OVERVIEW
For the past 10 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?
Many of studioELL’s courses were originally offered in asynchronous environments to accommodate busy schedules and other commitments. Over time, we have expanded our approach to include a mix of learning modalities. As we transition away from using studioELL’s Online Studio, online courses will now be facilitated through a combination of email correspondence and Zoom meetings.
Course materials including guides, schedules and resources will be shared via email, ensuring that enrolled artists have access to necessary information at their convenience. Live Zoom sessions scheduled at the discretion of each professor will provide opportunities for real-time engagement, discussion and feedback. Individual meetings with professors remain an integral part of the learning experience and can be scheduled as needed.
While the format has evolved, studioELL continues to foster a dynamic, supportive learning environment where enrolled artists and faculty contribute to and amplify our network — offering diverse perspectives on studio practice and community engagement.
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 reliable internet are essential. Course materials will vary, but you can typically use what you already have at home or in your workspace. 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 expected to dedicate a minimum of five hours per week, per course, to meet their individual studio goals. This may include viewing a lecture or exhibit posted by the professor, researching materials for your own project, creating work, and documenting your process and finished pieces.
Artists will be responsible for completing weekly prompts as outlined in each course session.