The December 2024 edition of STUDIO INK. was not printed for mailing! But not to worry – we’ve compiled the usual content for you here in lieu of a paper copy, so you’re not missing anything.
INK ON INC.
by TASI Executive Director, Greg Busceme, Sr.
This goes out to two Studio veterans whose tenure at the studio, over a lifetime, is evident in the quality of their craftsmanship and the dedication to their art.
Sandra Laurette and Suzanne Garrett, whose combined studio was ringed with an 8-foot fence around it in the clay studio, are giving up their spaces and moving closer to home where they will continue their work. I will miss our conversations over cups of coffee (guess which brand) in the kitchen, discussions of all manner of subjects, but always toward Art. These two women personify the requirement of all Studio tenants to MAKE ART! This they did with the dedication all artists should emulate. Two days a week with full throated commitment to progressing and advancing their art from the familiar to the unknown and the soon to be discovered.
As the emeriti depart, the new upstarts begin! Four ceramists will replace Sandi and Suzanne’s studio and each is eager to pursue their vision of art in clay or other materials. We are revamping the entire clay studio to adapt to the growing community we have for ceramics. The wonderful thing is there are so many students of the ceramic arts that you can expect more works in clay by up-and-coming ceramics tenants.
So, thank you, Sandi and Suzanne for your service, creativity, and knowledge. You have set a high bar of what we expect from our artists and with time and dedication we will see the ceramic community bring forth the high quality of art that is expected from every artist working at The Art Studio.
UPCOMING EVENTS
XMAS NITE
It’s not Band Nite and it’s definitely not your grandma’s Christmas party. Gather together at TASI on the night of December 25th for our customary non-traditional casual holiday party for adults.
We will be opening the doors at 7pm to welcome all of our volunteers, patrons, staff, tenants, artists, and art appreciators of the community to get together for a night of celebration. Celebrate whatever you want to! Feel free to bring a drink or dish to share (even if it’s just leftovers)!
Donations always accepted. Ugly sweaters welcome.
BEAUX ARTS BALL, January 18
This year’s theme is…
SPEAKEASY!
The roaring twenties are back again! Much like the underground bars of the past, TASI thrives on the spirit of rebellion and innovation to cultivate a vibrant community that champions creativity in the face of adversity. Funds raised at this event will help continue its mission of keeping the arts alive in Southeast Texas.
Enjoy the donation-based bar service and indulge in a delectable selection of heavy hors d’oeuvres provided by local eateries including 1701 Barbecue. Silent auction of curated artworks will be available for bidding until 10pm. The night’s entertainment features iRule Dance Studio, vocalist Hunter Courts, and drag queen Olivia Gardner, hosted by the illustrious Ramona Young, with DJ Jstro keeping the dance floor hot!
UPCOMING CLASSES
There is a limited number of spaces available in each class. Every student must register and pay in advance in order to be included in the class. Payments are non-refundable unless the class is canceled by TASI due to not reaching the minimum number of students.
Monthly Creative Meetups
Drop-ins welcome! No registration required is required for these casual creative meet-ups. Please see description of each group for age requirements and suggested fees to help cover facilitators and/or supplies.
Click the button next to each image to RSVP on Facebook for live updates and to help spread the word!
BAND NITE
An all-ages-welcome live showcase of original music and performing artists on the last Saturday of the month. Doors open at 7pm, music starts promptly at 8pm. $5 minimum donation accepted at the door.
~ Tear Out The Pages (Rock)
An acoustic set with tasty riffs and emotional lyrics
Spotify / instagram / TikTok
~ BJ Da Kiddd (Hip-Hop,RnB)
“energetic, blend together melodies w my rap style, i bring a new aesthetic and i think i set a different vibe”
~ Greg Jr. (Folk)
Folk music about people, weather, and crumbling infrastructure
~ japanese CARCRASH (Electro-Industrial)
High energy synthesizer music with mostly dark undertones
~ StrongestManAlive (Pop)
Funky /groovy pop music to dance and vibe
~ Yummy Yucks (Psych doom pop)
Loud guitar chill vibes
~ tv favorites & Ian Quiet (Dance-pop from Shreveport)
You can expect a whirlwind set of eclectic indie pop to move your body to. Let’s party!
~ Nasty Mintz (Electronic from BMT/ATX)
FEATURING a special celebration of their loving union 
THOUGHTCRIME
Please submit your original works of prose or poetry to ink@artstudio.org. Please use “THOUGHTCRIME” in the subject line, and include the name you would like to be credited as. Submissions will not be edited. The author retains all rights to the work.
This pome was inspired by a phrase use by Connie Albertson in her presentation at the 2024 Gumbo Clay Fest:
Shadows my sin is
casting Grow longer by the day,
Are not shortened by the night,
Nor faded by the dawning.
Its darkness covers the ground
Where flowers never bud,
Though sunlight bears the burden
Of my life’s stark existence.
Blackness swirls around my feet,
And then is pulled away
To the razor’s edge of time,
Where sickly Souls go to die.
Shadows of Death are peeking
Through blinders of the past,
Like bones interned by the grave,
When sin’s dust is blown away.
Painful days may be unknown,
And scars may not be seen,
Still steadfast we carry on;
For old sins cast long shadows.
— Darrell Hagler