How STUDIO Works

Collaborative
The key to any STUDIO program is a mutual commitment between STUDIO and each program site to work together. All programs begin with collaborative planning in which artists are introduced to the site’s comprehensive educational plan, while teachers and administrators learn more about the role that art can play in their school’s learning environment. Time is scheduled for artists and teachers to discuss class interests and curriculum and to develop appropriate lessons. This collaborative planning time is the foundation for successful programming.

Professional Development
In order to establish sustainable arts programming, site staff must understand the creative process. STUDIO, therefore, conducts professional development programs that introduce teachers to art materials and techniques, encouraging them to become familiar and comfortable with bringing art into their classrooms. These range from one artist mentoring a small group of teachers over time to several artists conducting large full-day workshops that focus on such topics as linking art to literacy.

Working Directly With Children and Youth
Our artists design lessons and activities that are age-appropriate and that focus on the process of creating. Projects are often linked to classroom curriculum, giving students the opportunity to demonstrate what they are learning by using a different form of expression. STUDIO students are engaged in ongoing reflection and discussion, and learn to work both individually and in groups.

Parent/Caregiver
The participation of parents in their children’s education is one of the keys to success at school. In support of this, STUDIO offers customized workshops intended to involve parents in their children’s school-day experience and to help them continue this experience at home. Working with STUDIO artists, adults learn about the materials and techniques their children are discovering about the important role art making can play in their children’s development, and about how they can share this experience with the young people in their lives.

Assessment
STUDIO looks carefully at its programs and at the experiences of all participants, adapting programs as necessary. Using outside experts as well as staff, STUDIO implements many forms of assessment to ensure that its goals are being met. Most importantly, it listens to what children say about their experiences and examines what they demonstrate they are learning.

Exhibition
Sharing one’s ideas and creations with others is an important part of the creative process. At STUDIO, this sharing takes many forms, from one-on-one discussion, to group reflection, to displays of art in classrooms, studios, and hallways. In addition, every STUDIO program culminates in a special on-site exhibition, and many sites participate in STUDIO's collaborations with cultural institutions that result in exhibitions in public venues. Artwork is also frequently displayed in exhibitions at STUDIO’s two gallery spaces. In many cases, children, parents/caregivers, and site staff are invited to special opening receptions that celebrate the children’s creative endeavors and give them an opportunity to share their pride with significant people in their lives.