Open Studios
We're opening our doors from 10AM-5PM for you to come by and let your creativity run wild. Our pegboards will be stocked with a curated selection of art materials, recycled finds, and artist tools. Our walls will be filled with art by cARTie student-artists for inspiration. Our tables will be set up for all sorts of organized and messy making. And our educators will be ready to greet you!
Upon your arrival, our educators will help you get warmed up (if you'd like) with a little fear-free drawing exercise and invitation to add to our community-generated playlist. You can dive right into a material exploration we've cued up, spend more time looking closely at the student art on view, or go over to the pegboards to create your own adventure. Our educators will work with you to whatever degree you wish throughout.
*Families — this is a space for you. We are excited to see you have fun exploring new media and practicing collaboration.
*Artists — you are very welcome to bring whatever you are working on into the studio space (within reason). If you have special material requests, we kindly ask that you let us know as early as possible. While we can't promise miracles, we will do our best to source something.
Please note: This is a drop-in/drop-by style program. You are welcome to come create anytime between 10AM-5PM. We kindly ask that you respect the morning hours (10AM-12PM) as those reserved for folks with sensory sensitivities.
About Open Studios
Open Studios is open to all community members — of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds. Whether you are a practicing artist or curious soul, Open Studios has something for you. From the moment you step into our curated space, you'll be reminded of the beautiful possibilities that different art materials offer us. We'll help you let go of fears around art and have fun exploring different media and materials. You may not walk away with the "perfect" picture (or you may!), but we promise you'll walk away feeling inspired by the possibilities of art-making.
Organized by cARTie, Connecticut's nonprofit art museum bus for children and youth, open studios reflects a core organizational value around material play and exploration for deep meaning-making.
What to expect
A spirit of open-ended, material exploration
An opening fear-free drawing exercise to get you warmed up
Community-generated playlist of background music
Student art on view for inspiration
Dedicated time to get creative with a range of art media and materials
Pretzels and waters for fuel
How to prepare
Wear clothing you wouldn't mind getting a little messy
Come with an idea of what you want to make (or not!)
About cARTie @ Lotta Studio
Once a month, cARTie takes over the first-floor gallery at Lotta Studio and installs an exhibition of student-artist(s)' work for community engagement. While the exhibition is up, cARTie develops programming for families, children, youth, adolescents, educators, donors, sponsors, artists, and more. If you have an idea for a program you'd like cARTie to organize, reach out.