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  • Reflecting on Meeting (Virtually) with Tara Meyer

    Reflecting on Meeting (Virtually) with Tara Meyer

    Artist Tyrone Weedon recalls his experience chatting with wrestler Tara Meyer. He attended a Zoom class where he discussed his art practice with the class.

    At Make Studio, Rosie asked me, “Have you heard of Tara Meyer from MCW?”. I said “Yes” in response. Rosie explains that Tara wants to do an interview with me for an art talk. I accept it. 

    There is no surprise when it comes to Tara. Tara Meyer is the correspondent of MCW (Maryland Championship Wrestling) and she also is a podcast host of MCW Cust. Tara has been involved in Professional wrestling since 1999 as a radio co-host, pro wrestler, manager, commissioner, producer, and the host of MCW Backstage Pass. Tara is also the widow of the later former MCW Champion R.J. Meyer AKA The Bruiser (God Rest His Soul).  

    Back in 2024, me and Make Studio artists have anticipated by making art about female wrestlers for “Brawlin’”. The Art of Women’s Wrestling event (at Make Studio) and Tara made a guess appearance. Unfortunately, I won’t be able to come to the party because I’m on vacation with my family for a family cruise to Miami, Florida. But I did leave three finished art pieces for the studio, and one of them included a Tribute to Mae Young and The Fabulous Moolah artwork (and they sold out!). 

    Make Studio “Brawlin’” event, January 2024, Tara Meyer (center)

    Moving on, in order to prepare to have an art talk with Tara, I get a little bit of help from Rosie and Mr. Step for the Q and A and a couple of images of my artworks from past and present and place it on a DIY booklet. 

    Before that day arrived, I went to Metro’s to buy myself a cell phone case with a stand on it, so I can have my hands free while using Zoom. I made it home, heading upstairs and went to the back room, clearing most materials, papers, and stuff off the art table. Set up my cell phone with the charger, brought in my sketchbook and recently finished artwork “The Bruiser”, and went to the bathroom to clean myself up by shaving my face. And then I was ready for the interview.  

    Today is the day of the interview. I activate the Zoom app on my phone and it’s starting. Tara started an introduction video with 20 students. I said “Hi” to Tara and anyone on Zoom, including Mr. Step. I read the paper and talked about myself and all the things that I can do as an artist.  I share 16 of my best artworks in these past years at the studio. A lot of people loved my artwork including celebrity tributes in different genres of pop culture in music, T.V., movies, sports, comics, and famous people. All my artwork was shown on display, but I hadn’t added social issues art when Tara mentioned it. I did mention Stop Asian Hate, Black Lives Matter, and gun violences. Oh yeah, and Art Therapy helps me talk about my life in Baltimore through art.  

    I did some Q and A’s (Questions and Answers) with Tara and her students. Sometimes it can be awkward and confusing, but I did answer some questions with a little help from Mr. Step. I may be quiet sometimes, but I do my best to open up more and come out of my shell. 

    Tara and the students are very nice; they are not judgemental and rude. They are good listeners. 

    Before the interview, I mentioned Tara’s late husband, R.J. Meyer, and felt sorry for her loss. And I brought up her past as the interviewer for MCW. Sometimes it caught her off guard and it surprised her students. I brought up two things I want to share with Tara, I show her the old sketch of R.J. as a professional wrestler and then the finished artwork as well. Tara was shocked and got a bit emotional, tears came out of her eyes. Tara is very happy and said, “Thank you, it means everything to me”. It was a wonderful conversation and Tara, and everybody gave me good praise for the art talk.  

    I hope to talk to her again in the future. 

  • Making Tribute Portraits at the AVAM

    Making Tribute Portraits at the AVAM

    Tyrone Weedon, Louis Middleton, and Tony Labate made their way to the AVAM to lead a workshop on tribute portraits. All three artists have a body of work around celebrity tributes, and were excited to share their expertise.

    • Louis Middleton (left)
    • Tony Labate (right)
    • Tyrone Weedon

    They led the workshop with a presentation of examples of their work. Examples pictured (also on the Make Studio website!):

    • Bobby Sherman, Louis Middleton
    • In Loving Memory of Pope Francis, Tony Labate
    • Beloved, Tyrone Weedon
    Tyrone holding the portrait that he made of Selena

    Tyrone Weedon: I talked about when I first started doing portraits at a young age. I drew a lot of portraits, but then I focused on superheroes for a while. Now I’ve gone back to portraits and have new skills that I apply. I also gave away my Selena portrait to the AVAM as a gift during the workshop.

