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Volume 86 | December 2024

CLASSES

WORKSHOPS

EVENTS

VOLUNTEER

DONATE

Old Town Artisan Studios (OTAS) wouldn’t be here without your support! As we celebrate this day - “Giving Tuesday," we hope that you will consider transforming someone’s life through the healing power of art. The mission of OTAS is to serve the people of Coachella Valley by offering Outreach Programs and classes that make art accessible and affordable for everyone. Please join us in helping everyone to experience art and its everlasting positive impact on their lives. 

MAKE A DONATION

Holiday Happenings at OTAS!

Stroll through a magical, twinkling wonderland filled with holiday cheer! Indulge in holiday treats with gingerbread cookies and hot beverages from our culinary area, and get creative with activities like cookie decorating, clay ornament painting, and more! With all-day activities to keep you in the spirit, we’ve also scheduled performances by talented music groups and youth organizations from across the Coachella Valley. Don’t miss Santa and Mrs. Claus each Saturday from 12:00 - 4:00 pm! Join us from 11:00 am - 5:00 pm for free family fun, sponsored by the City of La Quinta.

LEARN MORE

A variety of paintings, photographs, prints, sculptures, and mixed media works will be on display and up for raffle to raise funds for our mission. Visitors have the opportunity to win their favorite artworks by purchasing raffle tickets in person. Thank you to all the artists who have contributed artwork!


Only a few weeks remaining to purchase your raffle tickets!



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Generously Sponsored by

Friends of the Arts & Joyce Title


Enjoy an elegant tea menu and more, while making a meaningful impact in our community. By attending, you’ll be supporting our mission to bring the joy of art to underserved groups in the Coachella Valley. All proceeds go to funding transportation for outreach youth and adults to come to Old Town Artisan Studios for special events and classes.


Wednesday, December 4 - Sold Out!

Friday, December 6 - Almost Sold Out!

LEARN MORE

Paint Your Own Pottery (PYOP) is a fun, creative experience for everyone no matter age, ability, or artistic talent! It's a great way to spend quality time with family and friends, birthday parties, corporate events, baby or bridal showers. Reservations are recommended for groups of 4 or more.


Paint Your Own Pottery Hours:

Monday - Saturday

10:00am - 5:00pm

(Last seating at 3:00pm)





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"Desert Mirage" explores the captivating beauty and diverse ecosystems of the desert landscape. This exhibit celebrates the stunning contrasts found in arid environments, from majestic mountains and sweeping sand dunes to resilient cacti and vibrant flora, as well as the fascinating wildlife that inhabits these regions.


Opening Reception & Holiday Potluck

December 19th from 5:00 - 7:00pm


ARTIST CALL

Please complete and return this form.

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Discover holiday gifts at our retail shop, featuring handmade treasures crafted by our talented artists and instructors! From cozy scarves and sparkling jewelry to one-of-a-kind pottery, unique glass art, festive greeting cards, and more... you’ll find gifts that bring warmth and creativity to the season. Every purchase helps support the mission of

Old Town Artisan Studios.


Retail Shop Hours:

Open Monday through Saturday

10:00am - 5:00pm


ATTENTION HIGH SCHOOL ARTISTS!

DEADLINE IS APPROACHING!

Applications are open for Aspiring Artists 2025. This program equips teenage artists with the knowledge and tools to pursue further education and careers in the fine arts. We are also grateful for the support and collaboration with our community partners: Art on Main Street, La Quinta Art Celebration, and Artists Council at the Galen Center. These partnerships enrich the program and provide students with unique opportunities to engage with the broader arts community. 

Sponsored by the City of La Quinta.


DEADLINE TO SUBMIT

Friday, December 6th, 2024


ACCEPTANCE NOTIFICATION

Friday, January 3rd, 2025

LEARN MORE

Old Town Artisan Studios is proud to host a variety of signature events, from community art shows to entertaining activities for the whole family! By attending our ticketed events, you not only enjoy a wonderful experience but also support our mission to share art.

Join us for fun and creativity while making a meaningful impact!

Inspired by our mission, this series fuses musical performance with conversation, education, and storytelling. Be swept up by the beautiful surroundings, engaging community, and local talent.


SEASON LINEUP


10/10 - Lauri Bono

11/14 - Deanna Bogart

12/12 - Desert Winds Jazz

01/09 - Tommy Rox

02/13 - Lisa Lynn & the Broken Hallelujahs

03/13 - Ken O'Malley

04/10 - Fred Benedetti


Tickets now available!

Calling all musicians, poets, comedians, songwriters, storytellers, and artists alike! Old Town Artisan Studios is hosting a monthly Open Mic Night with stage, PA, and host, Bob Hamilton, every third Monday from 6-8pm. Enjoy a featured food truck from our local community!

$5 donation suggested.


FOOD TRUCK LINEUP


10/21 - 760 Teppanyaki

11/18 - Big Easy Sandwich

12/16 - Nick's Pizza

01/20 - Experimental Concepts

02/24 - Cooking Thai by Benz

03/17 - Outside the Masa

04/21 - Dad's Burgers

Explore the creativity of La Quinta artists during this highly anticipated two-day experience. Venture into the inspiring studios of talented local artists focused on various mediums, such as painting, batik, fused glass, jewelry, mixed media, and more!


OPEN STUDIO DATES


Friday, March 14 &

Saturday, March 15


More info coming soon!




