See also: site map | our space | our eponymous trolley

Studio 34: Yoga | Healing | Arts was founded in March 2008 to foster wellness and community through healing and creative arts. We are at 4522 Baltimore Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19143. Phone us at (215) 387-3434 or email info@studio34yoga.com.

SEPTA’s No. 34 trolley line (route map, schedule) runs in front of our building; just signal the trolley driver to stop. We are located in the West Philadelphia Streetcar Suburb Historic District (map).
View Studio 34: Yoga – Healing – Arts in a larger map

Vision

We envision a community that nurtures individuals and families in their pursuit of physical, emotional, and spiritual wellness. We will celebrate, connect and create communities through healing and creative arts.

Community

Studio 34 supports new and established communities by providing a comfortable space with flexible seating areas and free tea. Our 12-person conference room can be used for small workshops, support groups and community meetings. The nonlending library offers books about health, wellness, spirituality and philosophy. To support a diverse community, Studio 34 offers several discounts, including reduced-fee Community Classes.

Family

Studio 34 supports families through pregnancy, family, and kids classes.

Environment

We believe environmental health is vital to personal and community health, so we:

• Use 100% windmill electricity. It costs a little more, but we feel it’s worth it.
• Offer biodegradable corn-plastic mugs. We’re really excited about these. Corn plastic biodegrades quickly in landfills, contains no petroleum, requires less fossil fuel to create, and comes from a renewable resource. It’s not a perfect solution, but it’s a great step. Use them (they aren’t dishwasher-safe) and when you are done with them, toss them in your compost bin.
• Reduce the use of disposable water bottles. Instead of selling disposable, plastic water bottles we provide free, filtered
  water. Bring your own (reusable) bottle or use one of our biodegradable mugs.
• Use recycled paper when possible.
• Offer discounts through SEPTA Pass Perks and to members of the local, nonprofit Philly Car Share, our way of supporting greener transportation.

Founders

Three longtime residents of West Philadelphia founded Studio 34: Yoga | Healing | Arts to bring new services to our community.

• Stephen Fisher(), an instructor in internal Eastern arts since 2003, blends East and West in his teaching, cultivating health in mind, body, and spirit. He has studied internal Eastern arts, including yoga, taijiquan, qi gong, and meditation, since 1995. Stephen has studied with yoga masters Joan White and Ana Forrest, completing the Forrest Foundation Teacher Training and assisting Ana in her national workshops. He has studied taijiquan and qi gong with master Steven Bennett, including the martial aspects of tai chi and its application to other arts. He has earned degrees in psychology and biology, and completed his Western training with a PhD in psychology from Yale University.
• Angela Norris (), a Family Nurse Practitioner educated at the University of Pennsylvania and specializing in the care of people living with HIV/AIDS. With more than 14 years of nursing experience, she places her highest priorities on wellness, prevention of illness and elimination of health disparities across communities. Angie has been practicing yoga since 2002. She completed both the Foundation and Advanced teacher trainings with Ana Forrest and is currently enrolled in the Forrest Mentorship Program with Heidi Sormaz, Ph.D. Fascinated by the interplay and correlation between these two bodies of knowledge, she curiously seeks out new information and experiences through independent study, classes and workshops.
• James Peniston (), a sculptor with more than a decade’s experience in monumental bronze. He has lectured at LaSalle University on the role of public sculpture in community identity. James believes public art can bridge divisions within communities. His nine-foot bust of Benjamin Franklin, commissioned by the City of Philadelphia, was installed in October at the corner of 4th and Arch streets. The sculpture incorporates keys donated by the children of schools where James talked about the role of volunteerism in building communities.

Press

Coverage

• “East Meets West: Studio 34 reimagines arts, wellness and education on Baltimore Avenue.,” Philadelphia Weekly, 26 November 2008.
• “Staff Q&A: Stephen Fisher & Angela Norris,” Penn Current, 24 April 2008.
• Style in Philly: Health & Beauty: “Wallet-Friendly Workout,” Philadelphia Style, 16 April 2008.
• “Agenda Picks: Just Opened: Studio 34,” Philadelphia City Paper, 9 April 2008.
• “Studio 34: good for the body, soul and earth,” The Temple News, 31 March 2008.
• “Attention, Fellow Yogis!”, Phillyist, 27 March 2008.
• “Studio 34 Grand Opening Week,” Metroblogging Philadelphia, 24 March 2008.
• “Studio 34: Free Yoga & Grand Opening,” uwishunu, 21 March 2008.
• “Studio 34: Yoga, healing arts, & more!”, University City Review, 18 March 2008.
• “Soon-to-open yoga/healing/art center hosts Fun-A-Day show, offers preview of West Philadelphia venue,” University City Review, 21 February 2008.
• “Sometimes We Miss The Good Stuff,” Phillyist, 19 February 2008.

Releases

• “Studio 34: Yoga | Healing | Arts Center Begins Regular Schedule Of Activities; Announces Saturday, April 5 Wellness Fair,”, 31 March 2008.
• “Studio 34: Yoga | Healing | Arts Center Announces Event Schedule For March 28-29 Grand Opening Weekend”, 8 March 2008.
• “Studio 34 Hosts Fun-A-Day 4″, 18 February 2008.