Studio Channel Islands

CSU Channel Islands

ART 499 – Arts Capstone Project University / Course

Course Instructor: Christophe Bourely

Description
Hours: One hour seminar and two hours field work per week Prerequisite: Senior Standing, portfolio review and consent of the instructor Description: A culminating interdisciplinary experience in which students from various Art disciplines work in groups with fellow artists, non-art majors and community members on projects specifically designed to meet a common goal. Activities supervised by sponsoring faculty are executed on campus and/or on-site in conjunction with community organizations or businesses.

Community Organization: Studio Channel Islands

Studio Channel Islands is located in Old Town Camarillo, easily accessed via public transport or by car. It includes an art gallery, artist studio complex and a performing and literary arts program. The organization offers a year-round visual arts education program, community events and festivals.

Opportunities for Capstone Project at Studio Channel Islands

Click on the ► icon for more information about each project. Opportunities are available for Gallery Projects, Education Projects, Media Projects, and Studio Projects

Gallery Projects

Gallery Programming

1A.  Digital Catalog: Prepare a digital catalog for Taft Garden Partnership

Days: Su M Tu W Th F Sa
Times: 9:30 am – 5:00 pm
Dates: 2/17/25 – 5/31/25

  • Work with 70 artists to gather curatorial statements, develop a digital catalog of images, create social media content and support web content to drive traffic to the digital catalog.
  • Site visits to artists studios, Taft Gardens site and work with partners to curate additional content.
  • Create media for the Summer event program, artists talks, workshops and performances to drive attendance.
Register Interest
 
1B.  Performance Art Event Support: Assist with upcoming performance art event including marketing, installation setup, event support, and project documentation.

Days: Su M Tu W Th F Sa
Times: 9:30 am – 5:00 pm
Dates: 2/17/25 – 4/30/25

  • Work with the artist, plus other partners to engage the creative community in learning about the project and preparing for participation
  • Support the artist to deliver the event (including building the installation and managing the visitors on April 4, documenting the performance and working with the artist after the event to create web content and social media content.
  • Work with the lead artist plus others to create an strategy that engages as wide a group of people in participating as possible. Create a media plan to disseminate invitations to participate, work with other arts organizations to connect with creatives, and support the gathering of materials prior to the event.
  • Work with the artist in the week running up to the event to create the installation, troubleshoot the build, set up the recording technology and work with the gallery to manage the attendees during the event.
  • Record and edit materials together to document the performance and deliver the post event media plan.
Register Interest
 
1C.  Arts Conference: Work with the Re-Frame Conference committee to promote the conference, support the delivery of the conference on the day (April 6) and support the documentation and post event work.

Days: Su M Tu W Th F Sa
Times: 9:30 am – 5:00 pm
Dates: 2/17/25 – 4/30/25

  • Work with the Re-Frame Conference committee to promote the conference through various networks and channels.
  • Support the Conference Committee to gather speaker biographies, and create media content to connect with the creative community.
  • Support the promotion of the conference and monitor ticket sales. Report back to the committee on marketing actions.
  • Work with the committee to manage the delivery of the event and take part in the post event evaluation and planning.
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    Register Interest

    Community Engagement

    2A.  Public Art Talks: Public Art Talks at the Library

    Days: Su M Tu W Th F Sa
    Times: 9:30 am – 5:00 pm
    Dates: 2/17/25 – 5/31/25

    • Work with five artists to create marketing materials for their talks, work with the venue to promote the talks, take pictures from the talks and create web content to record the project.
    Register Interest

    Education Projects

    Children’s Art Classes

    3A.  Art After School Teaching Artist Support: Support teaching artists to deliver art classes for children aged 6 to 11

    Days: Su M Tu W Th F Sa
    Times: 3:30 pm – 6:30 pm
    Dates: 2/25/25 – 5/7/25

    • Work with teaching artists to prepare the classroom, support children’s learning, and engagement with the creative program.
    • Clear up after the class has finished and prepare materials for subsequent class.
    • Student will learn how to create education programs, classroom management and how to research exciting and innovative projects.
    Register Interest

    Studio Projects

    Judith Hopkins Website   Contact

    4A.  Marketing Project: Assist in the development of marketing strategies to increase visibility and expand audience and create digital content for social media to expand audience.

    Days: Su M Tu W Th F Sa
    Times: 1:00 pm – 6:00 pm
    Dates: 2/17/25 – 5/31/25

    • Research various exhibition venues such as commercial galleries, artist run galleries, community galleries, galleries within educational institutions and other potential venues within the community to exhibit work.
    • Research websites that sell art works online
    • Develop social media strategies and content to expand audience.
    Register Interest

    Andy Lepe Website   Contact

    5A.  Photograph Artwork Project: Document Artwork and improve website design

    Days: Su M Tu W Th F Sa
    Times: 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
    Dates: 2/17/25 – 4/30/25

    • Take professional photos of my artwork and me in the studio.
    • Edit and optimize photos for web use.
    • Upload artwork to the website with updated descriptions, dimensions, and pricing.
    • Improve the website’s gallery layout for better organization and navigation.
    • Update the “About Me” page with fresh content and photos to reflect my personal brand.
    Register Interest
     
    5B.  Social Media Project: Document the artist and studio; create and execute social media strategy.