    Louis working on a new portait

    Louis Middleton: I like to make portraits of celebrities that have passed away. It makes me sad, so I make it into art. I like to do the tributes, because some of my favorite people have passed away.

    Tyrone Weedon (left), Louis Middleton (center), Tony Labate (right) standing in front of their work

    Tony Labate: I draw celebrities with birthdays and when they die. I draw any person who is not evil, or a war criminal, or a dictator.

    I think it went excellent.

  • Learning New Skills with Baltimore Clayworks

    Learning New Skills with Baltimore Clayworks

    In partnership with Baltimore Clayworks, a handful of Make Studio artists have been experimenting with clay! The workshop spanned 6 weeks throughout March and April. Working with clay was unfamiliar to a lot of the artists, but that led to persistence and new discoveries. 

    Tyrone Weedon

    Today is learning and developing.

    It’s been a while since I first did clay. My first thought was to make a bowl. I would do it again, because I want to learn more. Sometimes I wish I could do more and do better. I just want to learn.

    Chris Schallhorn

    Clay is different, you have to make it smooth.

    I wish it was a whole day. A lady came and taught us to make a plate, bowl, and cup. I kept messing around with the extra clay. I’ve made some small clay things at home, but the way we were making things with clay was really cool. I want it to be longer to make some weirder stuff.

    Jennifer O’Neill

    I learned how to coil the clay… somewhat.

    I like being able to make my cat. Making the first pinch pot as a cat head led to a full cat sculpture.

    • Patrick Dwyre
    • Jennifer O’Neill
    • Tony Labate

    Final work:

    Artists are hoping to continue their clay journey as Make Studio prepares for next year’s NCECA (National Council on Education for the Ceramic Arts), which will be held in Baltimore. Stay tuned, because Make Studio will be a featured partner gallery!

  • Rock Painting with Ethan!

    Rock Painting with Ethan!

    Ethan visited Farring-Baybrook Recreation Center to host a rock painting workshop

    Steps to Rock Painting (by Ethan Smith):

    1. Wet the rocks to get off any dust
    2. Wait until they are dry (so that you can paint them whatever color you want)
    3. Decorate!
    4. Let them dry again
    5. Hide them wherever you want

    I told them [participants] not to hide the rocks, in case they wanted to keep them. I hide my rocks everywhere! You can hide them in a grocery store or a mall or any place you like!

    My favorite part was how everyone did a great job!

    Leaving behind a rock outside of the building

    Overall the work shop was pretty good. Excited to do more in the future!

  • Make Studio Funnies

    Make Studio Funnies

    This May, Jules Hinmon, Dasha Kalumuck, and Doris Washington showcased their comics, zines, and animation during the Make Studio Funnies extravaganza! The show was supported by Cedar Clark, who worked with the artists to explore these mediums, as well as curate the show. The opening featured commentary from the artists, and a compilation of animations – nostalgic favorites and new work made by artists. Jules’ and Dasha’s printed books are still available for sale in Make Studio’s gallery. The dialogue and visual details are exceedingly witty, so come through to take a closer look!

    Jules’ zine Kitten Around on display and for sale! “Kitten Around is a series by Jules Hinmon all about Black life through a cat’s lens,” reads the text on the back of the zine. The series stars both cat and human characters, some of whom are autistic. As an autistic artist himself, this representation matters to Jules. One such character is Winnie who speaks on being autistic in one of Jules’ drawings: “Suffice it to say I was proud of myself, I still am and I always will be.”

    Dasha has her new comic book featured and for sale! Christmas Winterberry and Friends is about the titular character, “a little bear full of sunshine and happiness” and her best friends. Dasha enjoyed the opportunity to speak directly to the audience during the event, show friends her original work and to get a little extra gussied up: “this is probably the fanciest you’ll ever see me look.”

    Although Doris could not attend the opening, she has a collection of comics and drawings up in the gallery! Doris’ work is character-based, pondering, whimsical and occasionally semi-autobiographical. She has long-term plans to compile some of her sketches and studies into a more finalized publication – stay tuned!

    Here’s a peak into the gallery:

    Visit the gallery to see our next exhibition, “Along the Lines,” featuring artwork from artists Alex Albert, Kareem Samuels and Dina Klar with a reception on June 6th, 2-5pm!

