We are a second generation women-owned and operated art studio, backed by incredible teachers and student helpers. Scroll down to learn more about us!
our philosophy
We believe students should...
our history
In 2000, Jody Balderson Wiker started The Art Studio and has had its doors open to students ever since.
Both of Jody's daughters, Maddey and Abbey, grew up with The Art Studio taking classes, washing brushes, and pouring punch at the Annual Student Art Exhibition. In 2022, Jody officially sold the business to Maddey, while there is a new person in charge, Maddey and Jody enjoy getting to work together to develop lesson plans and bounce ideas off of each other.
At The Art Studio you will be able to create with a variety of mediums from pencil drawings to sculptures. Each lesson is designed to give you direction, but you, as the artist, are in the driver's seat. Our philosophy is embodied in each lesson and we love seeing our students dive in to their ideas head first.
We offer after school class, workshops and summer camps in our two spaces, both on Trading Post Way, The Studio and The Gallery. The Studio provides classes for students in our K-2nd and 3rd-5th grade age groups while The Gallery services students in 6th-8th grade, high school, and our adult classes. In addition, The Gallery exhibits artwork of local artist as well as former students of The Art Studio.
Getting to be a part of Medford Lakes and our local art community brings The Art Studio team so much joy. We can't wait to see you and get to spend time creating together!
May 2002
meet our team
Meet our team! We are all Medford Lakes locals who have a deep passion for art and love getting to teach in the community we love. As a female owned and operated company, we are excited to continue to build our personal and collective art legacy together with you.
Miss Maddey is Miss Jody’s oldest daughter and has taught at The Art Studio on and off since 2011, officially becoming the owner in 2022. Miss Maddey’s passion for art and teaching has come from watching her mom, Miss Jody teach.
Following in her mom’s footsteps, Miss Maddey received her Bachelor of Fine Arts in sculpture from The Pennsylvania State University. While there, Maddey practiced three-dimensional art (wood working, welding, flexible molds, and fine arts), printmaking, painting, and completed independent studies.
After graduating, Maddey interned with the education department at The Philadelphia Museum of Art before moving to El Paso, Texas. While there, she received her Art K-12 teaching certification from University of Texas El Paso. While in El Paso, Maddey worked for Young Rembrandts and as a high school Sculpture teacher in a public school. She still is a practicing freelance artist.
Miss Maddey is excited to be able to teach the amazing students of The Art Studio again!
"Miss Jody" has taught over 1,200 students, many of whom have attended for several years, through her after school art classes and summer camps. It still puts a smile on Miss Jody's face when former students tell her that they still have their sketch book from years ago when they were a student.
Jody Balderson Wiker received her Bachelor of Fine Arts in printmaking and a minor in art history from The Pennsylvania State University and her Masters of Education in Art from Tyler School of Art, at Temple University. As an artist Jody showed her work in numerous local and national shows, winning several awards. She taught in public and parochial schools, art centers, and summer camp programs before opening The Art Studio.
After 24 years, Miss Jody will be taking a step back from teaching To spend time more time with her grandchildren and her own parents. Although you may not see her every week, you will see her around town volunteering and bringing art opportunities to senior citizens and of course, helping Miss Maddey around The Art Studio.
Art runs in her family; her father is a professional artist and architect, she married an architect, and both of her daughters work in the arts industry.
Miss Karlee started teaching at The Art Studio during the Summer of 2021. She is a Graphic Designer with experience in freelance design and design in the Fashion Industry.
Miss Karlee completed her BFA in Graphic Design from Monmouth University in May of 2015. Here she found her love of art and design while being a part of the Lacrosse team. After graduation, Miss Karlee continued her education at Rowan College of Burlington County and received her Associates in Fashion Design. While here, she completed a year internship as a Fashion Forecaster in NYC working with the Fashion Marketing Department at Cotton Incorporated.
For the past 3 years Miss Karlee taught Fashion Technology and recently Photoshop Techniques for Fashion at Rowan College of Burlington County. Miss Karlee currently works as a Graphic Designer at Jetty Ink and is freelance designer for Anthropologie. She creates branded logos, signage, packaging, and graphic shirts for companies all over this area.
Miss Karlee is so excited to meet you all and start teaching!
Miss Taylor has been teaching with The Art Studio since 2022 and she is excited to have students back for another year!
Miss Taylor attended Rowan University where she received her Bachelor in Art Education. At Rowan, Miss Taylor was an active artists, participating in shows, creating artwork, and taking classes. For large scale oil paintings, to small scale watercolor, Miss Taylor has knowledge about it all.
When Miss Taylor is not at The Art Studio she works as an art teacher for middle and high school students in the Collingswood School system.