for Adult Life Lab
Video Installation Explorer
Learn About the Actors in the Video
Videos by Ann Catherine Sipilä
Felt Artist for Adult Life Lab
An Interview with Kari Kylänpää
Cinematographer for Adult Life Lab
Online DIY/Creative Learning Resources
With hands-on workshops and expert-led courses, the following platforms offer endless opportunities for adults to explore new hobbies, enhance their skills, and connect with fellow creatives. In addition to these resources, you can find short courses in your town or city by searching for terms like "adult art classes near me" or "local creative workshops." Whether you take a course solo, invite a friend to join, or set up weekly creative sessions at each other’s homes, these platforms can help you unlock your creative potential.
Coursera
Coursera partners with top universities and organizations to offer online courses in a wide range of subjects, including arts and humanities. It's an excellent resource for those looking to expand their creative skills, with courses ranging from creative writing to graphic design, taught by expert instructors.
CreativeLive
CreativeLive offers live and on-demand classes in photography, art, design, music, and more. With a focus on helping creatives elevate their skills and turn their passions into careers, CreativeLive provides access to top industry professionals and a vibrant community of learners.
Domestika
Domestika is an online community and learning platform for creative professionals and enthusiasts. Offering courses in fields like illustration, design, photography, and crafts, Domestika provides high-quality video tutorials led by expert instructors, allowing users to develop new skills and pursue their creative passions from anywhere in the world.
Film North - Online Classes & Workshops
filmnorth.org/education/classes
FilmNorth’s mission is to empower artists to tell their stories, launch and sustain successful careers, and advance The North as a leader in the national network of independent filmmakers. We achieve our mission by nurturing a vibrant, diverse community of film and media artists; providing education and resources at every stage of their careers; and celebrating their achievements.
LinkedIn Learning
LinkedIn Learning provides various courses for professionals looking to enhance their skills, including many focused on creative subjects such as graphic design, video editing, and creative writing. The platform offers personalized course recommendations based on your interests and professional goals.
MasterClass
MasterClass offers online classes taught by renowned experts and celebrities in various fields, including arts, writing, and filmmaking. With high-quality video lessons and downloadable resources, MasterClass provides an immersive learning experience for anyone looking to learn from the best.
Meetup
Meetup is a platform that brings people together to learn, do, and share experiences in a variety of creative and educational fields. Whether you're interested in joining a local writing group, attending art workshops, or participating in photography meetups, this site helps you find and connect with like-minded individuals in your area.
Skillshare
Skillshare is a learning community for creators. Anyone can take an online class, watch video lessons, create projects, and even teach a class themselves.
The Artist's Way
"The Artist's Way" by Julia Cameron is a seminal book designed to help individuals unlock their creativity through a 12-week program of exercises and reflections. With its focus on nurturing artistic confidence and breaking through creative blocks, this book has been a valuable resource for artists of all kinds looking to deepen their creative practice and rediscover their passion.
The D-Word
Documentary filmmaking is critical work, but can also be challenging and isolating. Since 1999, The D-Word has been a peer-to-peer global community that helps documentary professionals feel a sense of belonging. Through its online and offline programs and tools, The D-Word provides spaces for professional development, information sharing and relationship building, working towards greater sustainability and improved mental health for documentary professionals.
Udemy
Udemy is an online learning and teaching marketplace with over 213,000 courses and 62 million students. This is a terrific resource for DIY filmmaking, arts and crafts.
Recommended Courses
- Video Making Secrets with your iPhone and iPad
- Killer 1min iPhone Video Storytelling Editing - iMovie App
Wyzant
Wyzant connects students with experienced tutors for personalized, one-on-one learning in various subjects, including creative pursuits like art, music, and writing. Whether you need help with academics, test preparation, professional skills, or creative endeavors, Wyzant offers convenient, flexible tutoring options tailored to your needs.
Local Pittsburgh DIY Resources
Maker Spaces, DIY Arts and Crafts Studios, Classes, and Workshops
AR Workshop
AR Workshop is your destination for all things DIY! Our charming boutique studio offers hands-on craft classes, group activities, private parties, and a curated selection of gifts and on-trend home decor.
