At The Studio, it’s not just about what you do, but who you will become. We partner creative community members with teens to help push their creativity to new bounds. These creation labs are places where teens are connected to tools to express their creativity – whether they want to be performers, designers, filmmakers or sportscasters.

Anythink’s digital learning lab, The Studio at Anythink Wright Farms, is a place where teens can hang out, mess around and geek out with the latest in digital technology. Students engage with each other, community artists and entrepreneurs in workshops emphasizing creativity. In addition to innovative programming, teens also have free access to the tools needed to fuel their passions. This includes video production equipment, an audio recording studio, gaming computers, video game creation software and graphic design and photo-editing software.

The Studio also describes Anythink’s overall approach to hands-on, participatory programming. Projects like Explore Outdoors, community gardens and Anythink’s mySummer program all encompass what The Studio is all about – providing opportunities for community members to explore their creativity, sense of discovery and connect with others.

Teens regularly meet with Artists in Residence after school at Anythink Wright Farms to work on projects that include graphic and industrial design, writing and recording music, and screenwriting.

One of the most important outcomes of The Studio program is providing opportunities for teens to experience support for their boundless creativity. They learn science, technology, engineering, arts and math concepts through their projects. The Studio also supports teens in learning the 21st century skills of collaboration, communication, creativity and critical thinking – skills necessary to help solve the problems of the future.

Teens in The Studio work on a wide range of projects. Working with an industrial designer, one group learned how to create a deliverable product using tools and supplies in a unique way. They then learned how to mass-produce products, factoring in cost and time estimates.

A local graphic designer taught students how to create polished and professional original logos.

A professional musician worked with a sixth-grade heavy metal guitarist and a group of high school rappers. By collaborating, they produced an original piece of music merging their two styles of music and, most importantly, created a friendship that has lasted long after their studio time.

Another group of students has been writing plays and short film scripts with the help of a local screenwriter, with plans to create a short film this summer.

Not only do the students now have finished products, they gain a sense of accomplishment and pride through the act of learning and creation: www.anythinklibraries.org/thestudio.