For an "Outside The Box" ART Experience

 Tracy C. Hagan - Owner/Art Instructor

Coiled Whimsical Beehive Houses & Pinch-Pot Pear

  I opened OTB Studio September 29th, 2007, in downtown Franklin, NC.   On the day after my 40th birthday, I embarked upon a journey into small business ownership.  Wow, what a leap of faith for a wife, mother, full-time teacher and art lover.   Luckily I had the knowledge and skill that comes with teaching art in the public school system for nine plus years.  I am in my sixth year as the art teacher for Macon Middle School.   I earned my Bachelor of Fine Arts in Education degree from Georgia State University and I hold a valid NC Teaching Certificate.   I continue to nourish my own creative spirit by enrolling in classes myself.  Since my art passion leans toward the sculptural side,  I have been taking classes in metal working and enameling.  I have such a variety of interests that I can become consumed with any medium at any given time.  

Opening OTB Studio is an idea I have had for some time and is now a reality that must be cultivated.  Class sizes are limited to six students which results in a more successful learning experience.  OTB is for students who have the desire to learn and the willingness to give it their best.  The Student Art Gallery page features photographs of student work. 

OTB Studio is now operated out of my home which is located in the Iotla community.  Directions are located on the Contact page of this site. 

Art is a bridge that connects us to one another.  It transcends language barriers and finds common ground through the use of line, shape, color, space and form.  Art is a language without words - it speaks to the spirit.  Artists search for themselves in their work.  Artist are problem solvers who use instinct, skill, knowledge, flexibility and passion to communicate. 

But now, O LORD, You are the Father, We are the clay, and You our potter;  And all of us are the work of Your hand.

Isaiah 64:8