Connecting the Community
Through Creativity
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$8,000+ Raised for Youth Student Sponsorships
Through fundraising efforts at the 2024 Color the World Gala, OTAS is proud to offer sponsorships for students to attend a week-long summer art camp. The $8,000 benefits youth from low-income backgrounds. This enriching experience will allow them to explore a plethora of mediums including ceramics, pottery wheel, drawing, painting, mosaic glass, printmaking, and beyond while at camp. To learn more about Summer Art Camp and financial assistance, please click HERE.
1,100 Art2Go Kits Assembled for Local Youth Groups
OTAS Volunteers assembled 1,100 Art2Go Kits within the last month. Some were provided to local non-profit, Read With Me, distributing 400 to local students at Desert Sands Unified School District's Nature Fest. Another 300 were given to the City of La Quinta for their annual Easter Eggstravaganza event on April 30th. The remaining 400 kits are on their way be distributed at World Art Day in Palm Springs this Saturday, April 13th from 4-8pm.
Desert Arc Returns Back to OTAS, Post-COVID.
Desert Arc and Old Town Artisan Studios have been longtime partners, dating back to the OTAS' early days. Due to COVID-19, the classes came to a halt, out of protection from individuals with disabilities and compromised immune systems. We are thrilled to share that classes have resumed, providing art workshops to adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Color the Spectrum Art Festival
Last weekend, we partnered with The Autism Society to provide a free, family-friendly art festival for the Autism and intellectual/developmental disability community to celebrate Autism Acceptance. Activities included arts and crafts, face painting, music. and performances, chalk art, door prizes, and more! Thank you to our volunteers that helped us share our art activity with visitors!
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ART EXPERIENCES
We are proud to share the results of our combined efforts to bring art experiences
throughout the Coachella Valley.
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Total Experiences: 2023
25,721
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YTD Experiences: 2024
7,620
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Meet Karin Harris, a passionate watercolor artist and instructor whose vibrant creations and engaging teaching style have earned her a following at Old Town Artisan Studios and throughout various areas of the world. Represented by esteemed galleries in the Portland, Oregon area, Karin's artworks found their way into the hearts and collections of art enthusiasts across the Pacific Northwest.
Karin's passion for sharing art also led her on worldwide art and cultural tours, where she immersed herself in the historic art havens of Europe and the colorful landscapes of Mexico. These experiences not only broadened her as an artist but also fueled her desire to share her knowledge and passion to aspiring artists.
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In 2018, Karin moved to the Coachella Valley and began teaching at Old Town Artisan Studios. Since then, she has become a beloved figure in the local art community, actively participating in esteemed organizations such as the La Quinta Women Artists Group, the Desert Art Center, and the Coachella Valley Watercolor Society.
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“ I have learned so much from Karin. As a beginning artist, I have appreciated her patience, her encouragement, and her enthusiasm for art and art instruction.”
– Laurie Patton
“ She is a superb artist, and more than that, she is a terrific teacher. She connects with each student and appreciates their unique skills. She has a wonderful way of teaching by example and supporting students' efforts. Truly a master teacher!”
– Linda Roth
At Old Town Artisan Studios, Karin's talents as both an artist and a teacher shine brightly. Through her Watercolor and Drawing classes, she has inspired and nurtured countless budding artists with her exceptional teaching style and unwavering support of her students. Karin has a rare gift for connecting with each student, appreciating their unique skills, and fostering their growth with patience and encouragement. Karin Harris embodies the essence of artistic inspiration and dedication, enriching the lives of her students and leaving a legacy of creativity and beauty wherever she goes.
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THE ART OF MUSIC
This series fuses musical performance with conversation, education, and storytelling. The season finale took place yesterday evening and it was one to remember! Thank you to all our sponsors who made this series possible!
Sidney Clark & Jerry Gomez
Jerry & Judy Potthoff
Christa King
Richard & Victory Grund
Brad Gillis
Jennifer Hart
Jeff Elkins
Stay tuned for more information on future dates HERE!
