Full Spectrum Studio
I am an Artist
Hilton Head Island has the only artist resource known as a Progressive Art Studio Model in the State of South Carolina. Full Spectrum Studio offers a professionally supported, multi-media art studio for artists with disabilities. Local artists are provided a career path, enhancing their self-sufficiency. This unique organization provides a venue for those individuals who declare “I am an Artist!”
The idea for this exceptional resource emerged from two mothers with young adults with disabilities. Andrea Hattler Bramson and Judy Russell met through their daughter’s participation in the Programs for Exceptional People (PEP) in Bluffton. Both of their daughters excelled as artists in this program. Andrea and Judy saw the benefit offered by PEP, but also saw its limitations. On one hand, PEP offers a variety of vocational and creative experiences for individuals. On the other hand, PEP has broad exposure to preset experiences, and it is program-led. They began to explore options to foster the creative genius in their children.
Judy and Andrea wanted a long-term, robust, yet art-focused solution for their daughters, an artist -led experience. This is the heart of the Progressive Art Studio Model. In this model, the artist chooses the medium, develops technical skills and advances their creative process to produce distinctive, original art. Learning from PEP and other art studios across the country, Full Spectrum Studio was born. It is a non-profit 501c3 serving families and individuals with disabilities in the greater Hilton Head and Bluffton area.
Full Spectrum Studio began in a garage with 2 artists, and a vision to attract and serve a larger population. The studio now occupies a 3,300 square foot fully equipped art studio at 33 Bow Circle on Hilton Head. Presently, there are 7 permanent artists-in -residence at the studio, creating works in ceramics, weaving and fibers, painting, stained-glass and fused glass. These artists are also members of the Art League of Hilton Head. Their creations can be seen and purchased at local and regional markets, art festivals, juried exhibits, as well as the studio showroom on Bow Circle.
The artists are supported by Danielle Keller, the Studio Manager, a SCAD graduate in painting, and Kara Artman, the Studio Art Director, a local ceramic artist and graduate of The Art Institute of Chicago. In addition, volunteers offer specialized and general assistance on matters ranging from artistic expertise to facilities management and operational support.
The Mission of Full Spectrum Studio is to bring artists with disabilities fully into the art community as peers and colleagues. Being a full-time artist in a community fosters interpersonal connection. Individual development is nurtured through peer-critique and the evolution of skills and outcomes. Selling their art through participation in community markets develops interpersonal skills and enhances the social engagement experience of the artists.
Andrea and Judy have created a community that has been transformative for the current and future lives of the artists at Full Spectrum. Andrea sums it up like this: “We are inspired by our artists, and want them to have a place where they are supported and respected as artists. Now the Low Country has a studio space dedicated to and for artists with disabilities. The Full Spectrum Studio is where artists can envision, produce, create, and sell their artistic creations,”
Andrea and Judy have paid forward, creating a career opportunity for individuals with disabilities and the pay-back is immeasurable. Perhaps you know an individual with disabilities that is seeking a rewarding life experience through artistic expression. A visit to Full Spectrum Studio to explore the possibilities is an easy first step.
You also can participate in this unique community resource in several ways. Full Spectrum Studio is always in need of volunteers on both the artistic and operational side of the facility. As an example, they need a Floorist – someone to periodically clean the floors in the ceramic studio. Donations of time and dollars are always accepted with gratitude. Stop in to meet the artists, and speak with Andrea or Judy about how your talents and time might produce a mutually rewarding experience.
Additionally, one of the greatest rewards and confidence booster for an artist is to have someone purchase their art. You can purchase original, hand-crafted art at the Hilton Head Community Market at Shelter Cove, the Farmers Market and the Art Fair at the Coastal Discovery Museum at Honey Horn, The Art League of Hilton Head Gallery, as well as in the gallery space at Full Spectrum. Your support of these local artists is a positive way to pay forward by giving back.