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Assemble
Assemble envisions diverse neighborhoods of empowered people who create, connect, learn, and transform together. We build confidence through making by uniting communities of artists, technologists, makers, and learners both in our space at 4824 Penn Ave and beyond.
Carnegie Science Center - Fab Lab
carnegiesciencecenter.org/stem-center/fablab
A Fab Lab is a digital fabrication laboratory for innovation and invention; a workshop to play, create, learn, mentor, and invent. The BNY Mellon Fab Lab Carnegie Science Center is part of a global network of more than 500 Fab Labs. Fab Lab welcomes people at all levels of experience.
Community College of Allegheny County
shopcommunityed.ccac.edu/Courses/Arts_Crafts_and_Music.aspx
Offering Community Education courses in Arts, Crafts and Music.
Carnegie Science Center - Fab Lab
Contemporary Craft fosters the use of traditional craft materials such as ceramic, fiber, glass, metal and wood to make art. Our community honors the history and heritage of craft, while showcasing modern, exploratory work.
Creation Labs
Have A Bright Idea? Our On-Site Learning Can Make It a Reality. Through hands-on learning, you can gain valuable experience in design and production. Creation Labs offers a range of classes in 3D printing, modeling, coding, and robotics, which allows anyone to develop their skills at an affordable price.
Creative DIY Workshop, LLC
Creative DIY Workshop is an instructor lead, family owned, do it yourself (D.I.Y) workshop and event center. We offer a variety of products you can order pre-made, or make yourself! You can choose to work on a project in our workshop, or from the comfort of your own location! We specialize in the assembly, design, and customization of wood signs, trays, lazy susan’s and many more wooden accessories for your home. The workshop brings a fun, creative atmosphere to the D.I.Y experience (yes, we are BYOB!!).
Cut & Sew
Cut & Sew Studio offers classes and private lessons to assist you with just about any sewing question or project you may have. Classes and camps are offered for kids and adults of all ages and all skill levels, from newbie through advanced.
Dyed In The Wool
At Dyed In The Wool you will find skill building classes, expert help in a comfortable and cozy atmosphere. I am Carol Briggs Dragos and I love yarn in all its glorious phases, fleece, roving and yarn. I love to spin, weave, knit and crochet with it, but especially knitting and spinning. Join me in my fiber journey. All I can promise is fiber, fun and friendship.
Fiberarts Guild of Pittsburgh
The Fiberarts Guild of Pittsburgh is a 501c3 nonprofit organization that promotes the appreciation of Fiber arts and fosters its development and continuation through member support and outreach. The Fiberarts Guild offers a lively, rich variety of activities each year. Our lecture and workshop series features regional and national artists, curators, and educators from September through June. Exhibitions are sponsored regularly. Critiques, Fiber Conversations, and Special Interest (Mentoring) groups meet throughout the year.
HackPGH
HackPGH is a non-profit, community-based workshop that allows members to come together and share skills & tools to pursue creative projects. Our membership is open to everyone but typically comprises inventors, engineers, scientists, programmers, hobbyists, artists, roboteers, families, entrepreneurs, arts, and crafts enthusiasts, and students. Our focus is on collaboration, education, and community outreach.
Kiln-N-Time
Lawrenceville's only paint your own pottery. You begin personalizing your pottery using under glaze colors, use our stamps and stencils, and our art associate will assist you in creating a one-of-a-kind masterpiece! We finish your pottery by overglazing and firing it in our kilns. In just 1 week your artwork is food, microwave and dishwasher safe.
Made By: You
Offering classes in a wide variety of fine arts and crafts. Whether you're experienced and just need a place to work, you've never done any type of art, or you want to learn a new one Made by: you is the place to be. Classes will be available for up to 35 people depending on the medium being used.
Meetup Pittsburgh
Meetup.com is another great place to find local DIY events in Pittsburgh! Check their listings for Arts & Culture and Hobbies & Passions.
MuseumLab
The Children’s Museum has a few different types of maker areas, all STEAM-focused and included with museum admission. They also offer workshops, afterschool programs, and camps for kids of all ages.
