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Tuk Tak Studio
Bengali words translating to this and that, give meaning to the daily workings of this studio.
A little of this and and a little of that!
As in the name, the ideas for Tuk Tak Studio have been integrated from different aspects of the artist/owner’s life. Her Indian, and specifically, Bengali roots informed some of the organic development of the space. Like the Alpona in the middle of the logo design.
A runny crushed rice paste is skillfully dripped along a cotton rag held in bare hands, fingers extending, kissing the floor and wrists turning. The lines quickly develop into intricate stark white designs described as spontaneous by the creator. These spontaneous ritualistic creations, passed along by women, mark the beginning of religious or social occasions and the start of a community gathering. With skill on her side Sraboni Lahiri’s free spirit marks the center here.
In keeping with the theme, Tuk Tak Studio hopes to fill creative needs of the community by offering opportunities to make meaningful art. Offerings at the studio reflect an openness for attendees diverse in age, style of learning and creative exploration. Our creative journeys will dabble in various materials and modalities, including movement, music, and writing. A private session will give you a sense of the flair. As will attending any of the online gatherings.
VISION
Exploring mindful and conscious living through various modalities
Encouraging enriching intergenerational exchange
Normalizing the value of good mental health
Tuk Tak Studio hosts community-based enrichment programs with creativity and justice at its core. Beachside Chats, started in June, 2020, at the beginning of the Black Lives Matter Movement, has been a successful in-person program that is transitioning online in November, 2020. The programs hosted at Tuk Tak Studio hopes to push boundaries and challenge the status quo in every individual to innovate psychological, social, cultural, and environmental change.
Outside of raising awareness about the environment, with programs like Matting Change, which is yet to transition into its online platform, Tuk Tak Studio is dedicated to reusing, reducing and recycling in its daily practices and project plans, whether for group or individual. We aspire to design programs and experiences that are carbon neutral while involving the community.
MISSION
Feeding creativity and imagination
Providing a safe and enriching environment
Developing a visual language for self-expression
Providing tools for internal health and self-discovery
Respecting individual perspectives and responses to art that moves
Encouraging respectful exchange between all members of the community
Providing a creative space for other teachers, artists, and healers
Working in community is another core value of Tuk Tak Studio. This is clearly reflected in the daily functionings of Tuk Tak Studio. No business functions alone. It’s the rooted connections in the community that Tuk Tak Studio relies on for its steam. It’s the neighbors who offer time and space to collaboratively create programs, or hold onto stacks of donated materials in their garage for the studio. Or the friends who sent their children for A Budding Artist sessions at Tuk Tak Studio’s conception. It’s also made of those who hold onto your packages and tell their customers about the programs upstairs. It’s mostly the consistent cycle of connections and conversations that has helped Tuk Tak Studio sustain and reinvent itself to arrive where it is today. Tuk Tak Studio is grateful for the guidance it has received and continues to receive from all different corners of its community.
Please visit our Programs page to check out what’s available to you at this time. Most recently, we’ve teamed up with local Boston artist Chick Byrne to offer Color My Numbers, an online art critique group for the professional and the amateur.
VALUES
Providing opportunities to stimulate imagination and creativity
Encouraging curiosity and reflection
Approaching living and working with integrity and consciousness
Taking the health risks posed by Covid-19 very seriously, Tuk Tak Studio has suspended all in-person gatherings until weather permits safely-distanced outdoor gatherings in the new year. All larger gatherings will take place remotely until further notice. In person gatherings will be limited to 5, including the instructor. Any small gatherings, of any one or mixed age groups, will be addressed on an individual basis. The guidelines set up for small businesses in Massachusetts is monitored and followed.
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