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← Back
  • Learn

    Closed Tuesday

    • Artists in the Schools
    • Classes & Workshops
    • Creative Camps for Youth
    • Scheduled Access
    • Social Distance Studio
    • THE STUDIO
  • Exhibitions

    Closed Tuesday

    • Chalk Murals
    • Community Gallery
    • Exhibition Programs
    • THE EXPERIENCE: IMAGINE
    • THE GALLERY
  • Partnerships

    Closed Tuesday

    • Advocacy
    • Any Given Child-Tulsa
    • Artists in the Community
    • Creative Classroom Institute
    • The Council
    • Partner with Us
  • Artists

    Closed Tuesday

    • Artist INC
    • Artist Services
    • Call to Artists
    • Call to Teaching Artists
    • COVID-19 Arts Resources
  • Events

    Closed Tuesday

    • ahha Events
    • Creative Team Building
    • DJ noname. Residency
    • Facility Rental
    • Studio Soirées
    • Tulsa Mayfest
  • About

    Closed Tuesday

    • About
    • Board & Staff
    • Contact
    • Financial Information
  • Join & Support

    Closed Tuesday

    • Donate
    • Membership
    • Planned Giving
  • Visit

    Closed Tuesday

    • Accessibility
    • Gift Shop
    • Group Tours
    • Plan Your Visit
Learn

THE STUDIO

Drop-in Creative Exploration and Discovery

THE STUDIO is a space that invites ahha visitors to think like artists through open-
ended creative exploration and discovery. In THE STUDIO, visitors select their own
materials from a wide array of possibilities, generate their own ideas, and execute
their own unique creative products. STUDIO Ambassadors act as guides for
technical support and Creative Challenges are available for visitors who need help
getting started.

The STUDIO is open during public hours and is included with admission (member
admission is always free!). Children must be accompanied by an adult.

What's happening in THE STUDIO

We are celebrating Pride Month with rainbow materials and the below activities!

Psychedelic Pride Flags – Use material provided to create your own flag for PRIDE!

“My Pride Soars” Wings – Create a unique feather with an inspirational message to add to our collaborative project. Don’t forget to take your photo!

Outdoor Rainbow – Participate in our outdoor rainbow installation by tying colorful ribbons to the outside of our third floor terrace. Show a Pride rainbow to downtown Tulsa!

All activities in THE STUDIO are included with general admission.

Call for Interesting Objects

THE STUDIO at ahha Tulsa is asking for your extra stuff you want to get rid of! Help us have more supplies available for EVERYONE to create this summer! Email our STUDIO Coordinator, Mery McNett at labs@ahhatulsa.org if you’d like to donate!

Things we are looking for:

Recyclables:

  • Clear plastic water bottles
  • Plastic jugs (Laundry detergent, beverage)
  • 2 liter soda bottles (bonus for green ones!)
  • Wine corks
  • Soda cans
  • Paper towel cardboard rolls
  • Egg cartons
  • Bottle caps
  • Plastic cutlery
  • Plastic cups
  • Straws
  • Bubblewrap

Art Supplies:

  • Yarn
  • Pipe Cleaners
  • Beads
  • Puff balls
  • Googly eyes
  • Craft sticks
  • Paper (construction, drawing)
  • Ribbon

Other interesting objects:

  • CDs & DVDs and cases
  • Electronics like old computer parts & keyboards
  • Cotton Balls
  • Faux flowers
  • Buttons
  • Small wood scraps
  • Shiny and sparkly party decor (table cloths, tinsel, etc)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is THE STUDIO?

THE STUDIO is a space that invites visitors to think like artists through open-ended creative exploration and discovery. In THE STUDIO, visitors select their own materials from a wide array of possibilities, generate their own ideas, and execute their own unique creative products.

What happens when I visit THE STUDIO?

When you arrive in THE STUDIO, you will be greeted by an ahha Studio Ambassador (a trained facilitator) who will provide you with a quick introduction to the space. From there, you can explore creative challenges, engage with a variety of traditional and non-traditional art making materials, and try out new art making techniques. The creative possibilities in THE STUDIO are endless.

What is a creative challenge?

Creative challenges are open-ended prompts designed to spark imagination. They are often playful or contain unexpected juxtapositions. For example, “Design a zoo on Mars.” 

Why do you use an open-ended approach to learning in THE STUDIO?

Our mission at ahha is to cultivate a more creative Tulsa. Research has shown that using an open-ended approach to learning fosters a culture of creative thinking and problem solving. While fun and playful, creative challenges prompt participants to think creatively, build comfort with ambiguity, test new ideas, and represent thoughts in different ways – all building blocks of creativity. Additionally, research has shown that creativity is a skill that can be developed. The more creativity is practiced, the more creative a person becomes. THE STUDIO is an ideal space for people of all ages to built their creativity. 

Are there extra fees to use THE STUDIO?

THE STUDIO is open and accessible during public hours and is included with regular admission.

Is THE STUDIO just for children/families?

Everyone is welcome in THE STUDIO! Creative exploration is fun and appropriate for all ages. Research has shown that open-ended play is essential in the development of creativity in both children and adults.

Does THE STUDIO have core values?

Yes! These core values are:

Ambiguity

We value “figuring out” possibilities over “being told what to do.”

We embrace ambiguity as a given and see it as an opportunity to explore questions and ideas. We understand that ambiguity can be uncomfortable but that openly engaging in uncertain situations can result in important creative discoveries.

Imagination and Curiosity

We value imagination and curiosity as part of our culture. THE STUDIO was developed to allow visitors to investigate interests, ideas, and/or questions. Each encounter with the space is primarily driven by our visitors.

Reflection and Revision

We value “smart” risk taking as a necessary aspect of creative thinking. We encourage comfort with acknowledging failures and the fortitude to move past them. Challenges are valued as opportunities for growth.

Play

Visitors engage in play with an intense focus, and we take seriously the resulting creative processes and products.  Studio Ambassadors help guide visitors to pursue deep creative engagement.

Experimentation

We value experimenting with a variety of media when pursuing the manifestation of an idea. Visitors drive their own exploration of new media, seeking out facilitators for technical support.

Idea Generation

We consistently use the language of idea generation and development, including conditional language and “what if…” to spark imagination and refine ideas. Visitors employ critical and creative thinking skills to evaluate, select, and execute their ideas.

Can I host a birthday party or small celebration in THE STUDIO?

Yes! We offer many party options that include space rental, private classes, and access to ahha exhibitions. Learn more on this page under the section header STUDIO Soirées. 

Celebrate creatively

STUDIO Soirées

Host your next birthday party or small celebration in The STUDIO. Each STUDIO Soirée features a private party room, admission to ahha for all attendees, and an artist-led, hands-on activity for artists ages 1-100.

Learn more on our Studio Soiree page. 

Interested in a larger event? Visit our Facility Rental page.

Party supplies and pink, sprinkled donuts

Contact Us

learn@ahhatulsa.org

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