Business Type Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation

NAICS Code 71

Location 121 W. Center St. Whitewater, WI, 53190

Nearby Businesses Gus’s Pizza Palace, Salvo’s Coyote Grill, K-9 Hair Care

Owner/Manager Deborah Blackwell

Special Store Activities Studio 84 hosts regular exhibits of both student and professional artwork and offers an after school youth program. The studio also works with other local businesses and organizations to organize events revolving around the arts.

Year Opened 2008

Website www.studio84inc.org

Phone 262-812-7560

E-mail info@studio84inc.org

Community Profile Whitewater (population: 13,437, ten mile radius population: 42,911) is located 35 miles southwest of Madison, WI. Whitewater is home to the University of Wisconsin Whitewater and a historic downtown located along the shore of Cravath Lake. Downtown Whitewater is home to many historic buildings and estate homes, many made from Whitewater Cream Brick, which had been produced at a local brickyard in the late 1800s and early 1900s.

Products Sold & Niche Developed

Studio 84 is a non-profit art studio, gallery, and theater space. Fitting with their motto, “A creative focus on the abilities through the arts,” Studio 84’s programming is open to all ages and abilities, with a focus on people with disabilities. Programs include an after school program, a theater program, and art classes. The studio also sells art by students with disabilities to help them bring in extra income.

Market Segments Served

Studio 84 aims to give all community members the chance to enjoy participation in the arts. Owner Deborah Blackwell sees art as a way for people, especially those with cognitive, social, or physical disabilities, to develop better social skills and life skills.

Contributions to the Business Community

Studio 84 helps generate vitality in Whitewater’s downtown with community involvement and events. They are active in the community art scene and frequently collaborate with businesses and organizations in events revolving around the arts.

For instance, Studio 84 has worked with the University of Wisconsin – Whitewater multiple times. The studio held an event for the university’s Best Buddies program, which pairs college students with people with intellectual and developmental disabilities to provide opportunities for friendship. In addition, the studio hosted a presentation of final writings for a creative writing class at the university. Studio 84 also hosts events in conjunction with UW-Whitewater’s annual community Big Read. Studio 84 has also collaborated with other schools and youth programs.