Pittsburgh Center for Arts & Media
Pittsburgh Center for Arts and Media offers classes year-round in a variety of mediums. Our Shadyside campus has ten fine arts studios ranging from ceramics to printmaking to metalsmithing to digital and analog media. Our approach to arts education provides a balance between process and product and student progress is measured in terms of personal artistic growth, the acquisition of new skills and the ability to think critically. From weekend and summer programs for youth to community-based art classes for adults, PCA&M has something for everyone.
Pittsburgh Center for Creative Reuse
Pittsburgh Center for Creative Reuse is a non-profit that inspires creativity, conservation, and community engagement through reuse. We operate a non-traditional art supply shop located at the intersection of Wilkinsburg, Homewood, and Point Breeze, where people can donate used art and craft supplies, as well as shop for these unique items all in the same location. We also facilitate hands-on creative programming that educates the public about the benefits of reuse for the environment, community, and self. We see reuse as a vehicle for boosting self-confidence, learning new skills, and creating opportunity for all.
Protohaven
Founded in 2017, Protohaven is a registered 501(c)(3) organization that engages a diverse community of makers by providing the space, tools, and education necessary to enable our community of learners various stages of creative aspiration. A community makerspace and workshop, and design and fabrication school, Protohaven seeks to create a safe and supportive environment for learning, creating, and community-building.
Prototype
Makers aren’t always in it for the hobby. Some have career aspirations, and if that’s you, Prototype PGH might be your spot. Not only is it a great, smaller space with a variety of hand tools, printers, and cutters, Prototype PGH also has an incubator program where selected participants have free access to the space, workshops, and other support systems helping people to start new businesses. Members of Prototype PGH have 24/7 access to the space and equipment. Additionally, the space often hosts workshops and events including training on the tools, programming help, and even writing workshops.
South Arts Pittsburgh
A 501(c) Nonprofit Art Organization Serving the South Hills Region of Pittsburgh, PA. South Arts Pittsburgh, founded in 1984, was designed to bring education, cultural outreach, and networking opportunities to the community through various art programs.
That Pottery Place
thatpotteryplacepittsburgh.com
A family owned small business helping people find their inner artist. Pottery - Glass Fusing - Clay - Wheels - Parties
Union Project
Union Project uses the arts to bridge gaps between communities. Union Project offers education programs in our building and throughout the community, for individuals and groups of all sizes. Supporting artists at all levels is a key part of Union Project’s work to strengthen connections in our community. We offer several ways for artists to work with us and benefit from our shared studio environment.
University of Pittsburgh - Osher Lifelong Learning Institute
The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at the University of Pittsburgh is a thriving and vibrant membership-based community of adults, age 50 and better, who are passionate about learning. There are no tests, no grades, and no degree requirements, making it the perfect place for exploring new topics with other interested adults. OLLI at Pitt is about learning for the love of learning!
Workshop PGH
Workshop PGH is a do-it-yourself school and shop is a place to learn sewing, woodworking, fiber and textile arts, leather working, art and more.
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Discover Turku, Finland’s Oldest City
Adult Life Lab was primarily filmed in Turku, Finland, using local cast and crew.
Turku–Finland's oldest city–blends rich history and contemporary allure. Nestled on the southwest coast, Turku served as the country’s capital from the 13th century until the early 19th century. This historical significance is evident in the city's architecture, from the Turku Castle, a formidable medieval fortress, to the Turku Cathedral, an exquisite example of Finnish Gothic style.
Turku Castle
Turku Cathedral
Strolling along the Aura River, you'll encounter the vibrant heart of Turku. The riverside promenade teems with cafes, museums, and galleries, offering a glimpse into the city's cultural tapestry. One must-visit spot is the Turku Market Square, where locals and visitors converge to peruse fresh produce, handicrafts, and culinary delights.
Aura River
Turku Market Square
Turku reverberates with educational prowess, housing the esteemed University of Turku and Åbo Akademi University. This intellectual hub contributes to the city's dynamic atmosphere, fostering innovation and research. Moreover, the Turku Archipelago, an exquisite array of islands, presents a haven for nature enthusiasts and adventurers, offering scenic trails, cozy cottages, and tranquil landscapes.
