OVERVIEW
Over the past nine years, studioELL has grown into a nurturing environment where artists come together to create a space of critical thinking, revolutionary love and support through rigorous studio practice and research. We are guided by common decency, respect and mutual aid. Intellectual and artistic rigor can be rooted in spaces where sharing and listening are imminently integral as values centered in vulnerability, restorative justice and connection, one human being to another.
As a hybrid physical and digital platform our educational model takes many different shapes. Though New England is our central hub of activity, our core tenant of accessibility will keep us at the cutting edge of online learning platforms and hybrid programs, connecting studioELL to the local communities where our artists and professors reside.
Beyond redefining education more broadly, studioELL strives to shape and reconceive education. As we work with our community, anticipating and responding to the needs of artists and creatives, we will build a stronger and more sustainable infrastructure by experiencing firsthand what communities need. The digital experience can provide a strong foundation in the development of personal activation, support systems and community networks of consequence.
WE REACH ARTISTS IN THREE DIFFERENT WAYS
PHYSICAL COMMUNITY: physical courses where we provide in-person learning in Eastern and Central Connecticut and beyond.
DIGITAL COMMUNITY: Zoom and our Online Studio, where remote courses commence.
PARTNERSHIPS: programming done in collaboration with partnering organizations and groups — both in-person and online.
studioELL artist from Nashville, TN, Summer 2020
F402i Developing Practice: Independent Study
HOW ARE COURSES RUN?
Most of studioELL’s courses are offered online in asynchronous environments to allow for busy schedules and other commitments. These courses all utilize studioELL’s Online Studio as a communal space to obtain weekly briefs, lectures, demos and share discussions as a group. Online synchronous components often accompany courses at the discretion of each professor. These hybrid models also provide flexibility for enrolled artists’ busy schedules. Professors and enrolled artists alike contribute to and amplify studioELL’s network, providing a myriad of perspectives on studio practice and community engagement.
studioELL’s Online Studio features all course material including a course guide which outlines the entire course schedule, materials needed and course expectations. Each new course session within the Online Studio provides briefs, resources and materials; lectures, presentations, visiting artists and video instruction may also accompany course sessions as needed. The Online Studio provides a unique space for all course participants to come together, share their work and provide feedback. Group or individual feedback is also provided by the professor for each session. Individual sessions with your professor are often built into course schedules and can also be scheduled during your professor’s office hours.
studioELL’s Gallery and Residency programs help enhance the multilateral learning experiences of enrolled artists.
studioELL artist from London, GB, Spring 2020
F302i Workshop in Collage
WHAT DO I NEED?
Enrolled artists will need their own workspace for online courses. How studio space is defined is entirely up to the artist. Anything from a kitchen table, a designated corner in a room, to a fully functioning dedicated studio can work. Carving out space and time are the most important factors to any studio and practice. Keep this in mind.
Access to a decent digital camera or mobile device and access to the internet are essential. Course materials will vary, but you can typically use what you already have at home or in the studio. All necessary materials will be outlined in your course guide which will be made available before the start of your course. You can always reach out to us with specific questions before you decide to enroll.
In addition to any synchronous class sessions, artists are typically asked to spend a minimum of five hours per week, per course, to obtain their individual studio goals. This includes engaging with the course session which might involve viewing a lecture or an exhibit posted by the professor, researching materials for your own project, creating your work, documenting the process and finished product of the week to add to the Online Studio. This time also includes roughly 30 minutes to an hour of time engaging with fellow artists in the Online Studio, reviewing and providing feedback to your classmates work. Artists are responsible for completing weekly prompts as outlined by each course.
Artists will be responsible for completing weekly prompts as outlined in each course session.