INK ON INC

by Greg Busceme, Sr. Executive Director of The Art Studio, Inc.

The only thing that is constant is change. The Art Studio, Inc. (TASI) is adapting to change in a real and tangible way. 2020 sucked big time, but within all the turmoil the Studio staff rose to the occasion and, learning from the new experience, maintained a presence that might have outweighed our previous outreach. We had the foresight to request a grant from Hancock Whitney Bank that provided the necessary equipment i.e., computer, printers, upgrades on internet capacity, cameras, microphones and other equipment that I still am learning about.

As we have outsourced our layout and printing of ISSUE for 18 years and had various smart sources for in-depth articles and news, we were confronted with taking on this task again, and find ourselves with the proper equipment and contributors to do the job ourselves. With this freedom we decided to approach the print media in a different way. What you are reading now is that new approach.

“Studio Ink” came from a small pamphlet we published nearly 20 years ago. Producing our publication in-house has allowed TASI to stay in control of our content and our layout. Studio Ink’s format is a simpler operation with a more personal feel, creating a bigger appeal to young people which will offer more freedom for young writers to contribute to the mag.

I have been studying artist demonstrations and seeing how we can fit in with a new and dynamic approach to online classes in the form of instructional

photo by John Fulbright and interactive lessons from area artists with a unique approach to creation. Video montage of exhibiting artists, tenants, and members can also be realized with our new equipment. We can take a lesson from locally produced videos like V Haus Sessions which you can see on YouTube. And this is the point - we can interact with our community while reaching the whole world and making the best of our technology.

With all this, face to face contact will still be the gold standard of art exhibitions and classes as the exchange of ideas and knowledge is always best in person. Yet, consider that the patrons who cannot get out or choose not to socialize can still have the opportunity to interact in a way that works for them.

Although these are dark days, there are ways we can rise above the clouds and find our art spirit once again. We need to rethink how we present and promote ourselves and TASI can be instrumental in that effort. Hope you enjoy the Studio Ink concept and participate in its development by submitting your work, words, and beauty to us all.