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Visual Art Art and the artistic process represent a vital part of intelligence. Art is a universal aspect of humanity even where no language exists to define it. Though the basic elements of line, space, shape, color, texture, value, and form continue to be organized by the principles of contrast, emphasis, balance, unity, pattern, rhythm, and movement, these can be used in ever changing variety. Studio Connections is dedicated to providing an excellent varied visual art education, based on individual student need and interest. The elements and principles of art are tools to give full voice to the artist's unique vision. Artists who have created before us provide insight and inspiration for the learning process. Students of all ages have their own story. The Studio provides a place for artists to create and learn to make their intentions heard. |
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Drama One of my most privileged moments is the recurring opportunity I get to observe small children at play. As a smitten father of an eight year-old girl, I'm a fortunate witness to the elemental force of creativity. I've grown certain that children's ability to "slip into" that inspired state of believability is the most dynamic model of heightened focus and meaningful learning available. Play is essential to creativity. And creativity is indispensable to living a richer and fuller life. When it comes to "acting" in front of other people, it isn't uncommon for many adults to require permission to risk the proverbial comfort zone. While it's easy to agree, it's harder to admit that the very effort to suppress risk-taking reveals a rather sophisticated acting strategy. As children, we act blissfully in genuine play. As we mature, we tend to act wisely in order to preserve and survive. This beautiful paradox we call acting is the emphasis of my work as a teacher. The study of drama and theatre is a useful tool for delineating the range of expectations that govern our behaviors both on and off the stage. In this community of creative participants, we address the collective issue of what makes people tick. Here we have each other's consent to investigate our behaviors (with comparatively minimal fear of judgment by others). More important, while certainly fun and engaging, the acting process empowers us to evaluate our subtext, thereby allowing us to be honest with ourselves and to empathize more fully with those who share the world with us. |
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Our Philosophy |
