Studio Build

Beth Ann Short LLC @ the 100th Monkey Studio has provided art therapy services to a diverse community for 14 years. Populations served include adults with intellectual, physical and mental health related disabilities, at-risk youth and other community members. Art therapy services by Beth Ann Short LCAT, ATR-BC, a licensed certified art therapist, have included individual, group and family therapy, as well as open studio. Beth Ann also has provided fine art education in the space. 
On March 12, 2020 all studio services came to a halt leaving only individual art therapy online via telehealth session. Four weekly groups of adults with intellectual and physical disabilities ceased. Open studio sessions (serving youth and adults) and Adult Insight Oriented Workshops ceased. Art viewing in the gallery space ceased. Internships and practicum experiences for individuals training to be art therapists ceased. Beth Ann has only been able to meet with a handful of clients online via telehealth sessions, however the majority of clients have had to pause in attending the studio, resulting in feelings of extreme isolation. Telehealth is not appropriate for all, some individuals need hands on support in art making. With little information about the ominous life cycle of the pandemic the studio may have to shut it’s doors or evolve. In this process there are feasible options and new endeavors possible, except that a home base/office is necessary to work from. This gofundme supports this transition and provides new services more realistic in service delivery to clients in a pandemic wise world. This multipurpose studio will serve as office space for telehealth sessions, online marketing and selling of artist work. Additionally the space would provide a place for online teaching, writing, individual art making, and art materials storage. It should be noted that this renovation is not starting from bare bones. Land for the site is already available and no charge. Art materials are already in stock and clientele are urgent to reconnect.
100th Monkey Studio was born from a story of social change adapted from the Japanese story of the 100th Monkey Phenomenon. The name spotlights social change and community spreading the importance of creativity in humankind to have the same sort of “phenomenon.” Original studio founders saw the creative process and art as a means of self-care as well as self-expression. The studio’s inclusive mission welcomes anyone into the space to come and learn from each other, while supporting and embracing each other’s unique intersections. Bringing creativity and art into people’s everyday life is still a goal, however in the 14 years the studio has existed Beth Ann came to understand the glaring lack of opportunities for individuals with disabilities (physical, intellectual, or mental health related) to participate in community events and the work force. Through partnerships with multiple agencies (Full Life, Bethesda Lutheran Communities, The Arc) the studio consistently provided opportunities for clients to make, exhibit, and sell their art. The studio also won an award for Organization of the Year in 2017 from the Arc of Multnomah County.  
Despite the engaged and loyal community and clientele, COVID-19 has resulted in a need to reassess service delivery. This includes relocation and redesigning methods of providing services that will ensure safety for clients and practitioners against the spread of COVID-19. Funding would allow services to resume in a capacity that ensures the continued wellness of studio patrons. This gofundme includes future opportunities for these artists to resume making, exhibiting, and selling their art again but even on a larger scale. It has the potential to provide additional income to individuals living on a fixed income. This also includes the services of a licensed certified art therapist. One with specialized training and over 20 years of experience providing certified art therapy services.
Please consider supporting this project so the studio mission can continue to support underserved artists.