History of studio

Studio By The Tracks (SBTT) is a non-profit organization that was formed in 1989 to provide free art classes to emotionally conflicted children and adolescents. The staff at SBTT believes that artistic expression is one of the most effective ways to reach these "high risk" children. Many of these young people have been abused, or have had problems with drugs and alcohol, resulting in school failures. When these children arrive at The Studio they discover endless opportunities to explore art. The staff and volunteers use age-appropriate instructions in various art media to provide healthy channels for expressing feelings. There are no failures in the program: Everyone's art is affirmed and encouraged. Studio By The Tracks strives to replace negative self-images, with positive ones through visual art instruction.

The staff and volunteers at Studio By The Tracks also work with 20 autist adults. In many ways, the birth of SBTT itself had its roots in Ila Faye Miller's (Studio By The Tracks Director) work with autistic children from Glenwood Mental Health Services. She and a friend decided that troubled children, as well as individuals with autism needed a place to go to make art. The answer happened to lie within the walls of a converted gas station nestled between the railroad tracks of Irondale,AL. In 1989, Studio By The Tracks was born and the positive impact that the studio has had on the community, as well as anyone who has visited, volunteered, or taken part in any of the programs offered there is nothing short of a miracle.

Each year the studio takes part in the Irondale Whistlestop Festival which has featured the work of the autistic adults on its T-shirts. The studio also sells Christmas ornaments at its December open house, and holds a yearly benefit called "Art From The Heart" where artwork from the children and adults is exhibited and auctioned to help raise funds to support the activities offered by the studio to these very special and talented individuals. The studio also offers art classes to the public, both children and adults, for a fee. Instructions for these classes are provided by some of Alabama's finest artists

Back to main page