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Studio Alive
Written By: Donna Rhodes | Issue: April 2024
Studio Alive is a generous community of artists and encouragers. Discover for yourself, Mondays at The Bascom.
Let’s toast Expressionist artist Cathy Christy for launching Studio Alive 44 years ago.
If you’re unfamiliar with Studio Alive’s contribution to the Plateau’s visual arts, the group is a weekly figure drawing session for Life Work. It’s currently hosted by The Bascom (special thanks to Billy Love). Through the decades it’s morphed a bit, but its original commitment remains steadfast: Draw from Life. Draw from Your Soul.
Managed by Cindy Vickery and Penny Bradley, sessions meet Mondays (except holidays), 10:00 A.M. through 1:00 P.M. Studio Alive asks participants to arrive by 9:30 A.M. to set-up their spaces. All ages/skill levels interested in life work (live models) are welcome. Minors are invited to sessions when models are clothed. Monday morning sessions attract retirees, but students and artists of varying ages attend, often in the summer.
“In broadening a variety of expressions, we are home to professionally trained artists as well as novices which fill our workspace with a wide range of abilities,” says Cindy Vickery. “This collection of creators are extremely welcoming and supportive for those who may be hesitant to attend or who are just honing their skills. It is a No- judgment zone. Artists embrace newbies and enjoy watching them develop.”
Experienced artists are generous, often extending a critique if requested
Attendees can work in any medium. They bring their own materials and surfaces/grounds. Easels are provided. And so is a model, for whom artists must pay a modest charge ($10, clothed; $20, nude). There is no membership fee. Weekly e-mails circulate with info for upcoming sessions.
Cindy and Penny close with a welcoming invitation and these thoughts: “This is a very democratic group without a formal organizational chart. The health, happiness, and success of our membership depends on the interest and involvement of those attending. Joiners are committed to be present, be involved, and support the mission of the group. Studio Alive is fueled by the passion of those who appreciate the opportunity to create. Outstanding fellowship and friendship are at the core of the organization.”
The Bascom often features Studio Alive work in exhibitions. Cindy adds, “Since many of those featured have artistic interests apart from life work, we have exhibited work from the sessions as well as work outside of the sessions.”
Contact Cindy at [email protected] or Penny at [email protected] for more information regarding Studio Alive’s participation, modeling, or other queries.
