“Art matters,” said Kate Ransohoff. She opened her Cambridge studio Roseland to a group of artists in the early 1980s. Now you’re standing in front of Turtle Studios in Newton. It stands as a beacon of creativity and community.
Turtle Studios is not just a building. It is a testament to the power of shared artistic vision. Kate Ransohoff’s initial idea blossomed into a haven for artists of all backgrounds. The studio welcomes people of all traditions and ages. It embraces those with or without prior art experience.
In 1985, the growing group moved to Morse Street in Watertown. Then in 2000, they adopted the name Turtle Studios. They became a non-profit organization. Finally in December 2014, Turtle Studios found its current home here in Newton.
Step inside and feel the energy of a space designed for collaboration. Turtle Studios operates on four key principles. Art making matters. The person matters. Meaning matters. Deep values matter. These values create a supportive learning environment. Here the individual’s creative process is respected without judgement.
The studio’s philosophy emphasizes play. Drawing from the Summerhill pedagogic tradition, play allows exploration. It opens up a creative seed. It gives one an opportunity to suspend their habitual reality. You can step into a place where new possibilities abound. The studio encourages engagement of the senses.
Turtle Studios is a tax-exempt non-profit. It provides educational and cultural benefit to the community. Weekly workshops and public events enrich the cultural landscape. Donations help keep Turtle Studios afloat. They also fund a scholarship program. This ensures membership is accessible to a wide variety of artists.
Imagine the conversations that have sparked within these walls. Picture the friendships forged over shared canvases. Think of the countless hours spent honing skills and exploring new mediums. Turtle Studios provides a democratic artist community. It nurtures art-making and creativity in a non-competitive environment. Members share workspace and ideas. They create a community of support for their independent artistic goals.
Even during challenging times, like the COVID-19 pandemic, Turtle Studios adapted. They implemented safety protocols to allow members to continue their work. The community found new ways to connect and support each other. They remembered the importance of personal connection. They stayed in touch with friends and family.
Turtle Studios stands as a living tribute to Kate Ransohoff’s vision. It is a place where art matters. The person matters. Meaning matters. Deep values matter. As you leave Turtle Studios, carry with you the spirit of creativity. Remember the importance of community and the power of play.