News & Events

How We Are “Zooming” Through COVID-19

Published: April 2, 2020

“Spending the energy focusing on things you can control will help to empower you and give you some level of inner peace.”

Ms. Gwen, CATS Psychologist

In an effort to balance public safety and pursuit of our mission, we have temporarily closed our studios and shifted our resources to remote teaching and assistance. While our studios are closed, we are implementing new ways to pursue our mission remotely. As we navigate a brand new system to make our program virtually accessible, keeping credit acquisition our primary goal with an eye toward keeping students on the trajectory to graduate, CATS students will be able to utilize services such as Zoom video conferencing and Schoology, to complete at-home assignments. 

Students are attending studios virtually through Zoom, during their regularly scheduled class times. Instructors are modeling techniques for them to use in the completion of their assignments.  During these past few weeks, we have had positive responses from students on how we are helping them navigate through this unprecedented time.  Students are concerned about earning credit and are working diligently to get credit through CATS.

Here is an example from one of our online Zoom Classes:

During 3D Zoom Studio, Ms. Kerri taught symbolism using objects that can be found in our everyday environment. Ms. Kerri demonstrated how to fold a paper crane from any paper material the students had available. She then explained to the students that, “In the Japanese, Chinese and Korean culture, the crane represents good fortune and longevity. Traditionally, it was believed that if one folded 1000 origami cranes, one’s wish would come true. It has also become a symbol of hope and healing during challenging times.”

We will continue to prioritize, above all, the health and safety of our CATS community.  Thank you for supporting us as we navigate through this evolving situation that impacts all facets of life and our entire community.

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Our CATS students are submitting their unbelievable work virtually.  This art piece created at-home is from Payal, a student in our DMM studio.  She is working hard from home and keeps her communication with her instructors prompt during her normally assigned time at CATS. We are so proud of our student’s continued work during this unprecedented time.

As part of the CATS curriculum, students are required to complete 8 writing assignments which support their ability to be successful in college and/or career. These assignments include a resume, cover letter, thank you letter and an artist statement. All assignments are accessible in the Schoology platform and students are still working hard to complete and submit them to the CATS instructors. The example above is from Aracelia who is thanking CATS supporters for the opportunity to keep her grades up and express herself through her artwork.

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Student Highlight of the Week: Ndeye

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How Your Donation Helps CATS during COVID-19

Some groups will feel this public health crisis more than others, including our urban public-school students who, without their daily connection to their school families, go without the support and resources they so desperately need to overcome everyday obstacles.
Your generous contribution to CATS helps us transition our immersive environment to a digital forum where Cincinnati Arts and Technology students will continue to earn credit to graduate, be supported by staff and have access to a buffet of resources through this unexpected time.

In less than 5 business days, the CATS team took five working art studios, including all instructors and staff to an entirely digital non-profit. Using tools like Schoology and Zoom conferencing, CATS is continuing its mission to unlock, equip and nurture.

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A Creative Way to Help CATS

Not everyone has the monetary ability to give. We can still use your help! One of the best ways is to start a Facebook Fundraiser!

Here are the steps:

  1. Click Fundraisers in the left menu of your News Feed.
  2. Click Raise Money.
  3. Select Nonprofit or Charity.
  4. Select a “Cincinnati Arts and Technology Studios”, choose a cover photo and fill in the fundraiser details.
  5. Click Create.

If you have donated before to CATS, a suggestion is to set your fundraising amount to match! Your community is our community and YOU can help us continue our mission with this simple ask!