Sticks and Stones Studio is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing children from low income and rural backgrounds with access to enriching artistic experiences.

Creating art is fundamental to children’s development as it allows them to process their perceptions of the world, express their thoughts and emotions, and communicate complex ideas. Through art, children can transform their ideas into tangible forms, articulate their deepest feelings, and cultivate resilience by embracing innovation and critical thinking in the face of challenges. Sticks and Stones is dedicated to creating a space for artistic exploration regardless of socioeconomic status for the children in the Applegate Valley community.

In-school art programs in Southern Oregon Schools are strained due to lack of funding and prioritization of standardized test scores. Many have been eliminated entirely. This has resulted in a fragmented arts education landscape with inequity in the access to quality art ed programs. This is where Sticks and Stones Studio comes in. By offering art electives, workshops, and after school art clubs free of cost we help bridge the opportunity gap children from low income and rural families experience. By collaborating with local schools such as Ruch Outdoor Community School, we are able to address local needs regarding arts education access.