Åbo Akademi University
Turku Archipelago
Turku hosts various events throughout the year, such as the Turku Music Festival and Medieval Market, infusing the city with a lively spirit. Additionally, its role as a European Capital of Culture in 2011 further solidified Turku's reputation as a cultural gem, celebrating art, history, and diversity in captivating ways. With its fusion of history, academic prominence, and natural beauty, Turku entices visitors to immerse themselves in its enchanting tapestry.
Learn more about Turku!
Official City Website - https://www.turku.fi/en
Turku Tourism - https://en.visitturku.fi
Video Exhibit Explorer
Meet the first time actors from Turku featured in the video
Hannu-Pekka Hattunen
“Man in the Box”
By trade, Hannu-Pekka Hattunen is an anthropologist who worked for the Finnish employment administration with issues concerning the integration of immigrants. Before that, he was a university teacher for 12 years. After his retirement, he has continued to use his expertise, offering consultation, designing/assessing projects, as well as mentoring students and junior officials. He also watches closely what happens in politics, both global and local. The fate of our planet concerns him a lot. Making a bicycle ride or a hiking tour along the river Aura is a daily necessity for him.
Hanna Lak
“Anxious Patient”
Hanna Lak is a Hospitality Total Revenue Management expert who returned to her hometown Turku after touring the world working for a global hotel chain. She loves films and has studied film production at the London University of Arts, yet has stuck to her career in creating experiences in the travel industry. She is Little Henry's mother in real life and plays an anxious patient in the waiting room.
Arian Lak
“Young Henry”
Arian Lak, a first-time actor, did a fantastic job in the role of the younger Henry. He knew how to capture the scene of an inventor as he created the infamous exploding pen invention.
Henri Posio
“Henri”
Before moving to Finland, Henri Posio lived in Port Orchard, Washington. He is a very social person who loves to say yes to people with fun and great ideas. That’s how he met Amy ^_^ Right now he works as a project assistant for an IT company that specializes in networking. As a hobby, he breeds decorative shrimp (neocaridina/caridina) and likes to do aquarium aquascaping.
Oscar Damén
“Oscar”
Oscar Damén, a West Finland native, is a psychologist, public speaker, and consultant. In addition to his professional roles, Oscar has recently spent a year in India. He was a member of the Hub and lent his creative talents to help storyboard the Adult Life Lab.
Joele Solinas
“Joele”
Joele’s interest is in making performing art that brings together various forms of expression, focusing on symbols and rhythm. He wants to break language barriers, and contribute to creating art that can feel relatable by anybody, regardless of the cultural background. Lately his passion has been woodwork, and he’s interested in mixing the medium of wood and elements of carpentry with theater.
Henri Niemi
“Ari”
Henri Niemi is an industrial/service designer and artist based in Turku. He was a member of the Hub co-working community and seamlessly jumped into playing the role of Ari, whose adulting challenge is to not lose his temper on the job. Through the Adult Life Lab inventions, he finds a most unique way of maintaining his calm.
Ann Tso
“Ann”
Ann Tso is an academic currently living in Finland. Right now, she is working on an academic book entitled "Genres of Doom: Reporting from Cities in Crisis." The most grown-up thing about her (or childish, depending on how you see it) is that she goes to bed at 10 pm every night; she is great at self-discipline.
Tom Reeves
“Priest”
As an academic, Tom Reeves enjoyed teaching and research most of all. He served as the major professor for 35 doctoral students and co-authored 7 books and 200+ research journal articles and book chapters. His scholarly work has been cited enough to place him in the top 2 percent of most-cited scientists in the world according to a recent Stanford University bibliographic study. Becoming a professor has also allowed him and his wife, Professor Emerita Trisha Reeves, to travel beyond their wildest dreams, giving keynotes and workshops in more than 30 countries and all over the USA. While he is officially “retired,” he still enjoys research, writing, and speaking. And though it is difficult to contemplate life without continuing these kinds of scholarly activities, it’s time to focus on more quality time with his wife, family, and friends.
Read more about Tom’s participation in the Adult Life Lab photo portrait series on Adulting in collaboration with Saul Portillo in Dressing Up Our Dreams.