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OPEN MIC NIGHT
Calling all musicians, poets, comedians, songwriters, storytellers, artists, and foodies alike! Join us for the grand finale of the season, featuring food truck, 760 Teppanyaki! Prepare your taste buds for colossal shrimp, succulent chicken, sizzling New York steak, and melt-in-your-mouth filet mignon. Both spectators and performers of all ages are welcome! Sign ups and food begin at 5:30pm.
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"LOVE, LOSS, & WHAT I WORE"
A Desert Ensemble Play Reading
at Old Town Artisan Studios
MAY 11, 2024
7:30 PM - 9:30 PM
Love, Loss and What I Wore is a play of monologues and ensemble pieces about women, clothes and memory covering all the important subjects—mothers, prom dresses, mothers, buying bras, mothers, hating purses and why we only wear black. Based on the bestselling book by Ilene Beckerman.
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ONLY A FEW DAYS REMAINING!
"COMMUNITY CREATIONS"
Group Show
On Display:
April 4th - 13th
Explore the vibrant works of over 30 local Coachella Valley artists inside The Leland Gallery. From ceramics to paintings, this exhibition will be sure to fascinate you!
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UP NEXT!
"ASPIRE, CREATE, & PRESENT"
Aspiring Artists
Student Art Exhibition
Local high school students joined the inaugural art mentorship program, Aspiring Artists, at Old Town Artisan Studios! Led by seasoned professionals, they're delving into the intricacies of being a professional artist, such as crafting artist statements and resumes, gaining invaluable insights from a distinguished panel of art professionals, and show thier work in an art gallery. Be sure to mark your calendars for their showcase at The Leland Gallery, opening at 5pm on April 18th!
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CALLING ALL MIDDLE SCHOOL ARTISTS! | |
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VIEW PRESENTATION HERE.
DOWNLOAD ENTRY FORM HERE.
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Registration for Summer Art Camp is now OPEN!
This week-long camp offers students the chance to work with a wide variety of mediums, such as ceramics, fused glass, watercolor, acrylic painting, fiber arts, and more!
Monday through Friday – 10:00 AM to 3:30PM
$275 per weekly session
Ages 7-9 & 10-14
CAMP SESSIONS:
*No camp week of July 4th
Week 1: June 10 – 14
Week 2: June 17 – 21
Week 3: June 24 – 28
Week 4: July 8 – 12
Week 5: July 15 – 19
Week 6: July 22 – 26
Week 7: July 29 – Aug 2
Week 8: August 5 – 9
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Explore your creativity with an extensive array of art workshops available at Old Town Artisan Studios! Whether you're a seasoned artist or just beginning your artistic journey, there's a workshop tailored to your interests. Please note that these are the final workshops of the season, and we won't be scheduling any additional workshops until fall 2024.
CLICK ON THE IMAGES BELOW TO REGISTER
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Our classes take place in 4-week sessions. Classes are designed to accommodate various levels and ages. Please review the class descriptions, as well as our studio policies, to learn which class will best suit your level of experience. By taking a class at Old Town Artisan Studios, you are helping to fund free and reduced-fee classes for underserved community members throughout the Coachella Valley. Thank you for supporting our mission!
CLICK ON THE IMAGES BELOW TO REGISTER
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VOTE FOR OLD TOWN ARTISAN STUDIOS FOR "BEST ATTRACTION" IN LA QUINTA!
Each year, Palm Springs Life asks readers to vote for their favorite businesses throughout the Coachella Valley. Best of the Best 2024 voting is now OPEN through APRIL 30, 2024. Send in your vote to nominate your favorite places in La Quinta today!
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BIRDY BUNGALOWS RAISES $2,860 FOR OUTREACH ARTS PROGRAMS
Our spring fundraiser, Birdy Bungalows, brought together over 50 artists that decorated a birdhouse to raffle off for a good cause! The public could purchase raffle tickets to take a chance at winning their favorite birdhouse! Overall, we were able to raise $2,860 for our mobile outreach arts programs. Thank you to all those that participated in making this a successful fundraiser! The birdhouses are now off to their forever homes, but you can still see the online gallery HERE!
