BIRMINGHAM, MI, April 9, 2009 -- Access to creating art is not democratic. Many do not have access and the reasons are varied. From mental and physical challenges to lack of exposure or scheduling conflicts, a lack of financial resources or a variety of special needs. And yet research is building to support what the BBAC has known for years: art heals and transforms individuals. Thus Studio 1 at the BBAC was launched in September 2008.
Studio 1 is a new program aimed at bringing the transformative power of art to those who may have had limited access to it. Thanks to funding from the Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan and three other foundations, the idea has become a reality.
"Outreach" sessions in Studio 1 include two hours of instruction and workshops, led by Molly Murphy Landis and other members of the BBAC's faculty. Because of generous foundation support, fees are currently nominal with guaranteed fee waivers to organizations without the ability to pay. Current partners include: JARC, Clawson Senior Center, and Orchards Children's Services. (For a complete list of participating organizations, see below.)
Another part of Studio 1 that provides access to quality art experiences for families and individuals, are Studio 1 Drop-In Workshops are offered weekly as part of the BBAC's Sundays @ the Center. Designed for all ages, the 1-4 PM Sunday sessions are $5 per person to cover the cost of materials. Subject matter explores visual arts of different cultures, U.S. traditions, and current topics of interest. Reservations are not required; participants can expect to complete an art project in about 45 minutes.
The Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan has awarded the BBAC a two-year grant of $65,000 to seed the Studio 1 initiative.
In addition to the Community Foundation, funders of Studio 1 are TriMas Corporation Foundation, Bank of America, and the De Roy Testamentary Foundation.
The Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan is a permanent community endowment built by gifts from thousands of individuals and organizations committed to the future of Southeast Michigan. The Foundation works to improve the region's quality of life by connecting those that care with causes that matter. The Foundation supports a wide variety of activities benefiting education, arts and culture, health, human services, community development and civic affairs.
Since its inception, has distributed more than $324 million through more than 30,000 grants to nonprofit organizations throughout Wayne, Oakland, Macomb, Monroe, Washtenaw, St Clair and Livingston Counties. For more information, please visit
www.CFSEM.org.
The BBAC is located at 1516 S. Cranbrook Rd. (Evergreen and 14 Mile), Birmingham, MI 48009 between 14 and 15 Mile Roads. More information is available by calling (248) 644-0866 x 128 or 129.
The Birmingham Bloomfield Art Center is a regional non-profit art center committed to promoting the visual arts with classes for all ages and abilities. Each year they offer 500 classes for 4,000 students including year round classes and art camps, as well as a dynamic, growing outreach program. The BBAC campus features nine classroom studios, four galleries with free exhibits open to the public, art camps, special events, and a retail gallery shop.
Organizations currently partnering with the BBAC on the Studio 1 initiative:
· Botsford Commons
· Choice Independence
· Clawson Senior Center
· Comprehensive Services for the Developmentally Disabled (CSDD)
· Covenant House
· Friendship Club
· Haven
· JARC
· Jewish Apartments & Services
· Judson Autism Services
· Judson Center for Residential Youth
· Orchards Children's Services
· Sanctuary
· Village of Oakland Woods
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