Saul Portillo
“Scientist”
Joseph Saul is a Fine Art Photographer and digital pictorialist. He creates painterly style portraits, some of which have won international recognition by organizations such as Wedding Portrait Europe, Master Photographers International, International Photographic Competition, and numerous photography groups from across the world. In addition, he is also a published creator whose images have appeared in a variety of magazines and publications. Prior to becoming a photo-pictorialist, Joseph Saul served as an ordained minister and worked as Chief of Operations for Fortune 500 companies. As an adult, he wanted to ‘free his creative self’, and so he decided to take off his corporate hat and put on his creative one by pursuing fine art photography.
Read more about Saul’s collaboration with Adult Life Lab’s photo portrait series on Adulting in Dressing Up Our Dreams.
Tanya Portillo
”Academic”
Although in her day job, Tanya Portillo, serves as the Executive Director of a state focused non-profit association that represents the electric utility industry, she considers her most exciting and constantly evolving position as that within her family. At this season in her life, she is tackling the challenges associated with the continuation of a successful career, her day job, while creating sufficient space and time to realize her daydream, to complete a memoir drawn from her life’s varied experience with multiple roles and adaptations to familial, societal, and professional changes.
June Rowland
June Rowland is an undergraduate studying film and kinesiology at Berry College in Rome, GA. She has worked in film for three years and hopes to continue working in the industry after graduating. In her free time, she can be found exploring the House of Dreams or climbing the nearest tree. Her greatest adulting challenge has been telling herself she has food at home she does not need to stop at McDonald’s after work.
Maritta Antoniazzi
Maritta Antoniazzi is a German Finnish architect living in an old house in the forest near Turku/ Finland. She loves to build and renovate not only houses but all kinds of things - she wants to understand why things are the way they are. Her ALL would be to focus on one thing at a time.
An Interview with
Kari Kylänpää
Cinematographer
@ Studio Kylänpää
Interview by Adam Heyes
In the world of cinematography, few possess the finesse and dedication that Kari Kylänpää brings to his craft. As the Director of Photography for Adult Life Lab, his vision and expertise have left an indelible mark on the film. In a candid interview following the shoot, Kari shares insights into his journey, from childhood influences to his views on filmmaking, revealing a profound dedication to visual storytelling. Join us as we explore Kari's story, his philosophy on cinema, and the unique blend of Finnish and American cultures that shape his approach.
Childhood Love for the Camera
Kari reflects on the profound influence his father's studio had on shaping his early artistic inclinations. The bustling energy of the studio, teeming with creativity, became Kari's playground. "My father, a renowned Finnish commercial photographer, had a studio where I spent my childhood," he recalls. "Photography was close to me. But it was movies that fascinated me," Kari adds, his eyes lighting up with enthusiasm as he reminisces about his early attraction to the world of cinematography.
Transition to Cinematic Endeavors
The leap from static photography to the dynamic world of moving pictures marked a pivotal moment for Kari. "I learned lighting from my dad. It's everything," he asserts, underscoring the critical role of lighting in storytelling. "Movies like Apocalypse Now inspired me," he reflects, illustrating the profound impact of visionary cinematography on his artistic journey. This shift laid the foundation for his meticulous attention to visual storytelling, drawing inspiration from cinematic masterpieces that continue to influence his work.
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Philosophy of Light
"Lighting is key; it tells the story," Kari emphasizes. His reverence for the nuances of light, shadow, and color is evident as he discusses the influence of Vittorio Storaro's artistry on his approach to cinematography. "Storaro's colors, Apocalypse Now—that's my inspiration," he explains, stressing the profound impact of exceptional cinematography on his own stylistic choices.
Collaboration and Mentorship
Kari values the mutual exchange between seasoned experience and youthful innovation. "Working with younger folks is energizing," he notes. "On Adult Life Lab, it was a great collaboration," he reflects, emphasizing the fusion of experience and fresh perspectives that fueled the project's creativity. His mentorship and encouragement create an environment where new ideas flourish, enriching his own seasoned expertise.
Finnish Work Ethic: 'Sisu'
"'Sisu' means action over words. It's our silent strength," Kari explains, shedding light on the Finnish work ethic deeply embedded in his professional ethos. This steadfast determination and perseverance integral to Finnish culture have been a guiding force, shaping Kari's tireless dedication to his craft and his commitment to delivering on every promise made.