Unleash your creativity with our wide selection of art workshops at Old Town Artisan Studios. We now offer more workshops than ever, covering a diverse range of mediums. Whether you're an experienced artist or a complete beginner, there's a workshop for you.

CLICK ON THE IMAGES BELOW TO REGISTER

UPCOMING WORKSHOPS

Our Spring 2025 classes (January to April) are LIVE! We’re offering all your favorite 4-week classes plus a lineup of exciting new options to spark your imagination. Check out our class catalog or browse online to find the perfect fit for you. Don’t wait—spots fill up fast!

Let's make this spring your most artistic season yet!

CLASS CATALOG: SPRING 2025 (ADULT)
CLASS CATALOG: SPRING 2025 (YOUTH)

Please review Studio Policies here.

If your desired class is full, please join the waitlist here. Cancellations do happen, and we would love to offer you any seat that becomes available!

VIEW CLASSES

Old Town Artisan Studios is dedicated to providing individuals of all backgrounds and abilities with the opportunity to experience art and self-expression. Through the support of donors, volunteers, students, gallery artists, and friends, we bring art to those who need it most and address the ongoing need for art education across the Coachella Valley. Our Mobile Mission, supported by generous donations, grants, and partnerships, allows us to deliver instructor-led art programs at little to no cost through our fully equipped Mobile Art Vans. These vans travel to communities such as Mecca, all the way to Desert Hot Springs, ensuring that art experiences reach every corner of our community.

RECURRING OUTREACH PROGRAMS


Below is a list of our current outreach partners for whom we provide ongoing art classes.

Alzheimer's Association of CV

AngelView

Amelia Earhart Elementary (YMCA)

Autism Society Inland Empire

Boys and Girls Club Palm Springs

Boys and Girls Clubs CV (Indio, Coachella, La Quinta, Mecca)

City of La Quinta

Desert Arc

FIND Food Bank

Gerald Ford Elementary (YMCA)

Hope Through Housing

James Carter Elementary (YMCA)

James Monroe Elementary (ELOP)

John Adams Elementary School (YMCA)

John F. Kennedy Elementary (ELOP)

LQHS Special Needs Groups

Richard Oliphant Elementary (ELOP)

Reagan Elementary (ELOP & YMCA)

Roosevelt Elementary (ELOP)

OTAS Pottery Friends (special needs)

Van Buren Elementary (ELOP)

Variety - the Children's Charity of the Desert



ART EXPERIENCES


We are proud to share the results of our combined efforts to bring art experiences

throughout the Coachella Valley.

Total Experiences: 2023

25,721

YTD Experiences: 2024

20, 787

OTAS INSTRUCTOR SPOTLIGHT


ANDY TAYLOR

We’re thrilled to shine a spotlight on one of OTAS' newest instructors, Andy Taylor! Since joining us this summer, Andy has brought his exceptional talent and passion for digital illustration to our Youth Digital Arts classes, where he inspires budding artists to unlock their creative potential.


Andy’s background as a commercial illustrator, designer, and graduate of the Kubert School adds a wealth of expertise to our team. His impressive portfolio includes work for renowned publishers and agencies such as IDW, Action Lab Entertainment, Decay Magazine, Dark Oz Comics, and more. Comic book fans may recognize him as the creator of Bigfoot: Sword of the Earthman, a beloved series with a loyal fanbase known as “Foot-Heads.” Additionally, Andy contributes regularly to The Line It Is Drawn for Comic Book Resources.


Andy reflects on his journey with OTAS:

"Teaching the Character Creation class has been a truly awesome experience—it happened almost by accident, and I cannot believe my luck. I couldn't be more excited to expand the Digital Arts Program with new classes designed with the modern 'art kid' in mind. Each one is based on student feedback and covers subjects traditional schools might overlook but that young artists are eager to learn."


In addition to his ongoing Youth Digital Art Character Creation class, Andy is launching four exciting new classes that begin in January:



Andy’s approachable teaching style, combined with his vast experience, makes learning fun and frustration-free for students of all ages. As Andy puts it, "I’m positive anyone can learn Photoshop at any age!"


We are grateful for Andy’s enthusiasm and vision in shaping the future of our Digital Arts Program. Welcome to the team, Andy!

The Leland Gallery at Old Town Artisan Studios (OTAS) presents numerous art shows throughout the year, featuring OTAS students, instructors, and local artists! Proceeds from gallery purchases help to support the OTAS outreach arts program, providing positive art experiences to underserved groups.

DOWNLOAD 2024-2025 GALLERY SCHEDULE
header classes workshops

PRIVATE EVENTS AND WORKSHOPS


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!

MORE INFO

THE BOARD ROOM


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.

INQUIRE

WE LOVE OUR VOLUNTEERS! WANT TO HELP? 


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. (FALL OPPORTUNITIES WILL BE POSTED SOON!)


STEP 3: Attend our next Volunteer Orientation and Campus Tour. Existing and prospective volunteers are welcome!


NEXT ORIENTATION

Thursday, December 5th from 4:00 - 5:00pm

RSVP HERE
OUR MISSION

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.

SPONSOR A STUDENT

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 eligibility requirements specified by OTAS.


To sponsor or make a general donation, please click the button below.

Thank you for your support!

DONATE

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VISIT WEBSITE

HOURS

Monday - Saturday

10:00am - 5:00pm