Annual TASI open meeting set for Sept. 12
The Art Studio, Inc. will enter its 36th exhibition season this fall, and to continue to foster its mission, a public, open meeting is set for Wednesday, Sept. 12 at 7 p.m. in the 720 Franklin building.
As many in this community know, The Studio’s journey hasn’t been easy one. The Studio may not be a perfect institution, but it does have a perfect mission of providing affordable workspaces for artists and providing a forum for arts education.
Volunteer Elijah Malick grinds nails during The Studio’s renovations after Hurricane Harvey. ISSUE photo by Stephan Malick
TASI has always tried to share its mission and goals with the Southeast Texas community, and often beyond, by having open doors and open minds. The open meeting is an opportunity for the community to hear and see ongoing TASI projects, plans and goals for the coming season and the future.
“An annual open meeting is part of our mission per our bylaws,” board chairman Joe Winston said. “Our effort is to continue to be transparent with our stakeholders about the ‘state of The Studio’ and to let anyone and everyone know how we can serve the mission of The Art Studio. Additionally, this is another chance to recognize the hard work and efforts by the staff, donors and volunteers — we wouldn’t be where we are without them.”
The meeting will combine socializing with a short and direct outline of what is going on with TASI’s board of directors, tenants, administrative operations, etc. It’s an opportunity to ask and get answered any questions the public might have about The Studio.
“This is a chance for friends and members of the general public of The Studio to come in to get first-hand tours of the facility and meet with our tenant artists and board members to see what everyone is doing and to add their voice to any discussion about The Studio,” Winston said.
TASI has embarked on an ambitious process of remodeling and modernizing the institution’s buildings and infrastructure — mostly as the cause from Hurricane Harvey in 2017, but also because the storm exacerbated some existing and unknown issues. The administrative offices and storage, sales gallery, bathrooms and some other storage areas suffered the most damage.
“One thing Harvey did that we did not expect was that the storm damage exposed some previously unknown termite damage in the sales gallery and bathrooms,” Greg Busceme, TASI founder and executive director, said. “We knew pretty much right away what our storm damage was, but as we removed that, we found old termite damage we didn’t even know we had. So, our storm repairs became more than just that, and we saw it as an opportunity to improve other things as well.”
Busceme and Winston both said that it was more feasible to repair and remodel many areas at the same time, since much of The Studio would be under construction conditions and that by buying some materials in bulk, the process would be cheaper.
“We had several tenants, volunteers and board members come and pitch in on the demolition and rebuilding,” Winston said. “We knew it would be easier and quicker if the office/bathroom areas were only torn up once. We didn’t want our work spaces to be shut down any longer than we needed to. We couldn’t operate without those areas up and running, so that’s where we started.”
As with many organizations in the community, The Studio was helped out by many in the community, and many supporters stepped forward to contribute to get The Studio running again.
“It is so important for us to say, ‘Thanks’ to everyone that helped us open our doors in time for the exhibition season,” Busceme said. “And we want that goodwill to continue and grow. This is a chance for the community to see all of the work that has been put in and a chance to hear how they can continue being a part of what we do.”
Additionally, Winston stresses that The Studio projects will be laid out for public comment, explanation and input.
“We certainly want to meet the expectations of the community, and we hope that people will come not only to socialize, but to give input on things they feel are important to The Studio, the community and our mission together,” he said.
For example, ongoing remodeling and renovation of TASI facilities will be outlined. Since Harvey, the windows and wall of the sales gallery have been replaced and an Americans with Disabilities Act-approved electronic lift has been installed in the main gallery replacing the compliant, but circuitous walkway ramp on the backside of the building. Bathrooms have been upgraded; the darkroom has been expanded and improved; the library has been enlarged; offices have been consolidated; the administrative and kitchen areas have been remodeled; and many areas have been repainted, to name a few.
“We aim to better the experience of all of our patrons and stakeholders, and we believe in everyone having equal and appropriate access to The Studio,” Winston said. “Our ADA access was an issue for us because our sidewalk wasn’t always accessible due to issues from a neighboring property — now we have a great lift that was made possible from generous donors.”
The gallery wall at The Art Studio’s entrance was found to have significant termite damage during post-Hurricane Harvey repairs. The wall has been replaced to create a more modern look. ISSUE photo by Andy Coughlan
Community engagement is a priority for The Studio — the board has reaffirmed the organization’s resolution to be open and welcoming for all artists, regardless of age or skill level from the community. Transparency in administration and operation is important for all stakeholders to participate in.
“The Studio is ready for the next level,” Busceme said. “We want to offer a more regular class schedules year-round. We are always looking for new ideas and great instructors.”
Any organization can be viewed through the lens of its members, and TASI has always been a paragon of what is unique about the Southeast Texas community. Such as it is, The Studio has always tried to be a welcoming place for anyone interested in the arts.
“We’re working not just for our 36th anniversary, but our 70th anniversary,” Winston said. “The community wants The Studio to continue to endure, and we want The Studio to continue its legacy long after we’re all gone. We are going to continue to do those things that not only preserve The Studio, but help it to grow along the way.
“We hope everyone will take time to come out for this important event and share ideas to help us make The Studio even better and to help us to continue it being a cultural landmark in our community.”
TASI is located at 720 Franklin St. in downtown Beaumont.
For more information, call 409-838-5393 or visit www.artstudio.org.
Story by Stephan Malick