Studio 84 is pleased to announce a community free art-making day that will begin on Saturday, August 11 from 10-4 and will happen every Second Saturday of the month. Director of Studio 84, Deborah Blackwell, states: “It’s been in our long-term vision since we opened ten years ago to provide free art making for the community. We are very happy to be able to bring this opportunity to the community and are very grateful for the Whitewater Community Foundation for making this possible with a grant for $2,000.”
Studio 84 is a non-profit art studio, gallery and store located at 121 W. Center St. in downtown Whitewater. Blackwell says, “Our main programming has a special focus on the creative development of people with disabilities. Our regular weekday programming is also open to all ages and abilities but you must register and there is a fee. The weekday programming provides individual guidance and instruction and many of our artists with disabilities end up heading into our vocational training program to sell their work.” Blackwell adds, “But Second Saturdays provides a nice time to just drop in as a family, as an adult or children over the age of 12 to make art on their own without having to preregister or pay.” Staff and volunteers will be on hand to assist with materials as needed but no instruction is provided. Program director, Ben Kelly, says, “Each month there will be a new art project with self-guided instructions for those who need an idea, but otherwise, people are allowed to create as they desire.” There will be paints, drawing materials, mixed media and clay available.
Kelly notes that there will be a signup sheet so we can gather a count of people and time spent so we can accurately report on the success of the programming per requirements of the grant. Kelly states, “We will also collect emails so we can keep people informed of the special project of the month or if we need to close due to bad weather.”
An adult must accompany people under the age of twelve, while those over the age of twelve can come and go during the day. “Anyone with special needs may be required to have a guardian or caregiver present depending on their needs. This will be looked at on an individual basis”, Kelly states.
“We have one basic rule to follow, Blackwell said, “and that is ‘be kind to others or you will be asked to leave’.”
You can learn more about Studio 84 at www.studio84inc.org or at www.facebook.com/studio84inc
