Downtown Tucsonan - January 2008 - (Page 8)

Vital Signs T h e D r aw i n g S t u d i o — A L i t t l e S t u d i o t h at C o u l d ! by Jim Lipson n the not-for-profit arts world, where organizations, regardless of merit, are forced to beg, borrow and proactively grovel for every preciously budgeted nickel and dime, it’s refreshing to see how the drawing studio (tds) is proving to be a major exception to this rule. what began as a handful of classes in the early 1990s, with just a few dozen students, has mushroomed into an endeavor that will soon occupy 10,000 square feet of primo downtown real estate while serving between 300-400 students per calendar quarter. More than a series of classes or workshops however, tds, according to founder and creative director andrew Rush, is evolving into something far greater than that. “what we offer,” he says in the inaugural tds newsletter, “is something maybe more valuable (than a class), that is, a studio-learning environment that allows the authentic teaching artist to emerge.” to support this grand vision, tds is putting the finishing touches on a six-month, $250,000 renovation of the Johnny Gibson Gym Equipment facility at 33 s. sixth ave. according to tds Executive director Lynn Fleischman, 80 percent of this money is coming from tuition fees (50 percent) and individual donors (30 percent). “our donors have come through like crazy to support this renovation,” she said while giving a tour through the expansive new facilities. she’s also quick to point out how tds benefits from a tremendous wave of support from over 100 volunteers contributing 10,000 hours per year. Paul Mohr who teaches classes in portraiture and figure drawing, is but one example. as the construction foreman he is donating a significant amount of work hours to the project. “He practically sleeps at the place,” marvels Fleischman. she also credits the “terrific relationship” tds has with Gibson family and their involvement in the project. “they are paying for things they would need to do to keep the building up to code and we’re paying for things we need to do because of who we are.” when all is said and done, in addition to significant gallery and studio space, there will also be a resource library for students and teachers alike, a dedicated clay studio with a kiln, and a graphic arts studio that will focus on etching, wood cuts, engraving and mono-print. tds moved out of its Fourth avenue digs in august, and with the help of many like-minded and like-hearted organizations, has been farming out classes to a variety of facilities in and around downtown. Places like the tucson Museum of art, shane House, stone avenue Gallery, sculpture Resource Gallery and the Mece dora Estates neighborhood Group have all been instrumental in helping to keep tds afloat by providing moral as well as logistical support to its various classes and programs. all that will come to an end this month, however, as the drawing studio expects to be fully up and running for its official coming out party and studio warming on thursday, January 10 from 6-9 pm. the gala opening will feature an exhibition and auction of art works donated by tds faculty. tickets to this event, which will also celebrate tds’s 15 years in tucson, and will include a cocktail reception, tapas from casa Vicente and live music, are $60 with all proceeds to benefit tds. For more information call 620.0947. For a full listing of classes, courses, workshops and gallery showings and activities, visit The Drawing Studio on-line at www.TheDrawingStudio.org. I 8 downtown tucsonan.january.08 http://www.tucsonstyle.com http://www.TheDrawingStudio.org http://www.downtowntucson.com

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Downtown Tucsonan - January 2008

Downtown Tucsonan - January 2008 Contents From the Editor Downtown Lowdown Vital Signs Downtown Restaurants & Cafes Downtown Live Arts Galleries Performance Film Events Museums Historic Downtown Billboard Classifieds

Downtown Tucsonan - January 2008

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