Transcending Cultural Boundaries
Reflecting on his experiences collaborating across cultural boundaries, Kari shares insights into the harmonious fusion of diverse perspectives. "Working with Americans clicked effortlessly on Adult Life Lab," he recalls, attributing this seamless collaboration to shared goals and mutual respect. The cohesive blend of Finnish and American filmmaking dynamics contributed significantly to the project's success.
Sauna: A Cultural Anchor
"'Sauna' is more than a room—it's a slice of Finnish life," Kari acknowledges, recognizing the cultural significance of this cherished tradition. He speaks of the sauna not just as a physical space but as a cultural anchor that ties him to the heart of Finnish heritage, where conversations flow freely and bonds strengthen.
Capturing Essence
"Film captures life—real and raw," Kari muses, expressing his passion for immortalizing the authenticity of everyday moments. He articulates his commitment to portraying the raw essence of human experiences through the lens, where each frame tells a story encapsulating emotions and narratives that transcend time.
Evolution of Craft
From the analog era of film reels to the digital age of Betacam, Kari's journey in cinematography has witnessed the evolution of cinematic technology. "The craft evolved while keeping storytelling intact," he reflects, acknowledging the seamless integration of technological advancements into his storytelling arsenal. Adapting to new tools expanded possibilities without compromising the fundamental essence of storytelling.
Legacy and Future
"As I craft stories, nurturing future storytellers is vital," Kari reflects, emphasizing the importance of passing on the art and soul of filmmaking. He speaks with a sense of responsibility, a glint in his eye, about inspiring the next generation to see beyond the lens. For Kari, the future of filmmaking lies in mentoring and guiding aspiring talents to find their voice in the ever-evolving cinematic landscape.
Kari Kylänpää's journey stands as a testament to the simplicity of passion, dedication, and the power of storytelling through the lens.
Learn more about Kari at www.studiokylanpaa.fi
Behind the Scenes at the start of the Adult Life Lab in Turku, Finland
Here's a look behind the scenes at The Hub, the co-working space that kickstarted the Adult Life Lab project.
Henri Posio, the Hub's office manager, Martin Henkelman, and Henri Niemi mapped out a 13-page script Amy penned. Amy and her partner lived in Turku, Finland, for six months in 2022, arriving from the US in the dark December. After experiencing insomnia and trying not to wake her partner up, she began writing a script in the heated bathroom in her Finnish studio apartment in the early morning hours.
The storyboard revolves around the question: What if your friends teamed up to create a Behind the Scenes social science lab to tackle their everyday adulting challenges? Amy handed lab coats to the three and walked them through cell phone footage, reenacting a typical adulting dilemma — oversharing with a new acquaintance.
Next, Henri Niemi, Martin, and Henri Posio dove into role-playing as supposed experts struggling to manage their emotions — just like the rest of us. In this scenario, Henri Posio takes on the role of a priest, Martin becomes a YouTube influencer, and Henri Niemi transforms into a scientist.
After storyboarding, Amy collaborated with her friends instead of casting for the parts, creating the Adult Life Lab. The Hub generously provided their three-story building (a former cigar factory from the turn of the century) for the two-day film shoot. Henri Posio helped brainstorm how to take Amy's inventions from her journal pages to reality by linking Amy to the Turku Hacklab, felting/yarn shops, and other resources throughout the city.
This Fall of '23, Amy returned to Turku to film the remaining scenes of the Adult Life Lab story with the three friends here and over 40 other Turku residents, adding more footage to shape the Adult Life Lab short film.
Ann Catherine Sipilä
Master Felt Artist
@ Ullrike by Anki
Anki, the Finnish Artisan behind the felted lion creation,
shares insights into her felting inventions.
Anki discusses the value of felting in dealing with emotions.
Anki discusses the Cuff Calmer.
The Camera Never Lies Video Installation
Camera 1 - Adulting Challenge: Stomach Gurgling
Subject: Oscar Damén
Oscar Damén, a West Finland native, is a psychologist, public speaker, and consultant. In addition to his professional roles, Oscar has recently spent a year in India. He was a member of the Hub and lent his creative talents to help storyboard the Adult Life Lab.
