Exciting Things are Happening in Studio 222!

I know it has been a while! Seems like things are moving so very fast and furious with Studio 222!

We ended the 2008-2009 school year with 9 students moving on to high school! This was very sad as most of them were a part of Studio for three years.

The summer was crazy! We took the kids to Shiloh Camp in June. Great camp and wonderful experience for anyone who attends.

We had two, yes two, major fundraisers this summer!

We held our first Gala on June 26 at the OKC Farmers Public Market. Guest speaker was Manny Scott, one of the original Freedom Writers, who is one of the most inspirational and amazing people I know. Guest musician was our very own Graham Colton! I call him "our very own" because Graham is a huge supporter and volunteer for Studio along with being an extremely talented musician. Some members of the St. Luke's LifeLight House Band performed with Graham. The dinner was catered by The Skirvin Hotel and their food was outstanding. We also held both a live and silent auction. So when all was said and done - incredible speaker, amazing music, wonderful dinner and great auction items (and 225 in attendance), we raised over $65,000!!

Our next fundraiser was at The Greens Golf and Country Club for what could not have been a more perfect day for a round of golf! It was a fun, fun day and still waiting on final numbers but another success!

We've started the year off with a lot of new 6th graders!!! They are a great group and have already won over all of us who work with them day to day. We have three outstanding artists and this nine weeks the students are experiencing guitar lessons, mixed and visual art, and drama. I'm already impressed at what they have accomplished.

Last but not least - we are continuing to renovate our new building. As usual with construction, we've had some delays but we really hope to be in sometime in the next 6-8 weeks! It is so very exciting to see it come together! Finally being through with the plumbing, heat/air, electrical, we are seeing how the space will finally look. Most exciting are the art walls that will display all of the artwork the students create. Be looking for updates!

Challenges and Fun

January has been both challenging and fun! The month started out with some issues and some racial tension between the kids. It is so hard to believe that in 2009 we are still struggling with race. It is so disappointing to hear 11-13 year old's talk with such prejudice. We had a "family meeting" and laid things out on the table. While it was difficult and hard to listen to I think we've made a step in the right direction as to treating everyone with respect and realizing that are differences are much smaller than what we all have in common.

Last week we had a great time at the Chesapeake Boathouse down on the Oklahoma River. They gave us a tour of the boathouse and taught us how to use the rowing machines. We even got to have a race using the rowing machines and a big screen! We are looking forward to Spring when we are going to go back and actually get out on the river on the Dragon Boats!

Christmas 2008

Studio had a fun and wonderful opportunity this Christmas thanks to friends Debbie & John Williams, Harle Wehde and Chef Black at the Skirvin Hotel in downtown. The kids were treated to an amazing spread of food and enjoyed decorating Christmas cookies while Chef Black told his inspiring life story.

Our tradition of Santa dropping by continued as he brought lots of gifts for each of the students.

Also, the members of St. Luke's continued their generous spirit of giving with an enormous supply of socks, shirts, gift cards, etc. for the program.

The true meaning of Christmas could be felt all through the month. It was such a blessing to be able to share with this amazing group of kids.

End of Nine Weeks

Studio just completed the first nine week session of the year. It was another great one and the kids created some amazing and creative projects. The computer animation set to music was so cool. Disney is waiting! The polymer clay work, recycled paper, paper mache, the calligraphy purses, the bulletin boards, the calligraphy stationery were all incredible.

We began a series on learning to get along and accepting others using the movie and book of The Freedom Writers. We challenged the kids to find ways at their middle school to help promote tolerance or our better word is "mutual understanding". It is amazing how early prejudice begins. The Hispanics don't like the Blacks, the Whites don't like the Hispanics, the Blacks don't like the Asians.... We talked about how one person can lead a whole group (or nation) to hate another just because of the way they look, what they believe or if act differently from us. We've got a lot more work to do but we are learning to break down the barriers and labels that keep us from getting along with each other.

After fall break we will begin again with another mixed art class, digital photography and a new leadership class.

Beginning the 5th Year!

Since we are beginning the 5th year, I have been reflecting on this ministry and what it has done for my life. First and foremost, I have to say it has given me the faith to trust God through each decision. Second, it has made me realize I have a capacity to love that is far greater than I had ever imagined. Third, I have learned to put myself in another's shoes and truly try to understand where someone is at that particular time in their life. I have learned that we don't all start out on the same playing field and I believe it is our job as humans to try to level that field. The kids who have come through the doors of Studio 222 are unique, beautiful, talented and special people. They enrich the lives of those of us lucky enough to meet them.

We have a full house with 26! We are beginning the year with classes of computer animation, mixed art including polymer clay, recycled paper making, calligraphy, glass art and more...

Sunday, September 14 we are celebrating during all three worship services at St. Luke's. The kids will be attending and will be recognized during the services. - Julie Robinson

Graham Colton Day to benefit Studio

August 2nd is Graham Colton Day in Oklahoma City!

Graham will perform at Frontier City on August 2nd. A generous portion of the ticket sales for that day will go to Studio 222!

Check out www.myspace.com/grahamcolton

July 2008

July has been a very busy month!

We went to the Oklahoma City Bombing Memorial which is so moving, heartbreaking and inspiring. The Studio kids were only 1 & 2 or not born when it happened so it was interesting to hear their reactions.

We then enjoyed a great but hot afternoon at Lake Hefner where we met up with the kids from the Family Junction Shelter. We had a picnic, flew kites and had water gun fights.

July 4th we participated in the Bricktown Art Walk.

On July 13th, everyone joined us at St. Luke's LifeLight worship service where Graham Colton made a special tribute to the Studio kids and sang "Best Days". When then all went to lunch at Brahms and to the 3D movie "Journey to the Center of the Earth". What a great day!

July 30th we are going to the Redhawks game in Bricktown.