Using art to make a difference.

WHAT WE DO

Studio B uses art and story to create spaces where everyone is seen, heard, and valued, cultivating individual self-esteem and building stronger communities. We seek to empower marginalized and isolated populations through art experiences, exhibitions, and community programs that address pressing social issues, while also highlighting our shared humanity.

First the Crying (a Trilogy)

On February 11, 2014, artist Peter Bruun’s daughter Elisif died of an accidental overdose. First the Crying (a Trilogy)  is a series of three exhibitions with artworks by Elisif, her father, and film artist Dina Fiasconaro marking the tenth year since Elisif’s passing. Taking place in multiple states on the East Coast in 2023 and 2024, the exhibitions include programming on causes and consequences of the opioid epidemic, the virtue of love and mercy before grief and pain, and the power of art for healing.

My Story, Your Story, Our Story

A project taking aim at the crisis of youth isolation and alienation in Maine’s Knox and Lincoln counties. It begins with art-making workshops in 2023 and 2024 with youth and adults focused on the questions: when do you feel you belong, when do you not, and what helps you feel better connected to your community? With the goal of generating dozens of community-made artworks reflecting people’s beliefs, attitudes, and experiences, the project will help inform region-wide efforts at healthily integrating youth into community life.

Together

A project in partnership with Waterville Creates designed to enable Waterville, Maine, residents to share positive community experiences through art and story, to highlight existing community-building initiatives, and to strengthen connections among all those invested in a healthy, whole, diverse Waterville. Together culminates with two days of exhibitions and interactive programs in April 2024 at Waterville Creates’ Schupf Art Center.

Studio B is the trade name for the non-profit organization registered as Bruun Studios Inc. To make a tax-deductible donation, visit our PayPal page.

For more information on Studio B or its projects, please contact Peter Bruun at peter@bruunstudios.com or Leigh Perkins at leigh.perkins@gmail.com.

FOUNDERS

Leigh Perkins spent her 25 years as a boarding school English teacher encouraging all members of her community to better understand themselves and their place in the world through reading, writing and oratory. A writer herself, she is committed to helping people find and share their stories. 

Peter Bruun has run multiple nonprofits whose missions connected artists, communities and major cultural institutions and whose methods included youth and adult art workshops. He has also taught at the K-12 and college levels and led art exhibition programs over the last 30 years.

© Bruun Studios Inc. dba Studio B. All rights reserved.