VSA arts of Wisconsin Open Doors Studio


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Contact VSA:
• 608-241-2131
• Email VSA
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• For information about Open Doors Studio, email the Program Director.

Open Doors Studio

Winter-Spring 2008 Open Doors Studio
Open Doors Clay - Mondays Feb. 11 - May 5 (no class Monday March 24); 4-5:30 p.m.
Instructor: Mikel Kelley
Finished pieces produced in the ceramics session of Open Doors Studio will be on display at the Wisconsin Arts Board (lobby, first floor), 101 E. Wilson St., Madison May 5-June 27, 2008.
Open Doors 2-D - Thursdays Feb. 14 - May 8 (no class Thursday March 27); 4-5:30 p.m.
Instructor: Lou Ann Erickson-Petersen
Finished pieces produced in the 2-D session of Open Doors Studio will be on display at Electric Earth Cafe, 546 W. Washington Ave., Madison, June5-30, 2008.

Download PDF of 2008 Open Doors Studio brochure

Open Doors Studio Open Doors Studio was piloted at the VSA Art Center in 2006-2007 . The initiative provides 12-15 emerging adult artists with disabilities the opportunity to meet for 90 minutes weekly to build artistic skills and creativity through independent study. The program was designed to provide self-determined exploration in painting, drawing and mixed two-dimensional media, expanding the artistic skills and creative growth of a population of Madison residents whose professional art development choices are limited.

Based on the success of the pilot program, Open Doors Mikel Kelley guides Dan at the wheel Studio (painting and drawing) is being conducted again during the 2007/2008 program year. And, after reviewing the results of a recent survey of VSA Art Center participants, identifying a strong interest for advanced ceramics programming, Open Doors Studio has expanded to accommodate this need. The additional 90-minute weekly sessions will provide facilitated opportunities for expanded artistic development in ceramics covering hand-building, wheel-throwing and other advanced techniques. At the completion of the program, the two-dimensional and ceramic artwork created will be exhibited, as last year's completed work was exhibited and made available for sale at Overture Center for the Arts in Madison during summer 2007 - an exciting and valuable professional opportunity for all the artists involved in the program!

Open Doors Studio is open to all ability levels. VSA instructors and staff will work with participants to develop individual skills and abilities in visual art.

The program goals of Open Doors Studio are to:
• Create a sense of community among artists with Open Doors Studio artist disabilities living and working in Dane County
• Increase professional development opportunities for artists with disabilities by 1) providing access to new artistic techniques and processes; 2) developing collaborative practices; 3) garnering local recognition and visibility for shows and exhibitions; and 4) providing a peer artist network.
• Heighten the awareness of the artistic accomplishments of artists with disabilities living in Dane County.

Open Doors is the perfect opportunity for case managers and support staff who are searching for solutions to meet the needs of clients with disabilities who have an interest and passion for the visual arts. All studio sessions are 1½ hours; The program takes place at the VSA Art Center on Madison's east side.

Forming a clay pot at the wheel Ceramics! Open Doors Studio sessions are offered for artists to work on ceramics projects (Mondays); sessions for two-dimensional artwork will meet on Thursdays; class times are 4-5:30 p.m.

Open Doors Studio Ceramics Exhibit will be in the Wisconsin Arts Board Lobby, first floor, 101 E. Wilson St., Madison, May 5 - June 17
Public reception Friday May 9, 3:30-4:30 p.m.

If you have any questions and/or need to determine if Open Doors is an appropriate match for yourself and/or your client, please call 608-241-2131 or email Julie.

This project is funded in part by a grant from the Madison Arts Commission, with additional funds from the Wisconsin Arts Board. Additional funding has been provided by the Clack Corporation; Pleasant T. Rowland Foundation; Sub-Zero Foundation; the national office of VSA arts, under an award from the U.S. Dept. of Education; and WPS Health Insurance.

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