Art educator opens The Studio

Her work as an artist and arts educator kept her on the road, helping to preserve and enhance arts education in public schools - in the face of daunting odds.

Now Annie is at a point in her life where she can put down roots - and continue her life's calling in her hometown. To that end, she has opened "The Studio" at 392 E. Main Ave., Ste. 2 A & B.

Here she will continue to teach other teachers - and provide structured, satisfying artistic experiences for children and other adults, too.

"This is an opportunity for me to be me and have a space where I can commit to the community," Painter told The Nugget. "Now I can keep the funnel open - and say yes to a birthday party."

Or a ladies' night out, or ... what her clients desire.

Painter's goal at The Studio is "to program the space collaboratively, offering fee-based classes, partnering with others to create events, letting the projects unfold ... for the first time in my long career ... being "intentionally undefined' until a good idea takes shape with a colleague or for a group.

"I still support elementary and secondary teachers through graduate work, but I'm just as interested in creating a family art event or leading a class of 8-10 (my usual limit now) in my print and stamping room or finger-painting with grandparents and their grandchildren. I am able to co-sponsor workshops with other teachers and contribute space and programs as a community service to organizations such as the Circle of Friends.

"Part of my goal here is to say "Here I am; what should we do?'" Painter said.

Though the atmosphere is designed to be fun and relaxed, it is structured and educational.

"This is a full, educational process, even in a birthday party," Painter said.

No one should feel over-awed at The Studio, Painter notes.

"I would not still be doing this work with people of all ages if I scared folks away," she said. "I begin where you begin."

For more information call 541-639-2526 or visit www.anniepainter.com.