Connect the Dots Art Studio recently wrapped up an inspiring week of creativity at The Branson School with our Hands On. Phones Down. summer art session for middle and high school students.
It was a joy to spend the week with such an enthusiastic, curious, and talented group of young artists. Throughout the class, students unplugged from their screens and immersed themselves in hands-on creative exploration, discovering new materials, techniques, and ways of seeing.
Over the course of the week, students explored water-based media, color theory, expressive mark-making, handmade brushes, suminagashi (the Japanese art of floating ink on water), watercolor techniques, mounting artwork on wood panels, and creating their own handmade accordion books.
More importantly, they embraced the creative process itself—taking risks, experimenting, collaborating, supporting one another, and developing confidence in their unique artistic voices. The studio was filled with curiosity, laughter, focused attention, and a willingness to try something new.
As artist-educators, one of the most rewarding parts of the week was watching students discover that creativity isn’t about perfection—it’s about exploration, connection, and finding joy in the process.
Connect the Dots Art Studio, co-directed by artists Barbara Libby-Steinmann and Anna Rochester, is a Marin County nonprofit dedicated to bringing people together through collaborative, hands-on art experiences that foster creativity, connection, and community.
We are deeply grateful to The Branson School for partnering with us and helping make this program possible. We also extend our heartfelt thanks to the students and families who entrusted us with this creative journey. Your enthusiasm, support, and willingness to explore made the week truly special.
We’ve been sharing highlights from the class on Instagram, including photos and videos of students at work and their finished artwork. We invite you to follow along and celebrate their creative accomplishments:
Instagram:
@connectthedotsartstudio
@barbaralibbysteinmann
@anna.112studio
We hope this experience inspires these young artists to continue making, experimenting, and creating. We look forward to welcoming many of them back for future Connect the Dots workshops, community art projects, and exhibitions.
Thank you for helping us build a more creative and connected community—one brushstroke at a time.y of Art, Nature & Connection
