Orthodontic Arts Partners with Studio 222
June 13, 2017
Since 2004, Studio 222 has been providing character-building programs, which are rich in the arts and filled with adventure. These programs allow for inner city youth to develop skills and knowledge to dream great dreams and become productive, contributing members of the Oklahoma City community. The students of Studio 222 are from low-income areas in the Oklahoma City Public School District. Families are unable to provide extra-curricular activities for their children due to financial hardship. Studio 222 offers a tuition free, positive environment.
“Having the support of a third party like Orthodontic Arts showcase the students’ art impacts the participants in our program by helping to build their self-esteem,” said Julie Robinson, Executive Director for Studio 222. “They develop pride in their work, confidence in their skills and encouragement to continue to create and grow. Art requires knowledge in math, science, history, engineering and more. Therefore, the more youth engage in art, the more their skills in these areas improve.”
“Another benefit of a third party like Orthodontic Arts showcasing Studio 222 is the increased awareness of our program along with other non-profit after school programs in our area that are seeking to improve the lives of youth in our community and bring hope to their future.”
Studio 222’s middle school program runs Monday through Thursday during the school year. Students receive a meal upon arrival, a life skill/character building lesson and then break into three art classes taught by professional artists from the OKC metropolitan area. Classes have included photography, sculpture, painting, music, drama, cooking, computer animation and more.
Students participating in the middle school program can continue through college in their Studio Lifetime program. Participants meet weekly, have one-on-one mentors and are assisted with career and college preparation, life skills, interview skills, employment opportunities, budgeting and more.
Donations to Studio 222 go completely to support its programming. While Studio 222 is facilitated by St. Luke’s United Methodist Church through use of buses, facilities, utilities, and missional offerings – 100 percent of the programming costs of Studio 222 are raised through individual donations, corporate donations, fundraisers and grants. Click here to learn more about the program.