named programs · 8 · from sources
What they call their work
Specialized Creative Movement and Drumming Workshops
Blends yoga, pilates, freeform movement, and therapeutic drumming to support physical and emotional well-being.
Specialized Digital Illustration Workshop
Digital art instruction using iPads for students of all ages and skill levels, focusing on creative expression and technique.
Specialized Jewelry Making Workshops
One-on-one instruction in creating wearable art using clay, including techniques like carving, sculpting, and imprinting.
Specialized Painting Workshops
Adaptive acrylic and oil painting classes offered in-person or remotely via art kits, tailored to individual learning styles.
Specialized Pottery Workshops
Weekly adaptive classes in wheel throwing and hand building for individuals of all abilities, ages 6 and up.
Specialized Printmaking Workshops
Introduction to stenciling and printmaking on paper and fabric, including wearable art like T-shirts and canvas bags.
Summer Art Camp for Kids
Seasonal program offering immersive art experiences for children in Utica, NY.
Wulu Ornament Production
Collaborative studio initiative creating handcrafted ceramic ornaments symbolizing longevity and positive energy, providing employment for individuals with disabilities.
activities · 4 groups
What they do
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Curated Art Exhibitions and Public Displays 2 activities
- Art Exhibition ProgrammingHosts and organizes group and solo art exhibitions, including annual and themed events, public receptions, and pop-up exhibits, to showcase works by local and regional artists from the Mohawk Valley and beyond. Exhibitions include curated shows, student and senior art exhibits, and special events such as the annual Steamrollin’ Prints, featuring collaborative large-scale prints.
- Art Production and Public Art EngagementProduces original artworks, including Wulu ornaments for seasonal use, and engages in public art initiatives such as displaying sculptural works in major museums and permanent installations in public sculpture parks. Regularly contributes artwork to charitable auctions, including Sculpture Space’s “Chair”ity event, with pieces held in private collections.
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Artist Residencies and Studio Programs 1 activity
- Artist Support and Studio AccessProvides physical studio space, equipment, and workspaces in Utica, NY, to artists and community members, with a focus on inclusion for individuals with disabilities. Offers gallery representation, both in-person and online, and supports artists in all aspects of professional practice, including creating, photographing, selling, and shipping artwork.
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Community Art Education Workshops 1 activity
- Community Art WorkshopsOffers ongoing art workshops in ceramics, sculpting, jewelry making, painting, illustration, creative movement, and hand drumming for individuals of all ages, abilities, and skill levels, including weekly private sessions for participants aged 6 and up and free workshops for youth from diverse backgrounds such as immigrants, refugees, and individuals with disabilities. Workshops are designed to be accessible and nurture creativity through practical art forms.
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Youth Entrepreneurship & Financial Literacy Education 1 activity
- Youth Arts and Entrepreneurship TrainingRuns a year-long program teaching ceramic and jewelry-making techniques to youth, with a focus on Silk Road trade and cross-cultural collaboration. Includes instruction in entrepreneurial skills and pathways to becoming self-sustaining artists, supported by pop-up sales and retail partnerships with local businesses to build community connections and business acumen.
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financials · form 990 · fy2024
revenue
Total revenue$483K
Contributions & grants$215K44%
Program service revenue$270K56%
Investment income$-15K-3%
Other revenue$13K
expenses
Total expenses$383K
Program expenses74%
Admin / overhead21%
Fundraising5%
Salaries & benefits$275K
Grants paid out$0
Largest expense lineCompensation
balance sheet
Total assets$584K
Cash$99K
Investments$0
Liabilities$375K
Net assets$209K
Liquid reserves3.1 mo
5 years on record · 2020–2024 · YoY revenue +42.1%
leadership · form 990 part vii · fy2024
Who runs it
paid leadership · 1
| Name | Title | Hours/wk | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| DANA KELSEY | EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR | 39 | $62K |
board members · 3
- AUDREY HASEN TAYLOR — SECRETARY
- MARIA MCNIEL — TREASURER
- PETER BLANCHFIELD — PRESIDENT
relationships · 34
Who they work with
- ARC Oneida-Lewis Chapter Partner — Community partner providing access to artistic opportunities for individuals they serve.
- Audrey Hasen Taylor Partner — Executive Director and Secretary on the Board of Directors, involved in leadership and governance.
