A film group called The Baltimore Guys, created a short video about Make Studio! You can watch the video on YouTube or through the attachment below.
The video features clips from the studio, as well as an interview from co-founder and Associate Director, Cathy Goucher, describing Make Studio’s mission. For those just finding out about Make Studio, this video serves as a great introduction. But it also gives a better look into the studio and highlights conversations with artists, making it a great watch for even those who are already enthusiastic about Make Studio!
All the artists were so excited to have The Baltimore Guys in the studio! They demonstrated so much respect for the artists and the space. The Baltimore Guys recently attended our Disability Pride Fest, and it’s been amazing to have their consistent support.
Basile Nkere from The Baltimore Guys (left) and artist Chaewon Song (right)
On top of making this video to spread awareness of our studio, they teamed up with Blick Art Materials to donate funds for art supplies! We are always grateful for new supplies, as we go through materials fast. With about 50 artists working in the studio throughout the week, art supply donations make a huge difference. We were able to buy new bottles of acrylic paint, watercolor palettes, and acrylic paint markers (a studio favorite) with this donation. Thank you, Blick!
We accept second-hand material donations, as well, so if you’ve got some extra supplies laying around, contact the studio to donate!
Thank you to The Baltimore Guys for making this thoughtful video. Ultimately, the support from our community is what makes Make Studio successful. Don’t forget to stop by the gallery and/or upcoming events to show your support for this space (and find some awesome new artwork!).
At this year’s 4th Annual Disability Pride Arts Fest, four Make Studio artists led workshops that correspond with their art practice. The line-up consisted of Marcie Hill demonstrating how to draw animal hybrids, Jennifer O’Neill with zen doodling, Ethan Smith helping paint rocks, and Tyrone Weedon guiding people through how to draw a portrait.
First up was Marcie with Animal Hybrids! A large part of Marcie’s work is creating new creatures by combining features from existing animals. Participants chose a base creature and added their own ears, eyes, tails, etc. to create something special! Marcie quickly warmed up her teaching skills and gave suggestions to those who needed somewhere to start. This was a great way to begin the day!
Then Jennifer stepped in to guide attendees through zen doodling. On a canvas board, people were encouraged to take a deep breath and draw freely. Next, they colored in the gaps of the lines. This practice is a great way to slow down and relax. It served as a welcome break from the main hall which was ramping up with people.
Next was Ethan with Rock Painting! Ethan is a seasoned rock-painter, and for his workshop he decided on a summer theme. His suggestions included palm trees, dolphins, and a sun with sunglasses. For more details about his process, check out our previous post “Rock Painting with Ethan”.
Last (but not least!), Tyrone demonstrated his portrait knowledge! Tyrone went through his step-by-step process on how to draw a portrait. He had references and pro-tips. Tyrone shines when his works with people, as he is always thorough in his instructions and explanations. Tyrone was also a part of a similar workshop at the AVAM this past spring, read about it in our post “Making Tribute Portraits at the AVAM”.
It was another great year of Disability Pride Arts Fest, including an awesome selection of art and workshops! Hope to see you there next summer!
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.
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.
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!
Ethan visited Farring-Baybrook Recreation Center to host a rock painting workshop
Steps to Rock Painting (by Ethan Smith):
Wet the rocks to get off any dust
Wait until they are dry (so that you can paint them whatever color you want)
Decorate!
Let them dry again
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!
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!
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]!
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 Invitationalfair, 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”.
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:
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”:
faves saved 