Studio 173 Art

1. Studio 173 Art Educating the youth in the arts in order to assist students in their pursuit of self-awareness and a brighter future.

2. Welcome to my corner of the art world! My objective is to educate the youth with my teaching experience and comprehensive knowledge of all forms and traditions of art in order to assist students in their pursuit of self-awareness and a brighter future. I seek to teach with a focus on incorporating many techniques into my lessons with a wide variety of mediums and cultures combines. Studio 173  allows you to open the mind and create, have fun, and express all in the same class! In the art classes, children learn to draw and paint by interpreting the paintings of modern masters and contemporary painters using only professional quality non-toxic acrylics and a variety of papers and canvases. During each lesson, I teach a brief history behind each painter and painting the children study.

3. Sit Down and Stay Awhile… Welcome to my art classes or what I like to call my little corner of the art world. Here you will find a positive environment in which you can nurture your ever growing artistic side. As artists we are compelled to create and being a part of a class will ensure that you will learn something new and exciting each time you visit. Being an artist for years has given me the opportunity to study from many different artists and gain new knowledge almost every single day. Having an open mind will unleash the thoughts inside your head and help in the transition from the images you see to what you create. Believe it or not I learn most from my students. Yes, you teach me each time you come! I am excited to teach you, get to know you, and to welcome you into my home. I know it may seem a little different than what you are used to, but you are most welcome here and I hope you learn to feel comfortable and create lots of dynamic pieces in your time as my student. I do have some things I want to speak of before we begin.

4. I am here for You! First and foremost as you already know I am very excited about teaching you! You are very important to me and I hope you know that I am always here, even if you are not taking lessons, or on one of your ‘off’ days you need assistance, don’t hesitate to contact me. If there are any questions you may have and want to talk, just ask your parent(s) and we can chat about it!  Art is very deep and large, so we all have a few questions from time to time! I want to say that I will make every effort to teach you to the best of my abilities. I have studied art for almost 20 years and there are still areas that I don’t know. I am resourceful and utilize almost every waking moment of my life studying art and learning all I can. It is a calling, a need, and an obsession. All artists feel this need, so you may or may not know this already. All children are artists. The problem is how to remain an artist once he grows up. -Pablo Picasso

5. Art as a Part of our Society… I recognize the importance of art as a part of our society. I am continuing to work towards pushing art into my local communities by teaching downtown as well as at local elementary schools, here in my studio and volunteering more and more of my time. If you would like to get involved, please contact me! In learning how art can be fundamental and therapeutic in the lives of children this certainly is not enough exposure. I encourage you to read an article on my blog called: TEACHING CHILDREN;THE WORLD TODAY DOESNT MAKE SENSE, SO WHY SHOULD I PAINT PICTURES THAT DO? – PABLO PICASSO

6. About Me… My name is Laura Camby and I am an artist who enjoys many types of art including painting with acrylics, soft and oil pastels, watercolor as well as creating digitally. I am especially drawn to the art that is children based because of the bright, vivid color palettes and chunky typography and of course the whimsical nature of the forms. I have been to school for web technology earning my A.A.S degree and going on to The Art Institute of Pittsburgh to study Graphic Art and working to earn my B.S degree. In doing so I feel many doors have opened with many art forms in learning and studying art, painting, photography, graphic design and all in doing so gaining a powerful understanding of the importance of art in the world we live, especially for children. Ask your children how many days a week they are exposed to art in their school system. I did this and found out that my daughter goes to her art class once a week for 50 minutes. I recognize the importance of art as a part of our society. I am continuing to work towards pushing art into my local communities by teaching downtown as well as at local elementary schools, here in my studio and volunteering more and more of my time.

7. Some of the Materials We Use… • Paint brushes • Palette knives (completely plastic and safe!) • Paper or canvas depending on the theme • Non-toxic  mediums • Paint wells • Clay • Block Printing Supplies