Camera 2 - Adulting Challenge: Distraction
Subject: Sebastian Mull
Sebastian Mull is a student at Chatham University, studying film and English. He has lived in Pittsburgh, PA for most of his life. Recently introduced to adulting, Sebastian has struggled with managing his time and maintaining focus on his adult tasks.
Camera 3 - Adulting Challenge: Need to leave but can’t stop watching tv
Subject: Julie Mull
Julie Mull is a Senior Academic Coordinator at the College of Engineering at Carnegie Mellon University.
Camera 4 - Adulting Challenge: Falling asleep on the job
Subject: Joele Solinas
Joele’s interest is in making performing art that brings together various forms of expression, focusing on symbols and rhythm. He wants to break language barriers, and contribute to creating art that can feel relatable by anybody, regardless of the cultural background. Lately his passion has been woodwork, and he’s interested in mixing the medium of wood and elements of carpentry with theater.
Camera 5 - Adulting Challenge: Overexplaining
Subject: Maritta Antoniazzi
Maritta Antoniazzi is a German Finnish architect living in an old house in the forest near Turku/ Finland. She loves to build and renovate not only houses but all kinds of things - she wants to understand why things are the way they are. Her ALL would be to focus on one thing at a time.
Camera 6 - Adulting Challenge: Anger
Subject: Henri Niemi
Henri Niemi is an industrial/service designer and artist based in Turku. He was a member of the Hub co-working community and seamlessly jumped into playing the role of Ari, whose adulting challenge is to not lose his temper on the job. Through the Adult Life Lab inventions, he finds a most unique way of maintaining his calm.
Camera 7 - Adulting Challenge: Sadness
Subject: Gage Bertovich
My name is Gage Bertovich. I am a 2nd-year Chatham University student with a Communication-Public Relations major with a minor in Journalism. I am from Northumberland, PA, which is about 4 hours from campus. The art of short video/filmmaking is something that has always amazed me, from the editing to the filming, and everything else in between.
My video is about something that I personally deal with a lot as an adult, and that is the overwhelming feeling of sadness. People have different ways of dealing with it, but I prefer to just keep to myself and not talk with anyone about it, and it ends up healing itself and going away. My favorite part about adulting is being able to have the freedom to do what I want, when I want, and not have any parents checking on me 24/7. My least favorite, however, is the realization that all of those childhood memories, we will never get to relive.
Camera 8 - Adulting Challenge: Distraction
Subject: Dr. Mervin Jenkins
Dr. Mervin Jenkins, also known as Spectac, is an author, entertainer, and lifelong educator whose work has landed him an NPR interview and a seat at the table in the 2014 Barack Obama White House as a participant in the My Brother's Keeper Initiative. For almost three decades, he has served as a teacher, school administrator, assistant director for a national nonprofit, and senior manager in the ed tech arena. He’s worked with Grammy-nominated hip-hop artists and producers and is the author of “Before They Leave Here, While They Are with Us” and “To the Beat of Leadership: A Story of High and Low Notes.” He founded Life Thru Music to help fuel his purpose in both education and music by delivering workshops centered around positive school-community outreach and development. He lives on Johns Island in his native state of South Carolina, with his wife, Chiffon.
Music in the Video by Amiri
Amiri, a South Carolina native, is on a mission to bring back the essence of feel-good Hip Hop. Raised on the sounds of pioneers like T La Rock and Run DMC, Amiri began his journey as an MC but soon discovered his true gift behind the boards. Influenced by legends like DJ Eclipse, he developed a signature '90s-inspired sound, blending boom-bap and soulful vibes. With a rich history, including producing the remix for Mista's "Blackberry Molasses" in 1996 and collaborations with A Tribe Called Quest, Amiri's debut solo album "The Recipe" and follow-up "Vinyl Ritchie" showcase his dedication to preserving the timeless appeal of classic Hip Hop. He is a long-time collaborator with Spectac, aka Mervin Jenkins, who also appears in Adult Life Lab.
Inventing with Adult Life Lab
The Spires Retirement Community
Berry College, Mt. Berry, Georgia
Minneapolis, MN, Amy’s original ‘lab’ mates