A look at last June’s director’s notes gives me clues as to what has happened and what is still to come.
As others were enjoying the recess that is summer we have had an epic adventure of the continued transformation of The Studio into an amiable and more workable facility. Through a great volunteer effort by individuals and a small team from the newly formed Key Club from Beaumont United High School, a tremendous amount of equipment and a larger amount of ancient broken dreams were stored or tossed to offer space where there was none. In the heat of summer our new back lot was leveled and graded, and holes that swallowed up cars were leveled.
New murals appeared on the west and north walls of the barn and the west walls of the clay studio as part of the Downtown Mural Project, and we received grants to replace our upstairs windows thanks to the Foundation for Southeast Texas and, ironically, Hurricane Harvey. With any luck we could see new windows in the office and lobby area based on our finances and funding resources.
Within the next weeks before the exhibition on Sept. 1, our roll-up door will be rebuilt and shifted, and a new glass door entrance will be installed to provide access to our ADA compliant wheelchair lift thanks to the EDAREN Foundation and their generous gift and architect Rob Clark for his valuable ideas and recommendations.
As you approach The Studio in the evening a final treat will be realized as we had lights installed through a program from Entergy to light up The Studio parking area and field by the barn.
All of this is to demonstrate our commitment to the future of this organization and to the safety and renewal of our facility for the long haul.
Summer ArtSkool was a big hit with the kids this year. With maximum capacity both weeks and a powerful response by the instructors, the program, directed by Studio education boss Gina Marí Landry and assistant director Marilyn Tennissen, among, was a success like we have never been able to accomplish before. This reflects the will of The Studio staff and volunteers this summer as a collective of people pulled together to accomplish great things.
We look forward to the programs we have in store for young people throughout this year as “Studio Arts Basics: Essential Knowledge” starts Oct. 20 with introductory instruction in drawing, painting, illustration and ceramics. Sign up begins now. Four classes for $80. Ages 8 to 17. SAB will instruct young people on the essentials of the discipline of fine art. See more on the website and Facebook.
Membership will be taking on a new face as we revamp our process to make donations easier and more rewarding. We are offering delightful gifts for your particular donation level and providing easier ways to make donations to The Art studio, Inc. the only independent visual arts organization in Southeast Texas. Headed up by Jessica Davis, board member and administrative assistant, you will see more timely membership renewal notices and, everyone’s favorite, Studio Surveys! Don’t groan! We need this information for demographic analysis and information that will allow us to better serve our constituents and offer pertinent info to grantors as to the diversity, strengths and weaknesses of our audience, our tenants and our governing board.
Our survey is in two parts: part one requests your name and other essential info anyone is willing to divulge, and a way to convey your wants and desires to us. The second part is more sensitive info and, therefore, is anonymous. This info has to do with ethnicity, sexual preference and gender issues among other questions that are commonly asked by grantors in applications. I hope you will take the time to look over this survey. It is online, short and easy to fill out.
We are reviving an old friend — The Studio logo from the 1990s originally created by Tina Novelli, graphic artist and all around great person. She said to me, as best as I recall, “This is the design you need for your organization.” Standing the test of time proves that she is right and I am so glad to rebrand us with such a timeless symbol of The Art Studio, Inc. Expect to see it emblazoned on our merchandise available soon at The Studio.
Special thanks to some of our special sponsors who make our world turn behind the scenes.
• To life long members of the Studio Beth Gallaspy and Pete Churton, for generously funding our SESAC Music Venue Licensing Fees to support Band Nite.
• To Scott LaBurn, for his support of artists by contributing funds toward the award prizes for TASIMJAE.
• To Letittia Rogers, who lovingly provides support for the annual Tenant show in the name of my brother, Carlo Busceme III.
• To Signs International, for providing headers for openings, and seemingly anything on a banner or on a sign. We are ever grateful.
• To Texas Coffee Co,. for keeping artists awake and happy with donations of Seaport Coffee. It is the aroma of creativity.
• To Regina Rogers, for providing continued support to our annual Beaux Arts Ball
Show sponsorships, refreshment contributions and funds that help reduce expenses for programs help The Studio do more with less.
Scholarships for children to take lessons and support for monthly or weekly programs is a great way to aid our efforts. You will get recognized in ISSUE, and get a tax deduction, too.
Greg Busceme, TASI director