TOS thrives on the energy and enthusiasm of volunteers
Our volunteers have spirit!
We are always OPEN.
Give us a call or stop by. 941-681-2782
From grant writing to garden watering, there are many ways you can show your support for The Open Studio - an integral part of Englewood, Florida's Arts Overlay District. Meet new people, learn something new, perfect your skills, be a part of encouraging healthy living and creativity.
a forum for learning & teaching
an incubator for artists & entrepreneurs
TOS MISSION STATEMENT
The Open Studio is a member-based not-for-profit organization founded to support and encourage the creative spirit in people of all ages and abilities. We provide space and equipment for artists, teachers and entrepreneurs with new small business ideas. We provide member mentors and classes in those and related areas, such as, the business of art, stress management, addressing creative blocks and distractions, money management, organizational strategies, guest artists and speakers for inspiration and entertainment. The Open Studio offers workshops and retreats for members and guests and both indoor and outdoor display areas for member creations.
We support reducing our carbon footprint upon the earth and sustainable practices that protect or rebuild our natural environment and will operate from these principles by offering programs in sustainable and organic gardening and raising member awareness through recycling and reuse practices, organic maintenance programs for buildings and surrounding grounds, examples of xeroscopic and native landscaping and organic gardens on site and member agreements to promote and support these principles.
The Open Studio will not be limited to these activities but will remain open to changing to meet the needs of our community through any offerings compatible with it’s mission statement and allowed by law.
The Open Studio is two things. First and foremost, it is a facility that is meant to serve our community. We want you to be able to come here and find something that interests or excites you in some way. If you don't, let us know, and we'll try to add it. We are a place where you can offer what interests or excites you to others. We are a place of exchanging skills and interests, where people can meet, share, perhaps ask questions and get answers about how to do or change something in their life or test out the reception to a new idea or small business. We are not-for-profit and totally volunteer.....so it's everyone's place and you can be involved as much as you want.
Secondly, it is a work in progress. We will never "be done". The facility itself has the potential to be much more than it is now and programming can be endless, including longer workshops and retreats. If we run out of room, we'll find more. We need to begin writing grants and doing fundraisers. We have offers from other groups in town to collaborate on events. But to do any of those things, we need help. So, please, join us. If you have a skill or a bit of time that can help us keep moving forward, don't be shy. The Open Studio needs you. We also need donations of every sort, so please think of us.
Wish List
sewing machines, solder iron, extension cords, smocks or button down shirts, office supplies, art supplies, organic compost material, volunteers, pottery supplies, garden tools, tarps, plant stakes, building materials, paint, wood, power tools...
Volunteers Need For:
Grant writing, garden watering, weeding, planting, painting, cleaning, data entry, photographers, flier distribution, greeters, fundraising, marketing, community outreach, community education.
