The art studio is conceived primarily as a place for the Artists-in-Residence to work and teach, and as a place where students can work on projects. The Artists-in-Residence have assigned work spaces. Large tables in the central, common area are expected to be shared by both resident artists and students. Other studio furniture includes stools, several easels, a flat file, a small electric kiln for glass fusing, a couple of large trash barrels, a sink and a refrigerator. Everyone is expected to bring in their own supplies and to clean up after themselves. Priority in the studio is given to the Artists-in-Residence and their practicum students, but students who are working on projects (whether personal or for other classes) are also welcome if there is space available. Sometimes, a student who is a working artist and living on campus is given an assigned work space for ongoing projects.
The studio is open whenever classes are in session, and students, faculty and staff are encouraged to drop in and talk with the artists. Artists-in-Residence are encouraged to work during the day and early evening, so that they available for such conversation, but are also welcome to work on weekends and at night if that is their practice. While the atmosphere in the studio changes as different artists bring their energy into the space, it is often a place where deep conversation occurs while hands and eyes are busy, and the presence of God is revealed in the process of making.
