Rainbow liqueur glasses (by Avigayle Adler)

A New Home

Difficult situations often force us to solve problems in creative ways and can even bring about amazing results. Several weeks ago, a siren sounded in Jerusalem, warning us residents of the threat from a rocket that landed just outside of Jerusalem. I brought my Writers’ & Illustrators’ Workshop students downstairs to our Miklat (shelter) to show them and their parents that we had a safe space to be, should there be another siren. One of the children mentioned that if the siren went off again, we could bring our art supplies down and do our work in the shelter. What an excellent idea!

After consulting the Vaad bayit (Building Committee) of the building of the Open Studio’s current home (my living room), I made the decision to rent and renovate the Miklat downstairs to serve as the new home of the Open Studio. This would give us the opportunity to have a more professional and dedicated space. Students will have more room to work and there will be a private painting area for myself, storage, drying shelves and of course, our famous “Inspiration Station.”

While there is a lot to be done, the Miklat has been emptied & cleaned and has begun its transformation into the Open Studio. We hope to be fully moved in time for our Purim Workshop on Taanit Esther (see Upcoming Events). Thank you to those that have already pitched in by helping with scrubbing, painting or donations of lighting, carpets and other needed materials. If you or your child would like to lend a hand, please contact me ahead of time so we can set up a time.

Additionally, we are still in search of a few items. Please check out the Wish List below. If there is anything that you would like to donate or help me find at a discounted price, please email me at openstudiojlem@gmail.com

 Grownups…

     

 Introduction to Papercutting

Come learn everything you need to know to create beautiful papercuts from idea to finished piece. You’ll never have to buy a wedding gift again! Materials Included. Starting February 12. Space is limited.
Tuesdays 7-9pm
5 sessions: February 19, 26, March 5, 12 & 19
500 NIS (if registered by Feb. 12), 550 NIS after
 

Open Studio for Adults

Have a project in mind? Allow your imagination to run free in our Open Studio. Come blow off some creative steam or bring a friend/date for a special treat. Media available: glass painting, sand painting, mosaics, calligraphy, collage, advanced papercutting & more.
Fridays 10 am-12 pm, Tuesdays 7-9 pm (after March 19)
65 NIS/650 for class card (11 sessions)
Bring a Friend and you each save 20 NIS (first timers only)

Upcoming Events (for Kids)…

PuRiM wOrKsHoP (Taanit Esther) 

    
Bring your kid, or someone else’s! Join us in the afternoon after school gets out early for lots of fun Open Studio Style…make your own Crazy hats, Noisemakers, Paint a Friend’s Face, or Paint a Jar (to fill with goodies for Mishloach Manot). Bring your costumes for any last minute additions, or fixes…and any cookie tins or clean glass jars to paint.
Thursday February 21, 2013, 2-4 pm
Ages 4-14 (children under 7 must be accompanied by an adult)
60 NIS (Before February 18) / 75 NIS (At the door)

Pre-Pesach Kaytanah (Day Camp)

        

Pesach is coming and with that, two weeks of school vacation. Our second Annual Pre-Pesach Travelling Arts Camp is going to be tons of fun! We will visit the Botanical Gardens, Tayelet, and more as we sketch, paint & explore Jerusalem. Each afternoon we will return to the Open Studio where children can choose their own Art-Ventures.
March 17-21, 2013, 9 am-3 pm
Ages: 8-14
700 NIS for the week / 180 NIS per day (If registered by March 8), 800/200 after

Children’s Art Exhibition

You’ve painted, you’ve sketched, you’ve made a big mess!

          

For over a year now, your children have come to the Open Studio and created so many amazing pieces of artwork. Their creativity has stretched well beyond anything I would have imagined when first envisioning the Open Studio. This spring, the AACI (Association of Americans and Canadians in Israel) will be hosting its annual Children & Teens Art Exhibit. The Open Studio has been asked to encourage our students to submit their favorite pieces for representation in the show. In the past the show has been mainly drawings, paintings and ceramics. However, this year we are hoping to expand the medium represented at the show to: glass painting, miniatures, sand paintings and more. Children ages 5-18 are encouraged to submit up to 2 entries each. Prizes will be awarded in each age and medium category. For entry form and guidelines, visit the AACI website. Submissions will be accepted until February 28, 2013 at the AACI – 37 Pierre Koenig St. (corner of Poalei Tzedek) in Talpiyot (Jerusalem) and the show will take place April through May 2013 with an opening reception and prize ceremony on Aprill 11th. Looking forward to seeing you there!

Photo Gallery

In Writer’s & Illustrator’s Workshop our 6 & 7’s…

are working on Alphabet Books. We are stretching apart words and writing them down, while learning about alliteration and illustrating with collage, plastalina (clay) & sand painting. Meanwhile our 8-10’s are writing children’s stories and personal narratives, while illustrating using collage, sketching, acrylics & watercolors. 

      

This past semester, Open Studio kids have been working with plastalina (clay), papercutting, sand painting, collage & (of course) painting lots of glass…Stay tuned for our own exhibition in June!

          

To Register for any of our programs…

Email:  openstudiojlem@gmail.com

Call:     054.626.8496

For more information, visit our website

Wish List…

If you have any of the below that you would wish to donate, please email: openstudiojlem@gmail.com

• PVC, artificial grass or other flooring material (scraps are great too)
• 2nd hand printer/copier, reading light, CD player, radiator or other portable heater
• Art/Craft books
• Cereal boxes (empty and flattened), tea boxes, tin containers with lids, buttons, glass coffee jars (with lids)

“Our daughter’s 11th birthday party at the Open Studio was wonderful! The girls were engaged in multiple, creative activities that our daughter designed with Avigayle and all who attended loved it. I would highly recommend The Open Studio for groups of children or adults, or special events like birthday parties.”

                      -Laura Solomon, Wynnewood, PA