  • Artists Outside: Ethan’s and Marcie’s College Experiences

    Artists Outside: Ethan’s and Marcie’s College Experiences

    When not working as artists at the studio, Ethan is currently attending Community College of Baltimore County (CCBC) Essex, and Marcie recently wrapped up her animal care program at CCBC Dundalk. They shared a glimpse into their school lives.

    Ethan:

    • I was at fitness class doing some exercises with the machines.
    • I lawn-mowed the baseball field to help the fitness class.
    • We colored autumn pictures.
    • I made a card for my teacher.
    • I put together stories for little kids.

    I enjoy school (except walking to class).

    My favorite part is swimming on Monday and Wednesday with my class, and doing my job. I work at an elementary school with the Kindergarteners and in the cafeteria.

    I like fitness class, because I practice my muscles. I try different machines, pulling weights, bikes, and other activities.

    I also like when we get to draw in class after we do our work drills on the computer.

    Marcie:

    In the studio (with my Bluey headphones on)!

    I attended two classes, Vet Assisting and Animal Care (Paws). I had an internship, where I got to work on dog care. I learned to monitor dogs and learn about signs of illness.

    A dog I met named Maverick!

    Other than getting to hang out with dogs, I also liked the social engagement. The small groups meant I got more personal attention. Also the cafe selection was nice and affordable!

    Hopefully, I will get to return in the future [for General Studies]!

  • Sarah’s San Francisco Adventure

    Sarah’s San Francisco Adventure

    Just over a month ago, artist Sarah Oh and her family visited San Francisco to see her artwork displayed at the Creativity Explored x Open Invitational fair, part of San Francisco Art Week!

    Sarah was one of four Make Studio artists that were featured at this inaugural, national art fair.

    Staffers Stefan and Rosie ensured that our artists’ work was presented well and facilitated (many) sales there, amongst a selected group of fellow progressive art studios.

    We are so proud of our featured artists, whose work received a strong reception from fair visitors.

    Thank you to the organizers, especially because they enabled us to support Sarah and her family to attend and have a terrific visit to the Bay Area. Per Sarah, it was “good”.


  • A Big Move for the Muppets

    A Big Move for the Muppets

    by Louis Middleton

    As you may know, the Muppet Courtyard at Disney Hollywood Studios is now closed, so the Muppets have moved right along to their new home on Sunset Boulevard. 

    Here’s a clip from the Muppet 3D Vision farewell at Disney Hollywood Studios:  

    (Sorry, embeds aren’t working! Check it out here: http://youtube.com/post/UgkxJcy0mEWqppRZCAy-aWxh-3ivt-vvnDBg?si=r8AI4PPBTh-Cfxwo)

    Here’s a clip from the Sesame Street sketch in which Kermit and Cookie Monster describes the telephone, while Kermit is expecting phone calls from Ms. Piggy and Fozzy Bear about closing down the “Muppet Vision 3D” attraction and development of the “Rock ‘N’ Roller Coaster”:

    (Check it out here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aKX0vZxYZK8)

    As you watch the video, note that Kermit hears Fozzy Bear and Ms. Piggy voices coming out of Cookie Monster’s mouth!

    Also, it’s the return of the “Muppet Show” in 50  years  on ABC!  

    The “Rock ‘N’ Roller Coaster” starring the Muppets will open this summer, along with the future of the “Muppet Vision 3D” attraction. 

    I included pictures of the former Muppet Courtyard and the Muppets’ new location. 

    Thank you for reading!

  • On the Run with Shane

    On the Run with Shane

    Artist Shane Hargest has been involved with Athletes Serving Athletes (ASA) for quite awhile now, and has participated in multiple races. (Make Studio staffer Terri and board member Abbie coincidentally have also run with ASA!)

    This past year these included two 5Ks and the strenuous Charles Street 12-Miler, only his second race, which started at the Shops at Kenilworth up town and concluded downtown at Ravens Stadium. Shane completed the race in 1 hours and 49 minutes with multiple assistant athletes by his side, and said that it was “like nothing else I have ever been a part of.” 

    One of Shane’s lifelong goals has been to run a marathon, and this October it finally happened when he completed the Baltimore Running Festival marathon! He finished the marathon with a really quick team, and a final time of 4 hours and 34 minutes. 

    “I enjoy being out of my element and running with ASA makes me feel like a ‘real runner’. I like the social aspects and the camaraderie in the chatting on the runs. And although I am not a morning person, and for ASA I have to be there really early in the morning, I do enjoy seeing the beautiful sunrises on those early a.m. runs. We use train out of White Marsh, MD. I would like to do the Bay Bridge Run, but my mom won’t let me!”

