EXECUTIVE BOARD

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A Message from Michelle Curry, President

Every now and then I watch videos about art studio organization, and the way each artist organizes their space, which is as varied as their media, and their personalities as artists! Sometimes I have found valuable tips, but it is always inspiring!

Over the years, I have heard people who are convinced that they can’t do art, because they don’t have a formal art studio. I like to inform them that they don’t need art studio space to make art. Many famous artists and career illustrators have made art on their kitchen table, in their garage, on their porch, in their yard, on a folding table, or even in a tent. Of course, it is a wonderful thing to have a dedicated studio space for making art, but it is not essential. It may take extra effort and ingenuity to make it work in your home, but it’s so worth it!

I have been creating art for years, and throughout this journey, I have had various living accomodations. When my family was young and there was very little space, I reused an old computer armoir in a corner of my bedroom. This armoir was deep, and had drawers and shelves for my various art supplies, and I worked it out that a simple stand easel could be suspended when the doors were open. When I was done painting, I could close the doors, and no one that saw the room would be the wiser! 

Often, I had to create art at the kitchen table, and  then figure out a way to fold it up (and temporarily store it in a fashion that it could be brought back out with little effort or lag time to resume the project) before dinner time, or company came visiting. 

At other times in life I’ve had the luxury of a larger studio. You tend to accumulate more to accommodate the space you are in! Studio furnishings, and more supplies and tools came, which were a boon for my business! I was able to also teach classes in my own home studio during that time.

A few years ago I had to downsize in a major move to a much smaller new home. I wanted to keep all the things that I had invested in to continue being an artist, and keep it organized. This took a lot of thought and care concerning the space that I had and how I was going to make room for the different things that I would need.  Over time, other storage solutions went by the wayside, proving to be not practical or long lasting. I also had to be creative about the space, and be willing to use things in an unconventional way.

The best things that work for me are made of metal and wood and are sturdy enough to hold heavy art supplies, organized by media.I found out that shelves and cabinets were essential. Some supplies are put into a case on wheels to be taken to an area in my home, or transported to be used in a class. and I currently use my “studio,” exclusively for storage, the compromise being that I have areas within my home dedicated to making art, in the living room, dining room and the porch!

Whatever your needs are, I want to encourage you to find a practical way to just create, and not let anything stop you. Take the time to figure out what you need, and what will work for you!

Happy ARTing!

Michelle Curry, Artist
OAG President

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INSTALLATION OF OFFICERS
JUNE 11, 2025

Incoming officers: President Michelle Curry, VP Marilyn Busse, Treasurer Cathy Burnside, Recording Secretary Cheryl Dornbush (absent), and Corresponding Secretary Linda Bakos. Huge shout-out to these brave volunteers! For a full review of the event and more photos, continue here.

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