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.

Shiloh Camp Cookout and Show

Last Friday night I had the incredible opportunity to attend the end of the camp week show and cookout at Shiloh with the kids. When I got to the camp and stood watching the kids sing and dance and shout, I can only explain it by what those of us in church work call "the mountaintop experience". What I mean by that by the mountain top experience is a time when you feel God's presence so strongly and so boldly and you are so overcome with joy you want to burst! Justin who rarely shows emotion was clapping and dancing. The other kids were having such a great time. They took me around and introduced me to all the counselors. They had made so many new friends and they seemed so happy. They talked and talked all the way, begged to go back next year and thanked me numerous times. But it wasn't me they needed to thank, it was themselves for being brave enough to try something new. Many of the other kids from Studio were too afraid to go to camp because they had never been before. I'm so happy they did. It made them realize they are special. Just letting kids know someone cares is so incredibly powerful. It was so inspirational, I didn't want the evening to end. I believe that for that one week at least, these kids felt joy. I pray that the memories will lift them up when everything else in their world is chaotic.

Summer is here! This week a few of the Studio kids are enjoying a great day camp called Shiloh here in Oklahoma City. They get to create art, ride horseback, participate in rope courses, sing, make up skits and meet new friends. We are also sponsoring with the Oklahoma City Public School Homeless Program a group of 15 kids from the Family Junction Shelter. Pictures Coming!!