    We are excited to see where Shane goes next on his running journey, and are always ready to cheer him on! 

  • Louis FACED OFF with friends this fall

    Louis FACED OFF with friends this fall

    Artist Louis Middleton, who participates in the “teaching” track within our professional tracks program, has had a very busy year! You may have heard about his sold out Paint-A-Long workshop at the American Visionary Art Museum, but haven’t yet heard that he will be giving an artist presentation at an upcoming meeting of the Baltimore City of Accessible Arts initiative. A highlight from this fall was his collaborative guest teaching gig, described here…

    Art program participants at the Baltimore Rec and Parks’ Farring-Baybrook Center make art weekly with facilitation from Make Studio (annually coordinated by staffer Rosie Eck). Louis recently applied his creative skills to collaborating on a group project and exhibition design. Inspired by the large hands from a 2024 Farring-Baybrook project, Louis guest taught and guided participants in creating stars, diamonds, and BIG FACES. Groups of 3-8 people worked together to create one big face per table, collaborating and making decisions to create a unique face. 

    The resulting artwork, as well as other projects by Farring-Baybrook participants, was installed by Louis and staff as a showcase, called “Face to Face”, of playful artistic collaboration between dozens of creative minds. (Still viewable in our gallery, as of December 16, 2025, amidst holiday sales cheer!)

    In addition to the BIG FACES, other artwork included in the “Face to Face” installation are:

    All of Us (fabric garland) 

    Cord, fabric, canvas, pipe cleaners and beads  

    Participants in the Art Class at Farring-Baybrook Therapeutic Rec Center in south Baltimore make art each week; in a given week, there are three sessions, each with a different group of individuals participating. This collaborative art piece includes fabric strips ripped and decorated by all art class participants along with an additional ornament unique to each session. The Monday session made the beaded baubles along the red cord. The early session on Wednesday painted and stamped the pennants, while the session later that morning embellished and chained together recycled canvas pieces to attach to the garland. The complete piece brings together art that represents not only the individuals who contribute to the Farring-Baybrook experience, but also how the groups create unique and dynamic projects. 

    Coral Reef Sculptures 

    Cardboard, acrylic paint, assorted doo-dads 

    These pieces were on display at Farring-Baybrook before appearing in our gallery. In Fall 2023, participants in the art class painted and decoupaged (glued on tissue paper) to wooden blocks. The next week, they painted paper tubes and other surfaces using bubble wrap as a stamp to create a bubbly, underwater texture. The following week, participants combined the pieces they had painted with other elements like beads, tubes and oyster shells to create colorful and lively coral reef habitats.   Coral reefs are an underwater environment teeming with life, full of creatures existing closely together like might in a classroom or a city. Coral reefs are also in grave danger from pollution and climate change, so our artwork is a tribute to them and their richness.  

    Gathering of people inside our gallery, at the reception for Face to Face. People include artist Louis, Farring-Baybrook artists, and other friends.

    Participating Farring-Baybrook artists are:

    (Names marked with a star (*) were present the week we made the big faces, stars and diamonds.)

    Kenneth A., Rickel G.*, Teresa J.*, Richard K.*, Christopher L., Erin M.*, Joseph M., Sharon N.*, Pence P., Marie S.*, Heather S.*, Joshua S.*, Jamie S.*, John S.*, William T., Brandon T.*, Eric W.*, Clifton W., Corey D.*, Rosey G., Tammy G.*, Sharon J.*, John J. Jr.*, Tanya K., Ann M.*, Josephine P.*, Shamera R.*, Stephen R.*, Byron S.*, Brian V., Masadey B., Jushlynn C.*, Quba C.*, Daniel D.*, Emmly F., Maegan J., Tahesha J., John J. Sr.*, Maureen J., Diane N., Krista P., Deirde R. , Antastaisa S.-E.*, Antoine T., Jessica B., Cara C.*, Josh C.*, Yusef D.*, Desmond L.*, Lauren M., Andrew M., Joseph R., Connor R.*, Corvette R., Kara R.*, Victoria S.*, Zachary S., Dominique S.*, Kurwin S.*, Aniyah T.*, Marcia W.*, Joel W., Mike Z.*, Lakira A.-M.*, Suliamon A.*, Marshall B., Alyssa B., Carol B., Deneen B., Roxanne B.*, Veronica B.*, Ashley C., Denise C.*, Andrea M., Deborah O.*, Della P.*, Cortez S. 

    FACE to FACE
    Graphic version of exhibition title: “FACE to FACE”