Studio School Online takes Oklahoma Contemporary's educational mission into the virtual space

A detail photo of a pair of hands working on a watercolor painting

Studio School Online tuition is offered at a 10 percent discount, with additional savings for members.

Feeling uninspired lately? You're not alone. Many of us are struggling to find our creative spark in the "new normal" of COVID-19. That's why Oklahoma Contemporary is bringing people together — online, in real time — with a creative pilot program, offering hands-on learning and collaboration in 10-week classes and workshops. Studio School Online brings our education mission into the virtual world, meeting participants where they are and offering an experience they'll never forget.

Unlike browsing YouTube tutorials or auditing an impersonal open course, Studio School’s small classes emphasize individualized instruction in a fun atmosphere. Participants can expect 20 contact hours with experienced Studio School instructors, including small-group feedback and coaching opportunities.

"Not only will people have the chance to learn a new skill like loom weaving, how to paint with watercolors or build virtual worlds, but they have a chance to meet new people who share a common interest," said Education and Programming Director Jaime L.M. Thompson. "I am particularly excited about our new online Friday Night series that will put the fun back into Friday nights. Three nights a month you can join a group learning everything from basic drawing to how to make a ceramic flask."

Taught by experienced Studio School Instructors, Oklahoma Contemporary’s 10-week classes allow learners of all levels to learn and expand skills, improve techniques and experiment with familiar and new media.

Detail photo of a pair of hands working with clay

Registration is open now for members, with general registration opening 10 a.m. Monday, Aug. 24.

Facilitating meaningful virtual learning has its challenges, but Studio School Online is ready to meet them. "I have been reaching out to peer organizations to learn about their successes and what did or didn't work for online classes and programs," said Studio School Associate Director Adrienne Lalli Hills. "But there are a lot of elements of good teaching that translate in any environment."

To that end, Studio School participants will have the opportunity to develop skills with working artists in an intimate distance-learning environment. Whether you want to design and build your own dynamic 3-D world with July Studio-in-Place artist Tess Elliot or explore the art of healing with the Japanese visible mending technique of Sashiko, these diverse online courses offer a variety of pathways to creative and personal growth.

Unlike physical classes, Studio School Online isn't limited to those who can make the commute to our new state-of-the-art facilities in downtown Oklahoma City. "I'm taking Virtual World Building with my mother-in-law and sister-in-law, and we all live in different parts of the country," Lalli Hills said. "It'll be a fun way to connect with them personally through the class."

Browse the complete course offerings now, and get ready for an arts education experience that will help light your creative path in these dark and distant times.

Until you can explore our space in person, let this video take you behind the scenes of The Studios building — where we can't wait to one day welcome you safely.