- BANK OF UTICA Partner — Sponsored the 2022 exhibition series.
- BLICK Art Materials Partner — Supported the Big Prints Artist Exhibit as a sponsor.
- Bank of Utica Funder — Funder of the A Journey Through Time exhibition
- Bank of Utica Partner — 2022 exhibition sponsor for the "Vanishing Horizons" solo exhibition by Angela Marken.
- Bringham Family Fund Funder — Provides financial support for the Silk Road Artisans program through the Community Foundation of Herkimer & Oneida Counties.
- Central Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired Partner — Community partner receiving tailored arts programming.
- Compound Partner — Hosted a Bead by Bead pop-up shop, providing a retail opportunity for program participants.
- ENJOINERY Inc. Custom Design and Fabrication Partner — Supported the Big Prints Artist Exhibit as a sponsor.
- Gabriel, Joseph and Lila Mandour Karam Fund Funder — Provides financial support for the Silk Road Artisans program through the Community Foundation of Herkimer & Oneida Counties.
- House of Good Shepherd Partner — Community partner receiving tailored artistic opportunities.
- Human Technologies Partner — Partner organization that established a production studio to create jobs for individuals with disabilities, supporting 4 Elements Studio's mission and financial stability.
- Human Technologies Corporation Funder — Provides financial support for the Silk Road Artisans program.
- Integrated Community Alternatives Network Partner — Community partner receiving arts programming for individuals they serve.
- Kayla J. Spivey Partner — Artist in residence and featured exhibitor at 4 Elements Studio, leading public workshops and presenting a solo exhibition.
- Kelberman Center Partner — Community partner offering artistic opportunities through collaboration with 4 Elements Studio.
- Midtown Utica Community Center Partner — Community partner receiving arts programming.
- Munson Partner — Co-organized the 11th annual Steamrollin’ Prints event and Big Prints Exhibition in 2026.
- New York State Council on the Arts Funder — Primary funder of the Mohawk Valley Art Legacy Program
- New York State Council on the Arts Government — Primary public funder supporting 4 Elements Studio's programs.
- Oneida County Department of Public Works Partner — Provided a 9-ton construction roller and operational support for the steamroller printing event.
- RCIL’s Many Hearts Program Partner — Community partner receiving tailored arts programming.
- S.C.I. Plywood Co. Partner — Supported the Big Prints Artist Exhibit as a sponsor.
- Sculpture Space Partner — George Hendrickson serves as Studio Manager/Technician and regularly donates work to its annual “Chair”ity auction.
- The Center Partner — Community partner receiving arts programming for the individuals they serve.
- The Neighborhood Center Partner — Community partner receiving artistic programming for individuals they serve.
- UpMobility Foundation Funder — Provides financial support for the Silk Road Artisans program.
- Upstate Caring Partners Partner — Community partner receiving arts programming for individuals they serve.
- Utica Public Library Partner — Collaborates on hosting and promoting the Silk Road Artisans program.
+ 4 more
strategies · 4
How they approach the work
Named approaches extracted from this org’s sources. Where others share an approach, follow it to see the full set of orgs running it.
- Art as Inquiry and Social Engagementmethodology: art-as-inquiryBy using art to explore personal and societal questions and creating immersive experiences, the studio provokes reflection and action, because visual and emotional engagement transforms private inquiry into public dialogue and challenges social norms through resonant, experiential storytelling.
- Art as Integrated Therapeutic and Expressive Practicemethodology: integrated_creative_therapiesBy integrating therapeutic modalities like breathwork, movement, and drumming with adaptive learning and creative expression, the studio supports holistic well-being, because combining physical, emotional, and artistic development enables individuals—especially those with disabilities—to build confidence, independence, and self-expression.
- Community-Driven Arts Programmingmethodology: community-engaged_artsBy expanding and tailoring arts programming based on community input and partnerships with local organizations, the studio increases inclusion and relevance, because programs grounded in local needs and co-created with community members lead to deeper engagement and authentic representation.
- Learn-By-Doing Entrepreneurial Arts Educationmethodology: learn-by-doing_entrepreneurshipBy having participants manage all aspects of an art-based business, the studio builds real-world skills and economic agency, because hands-on operational experience fosters deeper learning, responsibility, and preparedness for independent creative careers.