8. Ok, what is expected of me and of you: • I will be prepared for every lesson we have and if something comes up, I will try my best to allow for a notice. I hope you can return the favor. If some kind of emergency arises and I do have to cancel, which is something I have never had to do (so far, fingers crossed!), I will try to work with you to reschedule in the same week. If another day isn’t available or you cannot come, I will refund your money! Below I am attaching my contact information so you may post on your fridge or enter into your cell. I also keep note cards with your information too. • I do supply materials that include: Paint brushes, canvas, paper, and poster board, and paints. If a class consists of other materials, you are responsible for purchasing and bringing these to class. • Although it may seem at times that I am not allowing for a lot of your ideas and individual creativity, I have been doing this a long time and I recognize the desire and excitement to bring ideas to the table. A lot of the time I have planned lessons that will need to be followed in order for me to see where you are at on your artistic path. We grow and create differently and as time passes you will see more and more of your work coming through our shared lessons. Learning to go back to the basics, following certain techniques continually will help you learn to organize your thoughts, simplify your workspace and declutter your busy brain! Going to art school for me was extremely rewarding and frustrating. Rewarding in that is was my discipline and introduced me to things I would have turned away from. Frustrating because I wanted to do things my way with only my ideas. Learning from professors and other artists taught me that I have a lifetime of room to grow and become a talented and professional artist. Don’t be afraid to give in and simply learn. It will follow you throughout your entire life and make you an outstanding artist!

9. Know that although we work hard in each class, artwork may not be sent home each after every lesson. In the 2 hours that we spend together there may be discussions on specific techniques, artists, and other pertinent information. I do post progress via my blog and my Facebook page. The links are included below. Although I do not post each class since there is a lot of time involved in this process, the majority of progress is recorded and you can subscribe to my updates to have current news on what is going on throughout our classes as well as take advantage of coupons, artistic tips, news, supply lists and articles on which may help in the artwork that you create at home. You may also post your thoughts and artwork as well. Let me know if you would like access to contribute. • In November I ran a special that will include allclasses in December and January for $30. If you buy art supplies on a regular basis you may already know that I do not make very much at my job and that is OK. I love what I do and strive to get the best deals on art supplies in order to keep costs down and teach at lower costs. In the initial email I sent out to you I listed the following: “Depending on what parents prefer I charge a rate for group or individual sessions. The group session usually runs two hours and the art is usually completed in this time frame for a price of 30 dollars. Individual lessons which cover more art techniques since I can work one-on-one for the same time frame is 40 dollars.” This will come back into effect starting February 1st. Class times have been extended to 2 hours to better accommodate all involved. • My final rule is the most important. I want you to know that if you are ever unhappy with any aspect of my classes that you will come to me and talk about it. We can work on improving and tailoring to best fit your needs. I am open minded and absolutely love my job. I can honestly say that I have never felt this way about any other job. If I could I would surround myself with students and influences and spend every day creating and learning. Since I love what I do, I want to make sure you enjoy it as well. Always know I am here to be a positive teacher in your life!

10. Ways to Help Others… Parents as most of you know I spend time doing volunteer work in our community. This opportunity has given me more happiness than I can ever express. I love working with children and also adults, and am always looking for ways I can give back. This time of year always makes me even more eager to contribute. I have talked to some of you about students that I take on and teach from time to time. I know this may sound unfair, but there are many reasons why I choose the student. Growing up with very limited art supplies and access to any art related materials hampered my growth. There are certain children that possess a very strong desire to create, but may have circumstances standing in their way. If there are obstacles that prevent parents from allowing their child to enter my classes I sit down and work out a plan to expose the student the best we can whether it be with a free monthly art lesson or art supplies at home where they can create and at least have the materials for school or personal projects. Not all children are hindered financially, some may have other issues that prevent them from lessons, but each child I help always has a need. If you know of any student and parent that need help in this area and would like help from me, please let me know at 336.429.8796 or Studio173art@aol.com. Also, if you would like to donate supplies that will be for homebound children (not used here in the studio) give me a call. Generally I get together an ‘artists box’ with paints, usually Crayola (since this will be away from the studio and may be a chore to keep on safe surfaces), brushes, canvas or paper, paint palettes or wells, graphite pencils and kneadable erasers, and easels. Thanks so much!

11. Thank you! Thank you for allowing me this great opportunity. I cannot express the sheer happiness it brings me to be allowed this wonderful experience. Being a very ‘picky’ parent of 3, rest assured that I will look after your child with their best interest in mind. Creativity takes courage. -Henri Matisse

12. Contact Me Laura Camby Studio173art@aol.com Facebook Page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Studio-173-Art/268849193136613 Website: www.Lauracamby.com Blog: http://studio173art.wordpress.com/ Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/Studio173Art

13. Ways to Schedule a Class Contact me today to schedule your class. The Request a Class page of my blog site will allow you to choose a session time that is open. I will contact you with more information after filling out the form on the same page right away! Here is the link to the form: Request a Class!