SHARE:  

Volume 80 | June 2024

CLASSES

WORKSHOPS

SUMMER CAMP

VOLUNTEER

DONATE

Dive into Summer Creativity at

Old Town Artisan Studios!

Old Town Artisan Studios' objective is to offer everyone the opportunity to experience art and self-expression. Whether you are a donor, volunteer, student, gallery artist, or friend of the studio - you are helping bring art to those who need it most. Your support helps Old Town Artisan Studios meet the ongoing need for art education across the valley. We are proud to bring art experiences to our community, on campus and through the mobile art program.


OUR MISSION IN ACTION!

Art Odyssey Middle School Art Show


The Leland Gallery at Old Town Artisan Studios concluded its spring season, showcasing the remarkable talent of La Quinta's own middle-school artists! The students were challenged to create pieces inspired by their favorite German Expressionist artist, resulting in a vibrant and eclectic collection that highlighted their creativity. The exhibition was a testament to the students' hard work and dedication, leaving attendees in awe of their impressive interpretations and unique artistic visions.

Pictured: Kristen Wood (Principal), Paxton Moore (Teacher), and students from La Quinta Middle School.

Mental Health Matters


May was Mental Health Awareness month and we joined forces with the Riverside Latino Commission Center for their impactful annual Walk for Mental Health. This dedicated group is committed to offering vital programs and resources to those facing challenges related to mental health and substance abuse. In support of their event, Old Town Artisan Studios contributed 200 Art2Go kits for their event, made possible through generous donations and the hard work of our volunteers. To learn more about Latino Commission Center, visit here.

Art Instruction at YMCA


We will be bringing our passion for art to local YMCA sites, John Adams Elementary and Amelia Earhart Elementary this summer, offering a variety of classes in painting, mixed media, and ceramics. One of our highlights last month was witnessing the incredible creativity of the talented youth artists at Amelia Earhart YMCA as they painted beautiful lilacs. We couldn't be prouder!

Art for All Ages & Backgrounds


We were delighted to host our friends from Revel Palm Desert Independent Living as they revealed their inner artists in our Paint Your Own Pottery (PYOP) studio! Collaborating with local senior groups, like our friends from Revel, brings us immense joy and fulfillment as we work towards our mission of making art accessible to everyone in our community. If you're interested in organizing a PYOP session for your group, please feel free to reach out to us at 760-777-1444.


RECURRING OUTREACH PROGRAMS


Thanks to generous donations, grants and partnerships, our Mobile Mission Art Program brings art adventures all over the Coachella Valley, at little to no cost to the student. Our Mobile Art Vans, fully stocked with tools and supplies for creativity, allow us to take our vision on the road, delivering art programs to our friends in need. Our instructor-led art classes travel as far as Mecca, Thermal and Desert Hot Springs.


Below is a list of our current outreach partners for whom we provide ongoing art classes. Click on select links to sign up for a future class or learn about the organization.


ALZHEIMER'S ASSOCIATION

BOYS AND GIRLS CLUB

DESERT ARC

DESERT SANDS UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT

ELOP - CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

FAMILY YMCA OF THE DESERT

HOPE THROUGH HOUSING

VARIETY 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

11,546

Helen Goren Shafton

OTAS VOLUNTEER INSTRUCTOR


Helen Goren Shafton has been a vital part of Old Town Artisan Studios since she joined as a volunteer in 2021. Born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Helen has had a significant impact in art and education. She earned her Bachelor's degree in Art Education from the University of Wisconsin and a Master's degree in Curriculum and Instruction from North Central College in Naperville, Illinois. In 2006, she began teaching children with special needs and found a lack of resources in special education art. To address this, she developed her own curriculum, leading to the publication of her book, "Making Art Special - A Curriculum for Special Education Art," in 2010. A second edition was released two years later, and by 2013, it was available as a Kindle eBook. Helen's work has been featured in School Arts Magazine and Teaching Tolerance Magazine. In 2010, she received the Rauschenberg Foundation Power of Art Award.


"Art is my passion. Sharing it with children is my joy. For decades, I enjoyed providing authentic art experiences for kids of all abilities and needs in elementary schools in Illinois. It continues to be my pleasure to bring my joy and passion for art to my Sensory Art Workshops at Old Town Artisan Studios."


-Helen Goren Shafton

Helen established and currently provides sensory art workshops for children aged five and under at Old Town Artisan Studios, initially aiming at helping those affected by pandemic isolation. These workshops provide engaging, sensory-rich experiences that support development.


Ivanna Hansen, Director of Marketing & Volunteers, highlights Helen's importance: "The expertise and resources that Helen provides were very needed post-pandemic. We are grateful for her heart and dedication to the mental health and well-being of the children in our community."

The National Library of Medicine notes that the pandemic has significantly impacted children, whose developing nervous systems are more influenced by environmental factors. Helen's workshops are a valuable resource in addressing these challenges.


Helen Goren Shafton's dedication to art and education has made a lasting impact, and we are so grateful to have her as part of the Old Town Artisan Studios family.

Register your child for one of Helen's upcoming workshops!

June 8th from 10:30 - 11:30am

July 13th from 10:30 - 11:30am

August 10th from 10:30 - 11:30am

SOLD OUT

CLICK TO REGISTER

CLICK TO REGISTER



Summer Art Camp is SOLD OUT!


To be added to the waitlist, complete the form HERE.


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

(financial assistance available)

Ages 7-9 & 10-14

LEARN MORE

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

Save the Date!

Registration for Youth and Adult 4-week art classes from

September - December are just around the corner! 


Be sure to mark your calendar for the following registration dates:


Tuesday, July 23

All Pottery Wheel classes

Wednesday, July 24

Fused Glass, Glass Mosaic, and Watercolor classes

Thursday, July 25

Ceramic I, II, III

Friday, July 26

All Youth classes


Financial aid and La Quinta resident discount to continue in the fall.

Keep an eye out for more info coming soon!

DINE FOR A GOOD CAUSE!


Celebrate local flavors and support local charities like Old Town Artisan Studios during Taste of Summer! For just $10, your event wristband opens up a world of exclusive summer specials at participating Rancho Mirage restaurants from July 19 - 31. We hope you'll consider supporting Old Town Artisan Studios in this community fundraiser! Wristbands available at Old Town Artisan Studios beginning Saturday, June 8th. Learn more about participating restaurants and Taste of Summer deals HERE.

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.

DIGITAL VISITOR'S GUIDE

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.

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.

MAKE APPOINTMENT
workshop

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!

BOOK A WORKSHOP

THE LIBRARY


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.


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


Thursday, June 6th from 10:00 - 11:00am

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.

Stay Connected!

Facebook  Instagram

OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

Monday - Saturday

10:00am - 5:00pm


(760)777-1444

www.oldtownartisanstudios.org