Arts+

Studio 345 is a free youth development program that uses Digital Photography, Digital Media Arts, and Multimedia Design to educate and inspire students to stay in school, graduate, and pursue goals beyond high school. 

A new year of Studio 345 is here! Registration for the second trimester opens December 1 and classes begin January 10. Note that all classes are online until further notice.  

1st Trimester - October 4, 2021 - December 9, 2021

2nd Trimester - January 10, 2022 - March 17, 2022

3rd Trimester - March 19, 2022 - June 2, 2022

Contact Angela Grauel at agrauel@artsplus.org for general information about Studio 345 or details about enrollment.

Are you eligible? All Charlotte-Mecklenburg County School students in Grades 9-12 with an interest in digital crafts are welcome to place their names in the lottery system for the course(s) of their choice.

What is Studio 345?

Founded eight years ago by the Arts and Science Council, Studio 345 was started to promote youth arts education. The program moved to be part of Arts+’s program offerings for the 2020-2021 year.

Through Studio 345, Arts+ carries out its mission to make high-quality arts education accessible to all Charlotteans.

Providing unique experiences for high school students in Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools, Studio 345 fosters a sense of belonging and interconnectedness and provides an avenue for students to build social capital. Taught and mentored by professional working artists who are part of the Charlotte artist community, students gain invaluable experiences enabling them to become creative risk-takers and craftsmen while growing emotionally, intellectually, and artistically.

A Proven Model

Inspired by Bill Strickland’s belief that environment shapes behavior, classes are held in contemporary studios and equipped with state-of-the-art technology and complimented with experiences in the community, workplace, and higher education. Since 1972, Manchester Bidwell, founded by Strickland, has attracted national attention for its youth development program.