Long before movies and cartoons, inventors used clever optical devices like thaumatropes, zoetropes, and phenakistoscopes to create the illusion of motion. In this hands-on workshop, participants will explore these early animation tools and discover how simple drawings can come to life through movement and persistence of vision.

Building on these historical techniques, students will take animation a step further by designing their own creations that use circuits and electrical components to add real motion. By blending art, history, and electronics, this workshop invites curious creators to experiment, invent, and reimagine how images move—turning classic ideas into modern, interactive animation devices.

Spaces are limited. Sign up in person with Fab Lab El Paso staff starting at 12:30pm.