“Avigayle’s creativity, organization, thought and concern for the activities and the participants combine to make this chug the highlight of my daughter’s week, as well as as enriching experience for me. Each activity, expands my daughters horizons of art and knowledge of the land of Israel…It is not a regular art class, but a door to many other cultures…” -Smadar Goldstein, Katamonim
Aderet glass ‘silkscreen’
“Avigayle is creating a whole new concept, a community of young artists. She empowers each young person to access their inner voice. My kids are so proud of their work…It is apparent how much Avigayle enjoys the children and how skilled she is at understanding who each one is…Avigayle’s educational model ought to be studied and shared with others.” -Ruth Ebenstein, mother of three, Jerusalem
“The Open Studio teaches children about creativity and opening their eyes to the world and beautiful city that is Jerusalem. …We have identical triplet boys and finding the right person to work with them is no easy feat. Avigayle succeeded in getting to know each one of them personally, was able to see each child for whom he was. She creates a stimulating and supportive environment that enables children to learn create, and express themselves…Avigayle is a wonderful educator who really works hard to meet each child on his or her own level. She is very supportive and respectful of each child, and in addition to giving them wonderful artistic guidance, she creates a warm, loving environment” – Tunie & David Schorr, Baka
“Avigayle is a talented—and self-taught—artist, who has created a studio that is unlike any other…The Open Studio is an accepting space for children who are given choice and allowed to follow their visions to fruition. There are only two rules at Avigayle’s studio: a child may never ask if his creation is good; or if his creation is complete. This is The Open Studio’s vision: empower children, by treating each of them with respect and dignity and give them the opportunity to create whatever they’d like. Children leave at the end of the day with augmented self-esteem, a sense of pride, and tangible accomplishments…I firmly believe that the visits to the studio are what helped my son through a difficult year in kindergarten, giving him the confidence and composure to enter first grade. He is always thrilled to come back…Avigayle’s studio model is one that is worth expanding and replicating. The education her students receive—a love of art, a love of Jewish heritage, a love of Israel, and a healthy dose of positive self-esteem—is invaluable.” -Deena Glickman, Katamonim
“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 highly recommend The Open Studio for groups of children or adults, or special events like birthday parties.” – Laura Solomon, Philadelphia PA (USA)
I have had three children attend The Open Studio’s camps throughout the years, and I’m proud to say we were some of its first campers! We are lucky to come to Israel during the summer for a couple of weeks at a time, and my kids have had an absolutely amazing time at the Open Studio. Avigayle’s creativity and love for children shines through everything she does. My kids look forward to camp at The Open Studio all year!
-Sara Emerson Helfand, Los Angeles
Our experience at Open Studio exceeded all of our expectations! I sent my two 10 year olds, a boy and a girl, for 3 weeks. And every day when I picked them up, not only were there no complaints, but they excitedly told me what they learned! Avigayle combines her skills as an artist, her love of Israel, and her passion as an educator to create a unique experience for children of all ages. We tried other camps in Jerusalem, but this is the one that met all of our hopes – Hebrew language along with English, traveling within Jerusalem to get to know special people and places, and engaging in creating a range of art that will always remind them of their connection with Israel. Avigayle’s educational vision – her understanding of how to teach and work with children – creates an environment where children are able to work on their creations and take ownership of their projects. I am so grateful to Avigayle and her team and look forward to many more summers at Open Studio.
– Alisa Kotler-Berkowitz, NYC
The Open Studio is made up of far more than crafts; without realizing it, children leave with values, an understanding of the creative process, and a commitment to the greater community with an understanding of the city they live in.
The Open Studio 