World Builders Lab
A Philosophy of Making
Here at Sparkerland, we believe imagination deserves room to breathe, tools to grow, and support to become something.
World Builders Lab is a 3-part creative intensive designed to give young artists the skills and confidence to execute their ideas in reality. From the basics of storytelling, character planning, costume design, and drawing, to sculpture bringing objects to life, 3D printing, and dioramas. The physical material world crosses paths with the digital universe as we play with materials using a variety of tools, interactive technologies, and new approaches.
Led by university educator and professional artist Sam Parker “Sparker”, founder of Sparkerland, this series emphasizes experimentation, independent thinking, and the emergence of creative possibilities for each participant.
For parents and educators seeking meaningful opportunities beyond traditional classroom instruction, World Builders Lab offers a place where unconventional ideas are encouraged, experimentation is essential, and young artists are taken seriously.
Learn With Us
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Creative Problem-Solving
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Connect With Other Artists
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Gain New Skills
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Specialized Skills Courses
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Learn With Us ✳︎ Creative Problem-Solving ✳︎ Connect With Other Artists ✳︎ Gain New Skills ✳︎ Specialized Skills Courses ✳︎
December 21–23, 2026 | 4–8 PM
Ages 13–17
Every world begins with an idea.
In this specialized 3-day course, participants will discover how imagination takes shape on paper, learn how to turn ideas into concrete scenes, characters, and narratives.
Led by professional artist and Sparkerland founder Sam Parker “Sparker”, this three-day creative lab encourages experimentation, original thinking, and the development of characters, places, and lore that goes beyond the ordinary. Open up the flat files with us and discover the world of the Cinebots, a fictional universe of bots created by Sparker, with original drawings and planned set frameworks, notes, and inspiring research material to fuel our ideas.
DAILY SCHEDULE
4–7 PM | Creative Lab
Guided instruction, digging through inspirational archives, hands-on experimentation, and creative development.
7–8 PM | Open Exploration
A relaxed hour for cleanup, conversation, and enjoying Sparkerland’s lounge and video games. This is recreational time rather than structured instruction.
At Sparkerland, we consider play a form of creative research. Exploring games and interactive interfaces helps us understand how imagination becomes an experience.
Each session is a standalone experience. Labs can be experienced in any order.
December 28–30, 2026 | 4–8 PM
Ages 13–17
Give your imagination another dimension.
In this specialized 3-day course, students will explore sculpture, model-making, lighting and set design, transforming creative concepts into tangible objects, structures, and miniature environments in 1:24 scale.
Led by professional artist and Sparkerland founder Sam Parker “Sparker”, this creative lab introduces a variety of materials, construction techniques, and technologies, including 3D printing, 3D pens, soldering, and working with papier mache. Participants will experiment with scale, texture, spatial relationships, and the possibilities of building beyond the page.
DAILY SCHEDULE
4–7 PM | Creative Lab
Guided instruction, material exploration, hands-on construction, and creative problem-solving.
7–8 PM | Open Exploration
A relaxed hour for cleanup, conversation, and enjoying Sparkerland’s lounge and video games. This is recreational time rather than structured instruction.
At Sparkerland, we consider play a form of creative research. Exploring games and interactive interfaces helps us understand how physical environments influence the way we navigate and experience imaginary places.
Each session is a standalone experience. Labs can be experienced in any order.
January 18–20, 2027 | 4–8 PM
Ages 13–17
What happens when imagination starts moving?
In this specialized 3-day course, participants will explore the intersection of art, technology, and interactive environments, discovering how movement, perspective, and physical space can transform the way we experience imaginary worlds.
Led by professional artist and Sparkerland founder Sam Parker “Sparker”, this creative lab introduces remote-controlled vehicles equipped with first-person-view (FPV) cameras, allowing participants to navigate immersive environments from entirely new perspectives. Through experimentation with movement, scale, and real-time video, participants will explore the possibilities of bringing physical creations to life.
DAILY SCHEDULE
4–7 PM | Creative Lab
Guided instruction, hands-on experimentation with FPV technology, environmental exploration, and interactive creative challenges.
7–8 PM | Open Exploration
A relaxed hour for cleanup, conversation, and enjoying Sparkerland’s lounge and video games. This is recreational time rather than structured instruction.
At Sparkerland, we consider play a form of creative research. Exploring games and interactive interfaces helps us understand how movement, perspective, and technology shape our experiences.
Each session is a standalone experience. Labs can be experienced in any order.
612 ½ E Hawley Street Mundelein IL, 60060