Word about the Lancaster City Studio had been growing and more individuals were interested in becoming heart artists, but the studio could only support so many artists with the Covid-19 safety precautions in place. Friendship Community leadership and studio team decided that a second studio location would open up more artistic possibilities so a search for a new facility began - leading them to Shalom, the furthest building on Friendship Community's main campus. This building used to house part of Meaningful Day Academy which, unfortunately, had to close its doors permanently in 2020. It was a chance for new life to be brought into the building and much needed renovations and upgrades.
In October 2021, the renovations were underway to change the home-like setting into a functional studio space. This included removing and refinishing wall, tearing up the outdated carpet and replacing it with vinyl flooring, updating the lighting, building a new supply room and offices and installing noise panels. This was a huge undertaking but, thanks to a large grant from the Edith L Trees Foundation, the Friendship Community maintenance team was able to successfully complete this project by March 2022. With this project completion, the new studio got an official name - the E. Oregon Studio.
The E. Oregon Studio wasn't able to open its doors right away though. With it being a state-funded day program, it needed to be officially licensed through the state of Pennsylvania in order for artists to be able to attend. Between submitting proper documentation and having the state come out to do an official walkthrough inspection, this process took almost 10 long months but finally, the E. Oregon Studio was state approved!
With the holidays right around the corner, leadership felt it was best to open the E. Oregon Studio after the 2023 new year - with the official opening date of Monday, January 9th, 2023. This entire opening week was filled with such excitement as both established and new heart artists walked through the front door to experience artistic growth. This expansion in the studio program meant that more artists were able to go from one day in the studio per week to multiple days depending on their schedules. It also meant that the heart artists would be able to venture into more hands-on mediums. The E. Oregon Studio will be able to offer pottery classes with the help of the new kiln, Lancaster City Studio was able to receive a few new film cameras and supplies to offer film photography classes, and both studio locations will be able to provide weaving classes through various sized looms.
"It is such a thrill to welcome artists to the E. Oregon Friendship Heart Studio. The artists arrive each day with so much enthusiasm. It is truly a wonderfully creative and positive environment. We look forward to growing the program and welcoming new artists at both locations." said Friendship Community's Day Services Coordinator, Crystal Freund. We cannot wait to see how both the Lancaster City studio and the E. Oregon Studio grow and where the heart artists creative journeys take them!
Pictured below, left: The E. Oregon Studio renovation progress as of October 13, 2021.
Pictured below, middle: The E. Oregon Studio renovation progress as of November 19, 2021
Pictured below, right: The E. Oregon Studio renovation progress as of February 4, 2022.
Pictured below, left: The E. Oregon Studio is ready for heart artists to arrive on January 9th, 2023
Pictured below, middle: Heart artists left to right, Charles G., Dan K., Vince W. and Mary Lou G. work in the E. Oregon Studio.
Pictured below, right: The E. Oregon Studio paint supplies in the supply room.
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