Summit Preparatory School art and vocational students have moved off the stage and into a new studio.

Adam Shilling has taught fine art and vocational subjects such as woodworking at Summit Preparatory since 2005. He said the new studio offers natural lighting and, at approximately 1,700 square feet, room to spread out.

“Because we’re doubling our space, I can separate the woodshop from fine art,” Shilling said.

“We can actually set easels up to do painting in the round,” he said, explaining that students can encircle a still-life subject rather than sit at a small desk.

One of the features of the studio is an exterior glass-paned wall that opens up like a garage door to the outside.

“A lot of students like to sit with the door open to let in the natural light and fresh air.”

Summit Preparatory School Executive Director Todd Fiske said building the studio has been part of a long-term plan.

“Art is a very important piece of programming for our kids therapeutically,” Fiske said.

The roughly $250,000 project was paid entirely through fundraising efforts and monetary gifts, Fiske said.

With the art studio completed, sights have been set on performing arts spaces such as a music room or practice rooms.

Reporter Hilary Matheson may be reached at 758-4431 or hmatheson@dailyinterlake.com.