Expression in movement

PHOTO CAPTION: Artist and dance Jennifer Dournoux, manager of The Studio, demonstrates positions taught in her movement classes.

By Molly McCormick
Photo by Glenn Judah

The quirky slogan outside the nondescript building sitting on South King Street proclaims, “A place to stretch, scoop, sketch, and be!” Though the outside of the building doesn’t look like much, the inside space tells a very different story; a story alive with positive color and energy. This place is The Studio: Art and Movement.

Located just east of the San Sebastian Winery on King Street, The Studio is a “unique place that focuses on the expression of body, mind and soul through facilitated art-healing classes and movement classes,” according to its brochure. The gallery’s soft opening was held the last weekend in September, inviting residents of St. Augustine to come see what the place was all about.

According to artist and dancer Jennifer Dournoux, who is the manager of The Studio, “It’s art that stimulates another whole side. It’s not just about aesthetics.”
When the space formerly occupied by the Avenue bookstore opened up in late summer, Dournoux saw an opportunity to finally create the space she’d always wanted since leaving art school in Chicago.

“For me, that was the best time in my life, and 15 years later, I wanted to recreate my experience there,” Dournoux explained.

Upon meeting Dournoux, it becomes evident that her friendly and personable demeanor is a perfect complement to the studio she manages. Dournoux is incredibly passionate about The Studio, the classes she teaches, and the idea of bringing together a diverse group of artists.

“Artists are really tender people. Sometimes that support system of other artists is really helpful,” Dournoux said. “[The Studio] is a great place where they can learn from each other’s accidents and celebrate their successes.”

Like the thrifty polka-dot lampshade in her office, Dournoux describes most of what’s at the gallery as a “happy accident.” The most unique place in the entire studio is Dournoux’s office, which she affectionately named her “womb” instead of her “room.” This is an appropriate term, since the office is a rather vibrant shade of pink, and adorned with various art pieces and knick-knacks Dournoux collected in her life.

“Once you graduate from art school, you feel sort of lost. You’re wondering ‘where’s my people? I don’t have anyone to come look at my work and tell me if it’s okay,’” Dournoux said. Luckily for artists, The Studio currently boasts eight available studio spaces, whether they’re just starting out or continuing their career.

Additionally, the Studio offers a myriad of interesting classes and workshops to suit just about anyone’s tastes. Pilates, Akashic Yoga, and Chakra Meditation are some classes the Studio offers.

“The movement classes are based on expression, getting out creatively,” Dournoux said. Though primarily geared toward the adult crowd, the classes and workshops are open to anyone, students included.
Upcoming events at The Studio include a “Gathering of the Muses” in early October.

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