The new location for art co-op The Studio Cedar Park has allowed the business to make room for new classes and dedicated evenings for patrons to socialize while making art. The Studio moved to its new location at the beginning of August, and with 4,000 square feet of space, the business is introducing new classes, such as rhythm and movement for preschool-aged children, yoga and classes for basic computer use as well as 3-D modeling, said Joseph Fiacco, founder of The Studio. Instructors not only want to teach their students music and art, but also life skills, he said. “There are so many things you can learn by doing music and art,” he said. “Through the creative process they learn problem-solving, and it helps them develop strong solutions. But there is also a social aspect; they learn how to interact with others.” The new space also includes a stage that is used for painting classes and events. “We have an open studio on Friday nights with live music,” he said. “You can come in and listen to music. All the art supplies will be out. You can sit down and draw, sculpt, socialize. It’s just a place for people to come and hang out.” On Thursday nights, costumed live models are on stage for artists to paint. Models dress up in costumes to resemble dancers, skiers or bodybuilders, for example. Soon the business plans to offer a combination of instructed and uninstructed drawing lessons, Fiacco said. Suzy Jenkins, mother of students Matthew, 14, and Rachel, 10, have been taking art classes at The Studio for six years. “They love it,” Jenkins said. “I like the role model that Mr. Joe [Fiacco] displays for the children. I like the instruction and the patience he has at the different age levels. And I love the paintings that I can display in my house. I have most of their paintings on my walls.”

Art offerings include

● Drawing ● Painting ● Sculpture ● Ceramics ● Sewing ● Piano ● Guitar ● Sitar ● Violin ● Rhythm and movement for preschool-aged children ● Drums ● Voice ● Computer classes ● Digital art ● Yoga ● 3-D modeling ● Custom painting of pianos ● Open painting ● Music and painting