In the Fall of 2024, Texas Inventionworks hosted a laser cutting competition for students to show off their creativity and engineering skills. Using TIW laser cutters, teams worked together to fulfill this semester’s theme: Creating an art piece for Texas Inventionworks that incorporates the Calihorn.
The winners were decided by fan vote. Here are the results:
In 1st place, we had “A Very TIW Christmas Snow Globe” by Team 2! This team took home the gold by demonstrating unique laser techniques and a detailed design. Their design incorporated a beautiful display of TIW’s Calihorn as Santa and his famous reindeer. It also included fun details such as a small railroad that ran under the entire display, tying the masterpiece together. It even lit up!
Coming in 2nd place was “Cali’s Pinball Machine” by Team 4! This project showed immense detail all the way to its horns! Through Team 4’s impressive use of hinges, cadding and art skills, they were able to create a working Calihorn-themed pinball machine!
Last but certainly not least, “Kick OU out!” Team 5 took home 3rd place with some amazing school spirit. By utilizing different techniques, Team 5 created an automata (a moving sculpture) of our Calihorn to kick OU out with a swift spin kick!
With such innovative designs in this semester’s competition, we cannot wait to see what's in store for the future! Students looking to compete in the lasers competition or any other TIW-hosted events should check out the Texas Inventionworks Instagram (@texasinventionworks) for important announcements and information.