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LA QUINTA ARTISTS OPEN STUDIO TOURS... A HIT!
On March 15th and 16th, Old Town Artisan Studios proudly presented La Quinta Artists Open Studio Tours, taking the reins from the La Quinta Historical Society and the La Quinta Museum. Showcasing the talent of 19 local artists across various mediums including painting, assemblage, batik, fused glass, jewelry, mixed media, and beyond, the event was a testament to our vibrant artistic community. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all the participating artists, as well as the patrons who supported us by purchasing wristbands. To learn more about La Quinta Artists' Open Studio Tours, click HERE.
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CATCH US IN THE LA QUINTA VISITOR'S GUIDE
Discover the newly released Guide to La Quinta! Explore why LQ shines as the Gem of the Desert. Uncover dining, shopping, and entertainment hotspots, including your favorite art studio! Click the button below to view the digital copy or pick up a physical guide at Old Town Artisan Studios, City Hall, the Wellness Center, Library, and Museum, or at various stores throughout town.
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Stop by our retail shop and browse everything from hand-made jewelry, scarves, and pottery to wine holders, stationary, glass art, and more! All pieces for sale have been handmade by some of our artists and class instructors. Proceeds from retail shop purchases go to support Old Town Artisan Studios' outreach arts programs. | | |
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LITTLE HANDS (OR PAWS)
IN CLAY
Hand Prints and Paw Prints in Clay are a perfect way to forever capture a moment in time! Ceramic plaques take about 2-4 weeks to complete, depending on requested customizations.
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BOOK A PRIVATE WORKSHOP OR EVENT
WITH US!
Whether you have an upcoming group outing, corporate retreat, birthday party, or special occasion...
Old Town Artisan Studios is the perfect place to make memories!
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THE LIBRARY
This historic room was previously the private dining room when the property was a restaurant. Enjoy our coffee and tea bar, curl up on the couch with an art magazine, and meet with friends! It's the perfect place to mingle after class or reserve for your group (book club, anyone?!) If your organization needs a place to meet, The Library is free to community members with approval and reservation.
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WISHLIST
NEWSPAPER DONATIONS
Please call our front desk at
(760)777-1444 before bringing in donations. Thank you!
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WE LOVE OUR VOLUNTEERS! WANT TO HELP? | |
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Volunteering with Old Town Artisan Studios means you get to help make art accessible for all people throughout the Coachella Valley! We need your help in a variety of capacities such as community events, outreach classes, fundraisers, Art2Go kits, classroom aides, and more! You do not have to be an artist!
We are looking for people-loving, art-appreciating folks that want to help make an impact (yes, you!)
HOW TO VOLUNTEER
STEP 1: Fill out a volunteer application HERE if you haven't done so already.
STEP 2: Sign up for any of the opportunities on our VOLUNTEER PAGE and check back for future ones that are continuously being added. Emails are sent monthly with new opportunities.
STEP 3: Attend our next Volunteer Orientation and Campus Tour. Existing and prospective volunteers are welcome!
Wednesday, April 17th from 4:00 - 5:00pm
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Old Town Artisan Studios is committed to providing positive art experiences for all people despite age, ability or financial condition. We believe art is healing. Art has an everlasting and positive impact on each of us and the world around us.
We are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that provides an inviting place for people of all ages to reveal their creativity through clay, fused glass, painting, drawing and other forms of art. We offer private instruction; classes for children, adults and seniors; and independent studio use as well as fee-exempt instruction for numerous charities serving underserved individuals in our valley. Through charitable donations from the cities of the Coachella Valley, various foundations, corporations and our incredibly generous donors, we continue to fulfill our vision –
Shaping Hearts & Minds through Art.
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For $150, you can sponsor a child's 4-week course here at
Old Town Artisan Studios. Funding will be awarded to children who meet requirements specified by OTAS.
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Old Town Artisan Studios | 760.777.1444 | info@oldtownartisanstudios.org www.oldtownartisanstudios.org
OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
Monday - Saturday
10:00am - 5:00pm
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