Big Uppa Sky Studios
Where creativity, community, and possibility come to life — anywhere people gather to learn, make, and share.
Big Uppa Sky Studios is a hybrid creative studio and community arts initiative dedicated to helping people learn, make, and share their ideas through storytelling, technology, and hands-on creativity. From mobile workshops to studio productions to borough partnerships, we create spaces where imagination feels possible — even for people who don’t see themselves as “creative.”
Our mission is simple:
Inspire creativity. Build confidence. Strengthen community.
Where the Name Comes From
Big Uppa Sky Studios was inspired by a phrase our founder’s mother used: “Big Uppa Sky” — her way of saying she loved us endlessly.
It became a symbol of encouragement, belonging, and possibility — the same values we bring into every workshop, production, and community partnership.
We honor her spirit by providing experiences where people feel supported, uplifted, and brave enough to try something new.
Our Philosophy
We believe creativity is:
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A learnable skill — something anyone can grow with practice
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A tool for community building — connecting people through shared expression
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A pathway to confidence — helping people discover what they can do
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A bridge across backgrounds — empowering people of all ages
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Our programs are engineered to meet people where they are — whether that means a school gym, borough meeting room, festival lot, classroom, or parking space.
Who We Serve
Big Uppa Sky Studios partners with organizations and communities of all sizes.
Big Uppa Sky Studios works with:
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- Schools & districts
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- Libraries & museums
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- Boroughs & municipalities
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- Nonprofits & youth organizations
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- Festivals & events
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- Families, adults, and lifelong learners
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- Creative individuals exploring their voice
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- Businesses seeking team-building experiences
If you have people and a place, we can build something meaningful together.
About the Founder
John J. Dessler is a Special Faculty member at the Carnegie Mellon University Entertainment Technology Center, where he has spent two decades teaching visual storytelling, digital production, creative prototyping, and immersive media design.
John is also the founder of The Outlet for Creativity, Inc. (1996–2005), a nonprofit that organized festivals, workshops, performances, and youth arts programs throughout Beaver County. Big Uppa Sky Studios is the modern continuation of that mission — bringing creativity, technology, and community-driven expression to the region in new and innovative ways.
Connect With Us
We’re always excited to collaborate, partner, or help bring creative ideas to life.