It's hard to believe but we have concluded our first year of after-school art, which began in September with a vision to create a working studio for artists and students in Morganton. When Kirksey and I began this journey, we couldn't have imagined the joy and beauty we would witness in working with each of our incredible students. We have been profoundly blessed by this time.
A partnership which has made TOSS possible has been the Burke Arts Council-- many thanks to Deborah Jones for walking with us in this venture--and numerous sponsors such as the Huffman-Cornwell Foundation, The Mull Foundation, The Grace Episcopal Church Foundation, and the Burke Women’s Fund. The TOSS program will continue this fall with a few changes to the program to allow for growth and professional development. I (Kathryn) will be completing a fellowship in Maryland from August 2016-May 2017 which will equip me with art managerial and public art development training. Kirksey will continue the after-school program with the assistance of an incredible artist and educator (whom we will soon formally introduce).
TOSS studio hour
We have been making SO many beautiful, wonderful, ponderous things in the studio. I had to share them all (almost all).
TOSSresi's
Apart from our regular studio hours, the TOSSresis (Kirksey and Kathryn) have been preparing for a lovely event, Art in the Garden, hosted by the Historic Burke Foundation. Thankfully, the sisters now have a reason to paint flowers. Learn more details about this event (happening THIS Saturday here). Kirksey continues to weave (nothing can daunt her) and she is preparing for an artisan market in Boone next month.
The TOSSing
The TOSSing (!) was an end-of-the-year party hosted on May 19th at City Hall as part of the Third Thursday Art Crawl through town. The after-school art students manned ticketed craft booths, sold T-shirts with their original designs printed by a local screen-printer, Lervin Originals, (and available for sale HERE) and proudly displayed art projects from the year. One project, a paper mobile, will remain on display in the foyer of City Hall till the end of July. This event also included a short play preformed in the City Hall Council Chamber which was written and directed by a TOSSafter student, Anna Beth Gould. We would like to say a special thanks to Michael Burley who helped every step of the way and the parents and volunteers who helped with this event.
Parting words
Starting June 27th, TOSS will be offering a summer camp for kids from ages 6-12. Accomplished art teachers, and creative projects will make the perfect medley for its seven week duration. Campers can sign up for as many weeks as they choose. Each week has a unique theme: Downtown Studio Tour week, Digital Media week, Talent Show week, and more. Details about this art camp are available at tosstudio.org and by calling the Burke Arts Council at (828) 433-7282. To learn more about TOSS and how you can get involved, visit us on the web (tosstudio.org) or email kathryn@tosstudio.org.
