The name of the studio was inspired by a story one of the partners read.  It is a story that some believe to be fiction, but the message is one of positive social change.

The Japanese monkey, Macaca Fuscata, had been observed in the wild for a period of over 30 years.  It was documented that in 1952, on the island of Koshima, scientists had been leaving the monkeys sweet potatoes in the sand in exchange for a look into their social culture.

In 1958, one female was documented as washing the sweet potatoes in a nearby stream to rid it of the dirt and sand.  She was documented as teaching the habit to her mother and her playmates.  The new trait spread throughout the island.  Suddenly not just on this island, but on surrounding islands and onto the mainland monkeys were washing their food.

The number 100 is merely a symbol, but in the story it was used to recognize when the trait forever changed the species.  This magical occurrence was named the 100th Monkey Phenomenon.

The name The 100th Monkey Studio was adopted because the founders saw the opportunity for humankind to have the same sort of “phenomenon” in relation to using art as a means of self-care as well as self-expression.  It is our goal that art making in a community setting become infectious, bringing art into people’s everyday life.  In this creative community space any one is welcome to come and learn from each other, while supporting and embracing each other's differences.