No matter what the age, population, or life issue of participants, all of our classes and workshops use what we call the "Open Studio Process" as our method.

The Open Studio Process
Our strategy is to introduce people to an artistic process that can serve both as an outlet for feelings (positive and negative) and as a means for self-expression. Once a week, the participants are given the chance to express themselves in an atmosphere free from criticism or comment, thus allowing each person to use the materials to develop his or her own creative abilities.

Intention
Every activity begins with each person formulating and writing what we call an "Intention" for the session. This writing process grounds and focuses the art-making session that will follow. It helps the participants to put honest thought into what they will be doing and to cultivate a sense of ownership and responsibility for action. Intentions can be anything from "I relax" or "I have fun" to "I gain clarity about the confrontation I had at work."

Artmaking
Simple artmaking techniques are then introduced. We work with drawing, painting, collage, and basic sculpture. Supplies are all included and are very user friendly. We use oil pastels, tempera paints, tin foil and masking tape, and found objects, as well as many other assorted materials.

When one enters our studio, he/she will find easily accessible media in an inviting array: colors arranged in spectral order, a variety of brushes, and paper ready and waiting for them. Our storefront studio setting has walls covered with brushstrokes. It is a space where its okay to get paint on the walls and floor. It is a safe, open place to be creative.

Witness Writing
After artmaking each participant finally writes about the work he/she has created, in a process we call "Witness Writing." Participants use their artwork as a springboard to get started. They can describe their image, dialogue with it, or write a story or poem.

Whatever words come are welcomed: participants write quickly, spontaneously, without censoring. At the end of each session the group comes together to share. Each participant chooses whether to read all, part, or none of what he/she wrote. Neither the participants nor the facilitators who work alongside them ever comment upon or critique any of the work. Everyone has the opportunity to gain greater appreciation and empathy for the other members of the group by witnessing their images and words, as well as by witnessing the risks each takes to share in revealing their personal truths.

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