Middle School Students Visit Sergio Bautista's Studio at Western Avenue

Recently, our Refuge middle school class had the opportunity to visit the studio of Sergio Bautista, a long-standing visual artist based at Western Avenue Studios & Lofts, not only our home but one of the largest artist communities in the United States.

The visit gave students a rare behind-the-scenes look at how a professional artist works, thinks, and lives with their art. Walking into Sergio’s space, students experienced firsthand how an artist uses materials, space, and creative decisions to develop a body of work. Being in that environment helped them connect what they learn in class to the realities of artistic practice.

For young artists, seeing Sergio’s studio and work up close helped demystify the artistic process. Instead of viewing art as something distant, static, or inaccessible, students saw an active creative life, one shaped by curiosity, discipline, and personal vision. They learned that making art is not only about technique, but about exploration, problem-solving, and sustained effort.

Visits like this remind students that art is a living practice that happens in studios, in conversations, and in daily choices. Experiencing a working artist’s process strengthens their understanding of what it means to pursue art beyond the classroom, and inspires them to think about their own paths as emerging creators.