On a sunny April 1st, within the gallery space of the Strand Center for the Arts; students teamed up in the gallery space to partake in the 5th annual 3D Print Sprint. Several groups of 2-4 students are faced with a challenge they must solve within 24 hours while locked in the Strand Center for the Arts. Within those 24 hours, teams must design, print, and test their product.

The first 3D Print Sprint was hosted at the Plattsburgh Transportation Museum in 2017. Justin Collins, one the founding fathers of the 3D Print Sprint, has a long history with robotics and 3D printing. “It’s just good competition and a good collaboration.” Is what Justin had to say about the Print Sprint. “There is no bad blood between teams.”

Collins currently is one part of the duo that is behind Bit Sized Builds. From their Facebook Page, Bit Sized Builds described themselves as, a crafting couple who use a combination of technological and traditional art tools to create. “My wife is more so the artist, I just help with the resources to create it.” Collins explains.

Justin Collins got his start in 3D printing and robotics his freshman of high school. He competed in competitions and filled in the spot as a tech guy. He continued to compete through high school and coach younger students who were competing. His idea for starting a competition in the North Country came to him when Collins traveled to Albany with his wife to participate in a 3D robotics competition in Albany. Collins explained that the competition in Albany didn’t receive funding for their second year. This is what pushed him to help with the effort in starting one in Plattsburgh.

Wither it is teaming up with his wife to make extraordinary pieces of art through 3D printing, or helping students find a love for it. Collins has brought a light to the connection between art and technology.