    Days: Su M Tu W Th F Sa
    Times: 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
    Dates: 2/17/25 – 5/31/25

    • Assist in developing a social media strategy that showcases my artwork, creative process, and personal brand. This will include creating content pillars, producing visually engaging posts, and analyzing audience engagement. The goal is to build a cohesive and impactful online presence.
    Register Interest
     
    5C.  Prepare for Art Fairs: Prepare for two upcoming art fairs by creating a comprehensive checklist, designing materials, organizing key details, and developing strategies for booth engagement.

    Days: Su M Tu W Th F Sa
    Times: 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
    Dates: 2/17/25 – 3/30/25

    • This project provides an in-depth look at the behind-the-scenes work required for a successful art fair. The student will gain hands-on experience in event preparation, from designing artwork labels and creating digital portfolios to organizing booth layouts and developing engagement strategies. They’ll also learn about marketing techniques like QR codes, mailing lists, and effective follow-ups that are essential for building relationships with art buyers. By working directly with an artist, they’ll develop valuable skills in branding, logistics, and customer interaction, all while contributing to the success of two art fairs. This experience will enhance their understanding of the business side of art, preparing them for future opportunities in creative industries.
    Register Interest

    Elizabeth Souza Website   Contact

    6A.  Studio Preparation: Stretch canvases, prepare paint, work alongside the artists to create work. Some critique of students own work.

    Days: Su M Tu W Th F Sa
    Times: Open
    Dates: 2/17/25 – 2/28/25

    • Organize some of the supplies and pieces. Help preparing the studio for display. Stretch canvases and paper.
    • Opportunity for student to paint alongside me in the studio. I’m interested in fostering young artists, I enjoy a young person’s perspective on the world and art. As a University professor I can offer critiquing of students work.

    Linda Legman Website   Contact

    7A.  Marketing to Galleries: Marketing artwork to brick and mortar art galleries. Learn how to set up a studio, research subject matter from reliable sources, organize time and interact with collectors.

    Days: Su M Tu W Th F Sa
    Times: Open
    Dates: 2/17/25 – 5/31/25

    • Marketing artwork to brick and mortar art galleries that focus on figurative art that addresses environmental and social issues; especially endangered species and historically significant women.
    • I want a student interested in learning how to set up a studio, research subject matter from reliable sources, organize their time and be able to interact with collectors.
    • I am an environmentalist and a social activist who uses art to heighten awareness. My art always has a story behind it. Some things are ugly in life and yet art can address that ugliness through a beautiful image the invokes thoughtfulness and joy in the viewer. I believe that art can change the world.
    Register Interest

    Elana Kundell Website   Contact

    8A.  Proposing Exhibitions and applying for grant support: Collaborate with artist in developing proposals and supporting materials for exhibition opportunities, grants and residencies.

    Days: Su M Tu W Th F Sa
    Times: Mon, Tues, Sun: 3:30/4pm – 5:30pm. Evening times possible. Please reach out and ask.
    Dates: 2/17/25 – 5/31/25

    • Student will collaborate with artist in developing proposals and supporting materials for exhibition opportunities at museums and non-profit institutions in California, as well as grants and residencies. Student will also assist in the preparation of a cohesive body of work to be exhibited during Open Studios the first Saturday in May.
    • Tasks include assisting with visual and written materials for proposals, researching institutions, grants and residencies with the support and guidance of artist, and engaging in creative brainstorming for the project based on student’s skillset.
    • Other tasks: assisting in set up of studio, critical thinking in selecting artwork for proposals and exhibit, and assisting in the preparation and installation of the exhibition in May. Student may work alongside artist in developing the body of work.
    Register Interest
     
    8B.  Education Research: Creation of online teaching materials

    Days: Su M Tu W Th F Sa
    Times: Mon, Tues, Sun: 3:30/4pm – 5:30pm. Evening times possible. Please reach out and ask.
    Dates: 2/17/25 – 5/31/25

    • Develop the concepts for online teaching programs, gather resources and develop curricula.
    Register Interest

    Mollie Doctrow Website   Contact

    9A.  Printmaking Project: Student will complete printmaking learning tasks, including mixing ink, registering prints on paper, hand printing and using the hand press, cutting paper and packaging artwork. Student will print cards and small blocks for display and sales.

    Days: Su M Tu W Th F Sa
    Times: 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm
    Dates: 5/1/25 – 5/31/25

    • Student will learn about Relief Printmaking and professional art studio practices. Tasks will include the following:
      1. Learn to print small woodblocks and linocuts by hand
      2. Learn to print small relief blocks with the Woodzilla Hand Press
      3. Learn to mix ink and and ink blocks
      4. Learn to register blocks. Students will use rulers and exacto knife.
      5. Learn safe clean-up practices.
      6. Learn to package prints for display and sales.
    Register Interest

    Julia Pinkham Website   Contact

    10A.  Exhibition Preparation: Assist with studio preparations and inventory, curation and installation for gallery exhibitions, create press releases and social media content.

    Days: Su M Tu W Th F Sa
    Times: 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
    Dates: 2/17/25 – 5/31/25

    • The student would be required to become familiar with the artist’s work by helping inventory a number of finished paintings in studio.
    • Student would assist with stretching and priming canvases for the exhibit.
    • Student would help curate the final pieces for the exhibit based on their familiarity with the works to date and assist in the installation of the work in the gallery.
    • The student would write press releases for the exhibition as well as create postings on Instagram and other social media.
    Register Interest