Meet our summer Maker-In-Residence, founder of local lamp company Light Up Labs, Leah Beaver.

Light Up Labs creates lamps from salvaged and recycled materials such as vintage power tools, cameras, blow dryers and more. Per their website, “Light Up Labs is our small contribution to fight American throw away culture and fill the world with really sweet, responsibly made lamps.”

Art has always been a hobby and interest for Beaver. In elementary school, her career plan was to be a veterinarian-artist combo, thinking helping sick animals and then drawing them would be the perfect job.

The plan changed a lot over the years and she wound up studying Philosophy, pre-law and social services. It was while working in the nonprofit sector after college that she had her first opportunity to lead an art workshop.

She had previously worked in childcare and had a dance background, so she went on to become a children's dance teacher.The career switch gave her more free time, allowing her to start a business selling stencil art.

“It started with drawing things that made me happy,” says Beaver; “My roommate's weiner dog, penguins diving into the water, just little images and thoughts that amused me. I enjoyed the stencil cutting process and transforming my illustrations into layers for spray painting.”

Though she works with many different mediums and processes, the natural world is one theme that has always been present in her artwork.

“As a dancer, I like to visualize my subjects in motion,” Beaver explains; “I want viewers to feel the life and movement that can exist even in still creations.”

Many pieces are representations of animals, plants or scenic landscapes, often constructed using foam, acrylic and assorted repurposed or upcycled materials such as cardboard, packing material and plastic bottles and caps.

“It brings me the most joy when my nature-inspired artwork can be made in a sustainable way,” says Beaver.

Originally from Madeira, Ohio, Beaver attended Case Western University and now lives in Elyria with husband and Light-Up Labs co-founder Paul and their two dogs.

Open Studio Hours

Mondays, 4 to 6 p.m.
June 15, 22, 29; July 20, 27; Aug. 3, 10