Powering Creativity Across the Wiregrass

By: Mark Kelly

In today’s world, it’s more important than ever for teenagers navigating the path to adulthood to develop communications and problem-solving skills — and the self-confidence that comes with them. Cultivating those and other abilities essential for personal growth and well-being is the mission of Studio 126, a free after-school program of the Wiregrass Museum of Art.

While helping kids ages 13-18 develop their skills, Studio 126 also enhances artistic abilities, encourages creative expression, and contributes to meaningful connection with peers and mentors. Guided by experienced artists in a supportive studio environment, participating students learn foundational techniques in a variety of media, discover new tools, and work on projects both independently and with other students.

During the 2025-2026 school year — the program’s second year — a total of 33 students representing 20 public, private, and homeschool programs across Houston, Geneva, Coffee, Dale, and Henry counties, received free weekly instruction at the Wiregrass Museum. They explored drawing, painting, sculpture, mixed media, 2D and 3D art, and mural-making.

In addition to creating art, the students learned to develop artist statements and biographies, curate a portfolio, present their art professionally. As a class project, the students collaborated with professional artist Sarah Painter to create a permanent mural on the museum’s lower level. The year concluded with a student-hosted art show that highlighted growth and achievements.

During its initial year of operation in 2024-2025, Studio 126 defrayed some expenses by charging students $5 per week to participate. Programming for 2025-2026 was made available free of charge through a grant from the Alabama Power Foundation, which recently awarded a second round of funding for the 2026-2027 school year now underway. The grant will help cover the costs of materials, staffing, and studio operations.

Having the Alabama Power Foundation grant renewed for a second year affirms the impact Studio 126 is having on young people, said Dana-Marie Lemmer, executive director of the Wiregrass Museum of Art.

“For many students,” said Lemmer, “this program is much more than an art class. It is a place where they feel accepted, challenged, inspired, and empowered to discover their own creative voice.

“We are deeply grateful to the Alabama Power Foundation for investing in the future of our youth in the Wiregrass region.” 

Building on the momentum created last school year, the 2026-2027 program seeks to expand the impact of Studio 126. That includes four key elements:

• Supporting students in their pursuit of college admissions and scholarship applications by working with them to develop professional art portfolios;
• Increasing opportunities for local and visiting artist workshops, modeled on the successful artist collaboration on the mural project; this year, students will be able to apply their skills to a project to benefit the community, revamping boxes the local library system maintains to provide free art supplies for children;
• Introducing large-scale group projects to encourage team building and promote critical thinking; students will also engage in a functional art challenge, using cardboard to engineer and create pieces ranging from sculptures to furniture to art frames.
• Building on the studio’s flexible, student-led structure that allows for experimentation with various materials and media, students will continue to receive mentorship for regional competitions; as in 2025-2026, they will also participate in — and curate — an exhibit of their art at the end of the school year.

“Studio 126 is an important and impactful program,” said Staci Brown Brooks, vice president of charitable giving at Alabama Power and president of the Foundation. “We are pleased to continue our support of this very meaningful effort to help Alabama children fulfill their potential.”

Removing financial barriers and encouraging youth initiative and leadership, Studio 126 cultivates creativity, personal growth, and a sense of belonging, said Joan McDonald, director of development for the Wiregrass Museum. That’s important for an age group that often lacks access to structured creative activities, she noted.

“This program fills a vital gap,” said McDonald. “This is an age group that often lacks sufficient access to structured creative activities and where they can interact with peers and friends in a safe, inclusive setting. Studio 126 is a way of meeting that need.

“We’re seeing a profound impact, and we want to see that impact keep growing.”

To sustain Studio 126 over the long term, the Wiregrass Museum is working to expand its base of local and regional support. The growth plan anticipates continuing to build the program through a combination of grants, community partnerships, and active donor engagement, establishing Studio 126 as a permanent offering in the museum’s youth education programming.