what is an atelier

An atelier is a French term meaning "workshop" or "artists studio". It is a place where professional artists in the fine or decorative arts, architects, haute couture fashion designers, hair stylists, and other artists work and train together. In art, the atelier consists of a master artist, usually a professional painter, sculptor, or architect, working with a small number of students to train them in visual or fine arts. Atelier schools can be found around the world, particularly in North America and Western Europe. Students of these ateliers will exhibit a wide range of personal styles and increasing amounts of creative experimentation. The result is a group whose art is highly individualized, with each student pursuing their own individual interests.