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!!

Photo Art Display

Yesterday the kids in the photography class held a small art display for the staff of St. Luke's. The art show was held in the St. Luke's Mansion Library and was set up like a gallery showing complete with cheese, crackers and sparkling cider! Nikkia, Devin, Xavier and Kenneth showed the finest of their photography work while staff members voted for the best photographer. Kenneth won but Nikkia, Devin and Xavier came in a close second. The staff was blown away by the professional, creative and beautiful photos! The four were so proud of their work. I cannot describe how inspiring this was. We have collected all of these photos and placed them in a coffee table book that will go on sale soon as well as individual photos. Mike Edmison, photographer and instructor has an incredible gift and Studio 222 appreciates the time he shared.

Ray Dixon's class is finishing up their projects. Another impressive group of artists have created some beautiful geometric designs in chalk, collage, color and pencil. The patterns and colors are beautiful and you will think these came from a famous art gallery! Ray's calm and caring spirit, along with his amazing artistic talent, is awesome. I was constantly amazed at how he could look a project, offer a suggestion, shade a little here or there, and wow the outcome - beautiful! Pila, Ashley, Justin, Michell, Miranda, Josie - you are artists!

Betsy Horn, teacher, mentor, fun spirit - you brought out some heart-felt, heart-wrenching, inspiring writing from a group of high-spirited girls! I laughed and I cried when I read the poetry and the stories. These also are compiled in a book and will touch your heart. Canisha, Chaquion, Esveide, Jaysha, Juanita, Michah, Sapphire, Sarah - Continue to tell your stories and thanks for sharing.

This has been a great year. Next week is the last week of year four! It has made me more determined to offer more after-school programs to serve more youth in our community. The creative and quality of art the kids produced as raised their self-esteem to new heights!

The stories of the day to day life of these kids would break your heart but the gifts they have received through the artists and volunteers of Studio 222 has transformed them in a way that you truly have to see for yourself. The best description is that they have hope for a brighter future. I pray that we all will remember to encourage a child each day. It makes all the difference.

Photography Class Picture Make Cover

The cover photo on May issue of the Outlook magazine of St. Luke's United Methodist Church is by Studio 222 student, Kenneth Stroman. Inside the issue are several other photos by students in the photography class led by Mike Edmison. The pictures these kids have taken are unbelievable!