Benjamin Franklin Field Trip

Get ready to be amazed by the top-selling students of Benjamin Franklin Elementary School! Their outstanding efforts in a recent fundraiser not only earned them a well-deserved trip to Old Town Artisan Studios but also a complimentary Paint Your Own Pottery experience. With the goal of raising funds for new equipment at the school, these students went above and beyond to make it happen. Join us in celebrating their hard work and dedication to their school!

Art in After-School Programs

What a wonderful year it has been working with students in the after-school programs! As we look ahead to the summer, we are excited to announce the continuation of our partnership with YMCA, which will bring weekly art classes to James Carter Elementary in Palm Desert and Amelia Earhart Elementary in Indio. The art instruction at Boys and Girls sites will be ongoing until the end of May, and we look forward to resuming classes at the Palm Springs, Mecca, Indio, Coachella, and La Quinta sites again in the fall!

Art with Variety of the Desert

Through a wonderful collaboration between Variety of the Desert and Old Town Artisan Studios, underserved children are being given a chance to participate in inclusive art classes. This initiative ensures that every child, regardless of background or circumstance, has the opportunity to unleash their creativity and express themselves artistically. Learn more about our partner, Variety of the Desert, here.

Creativity knows no bounds, especially when it comes to the young minds of tomorrow. Old Town Artisan Studios proudly presented the debut of its Aspiring Artist program, equipping participants with the knowledge and skills needed to pursue a career and education in fine arts. This spring, we welcomed six local high schoolers to join the inaugural program, each with a passion and dream to become a professional visual artist. Join us in congratulating these remarkable individuals on their extraordinary achievements and learn a little about each one below!

KEIRA FARMER

PALM DESERT HIGH SCHOOL

"I feel very happy when I create art. I feel creative, like ideas are just flooding through my mind when I create. It's been pretty fun being in the program. I feel like it was worth it because I finally got to represent my art in a professional way. I just hope that others will be inspired to share their art more, because I know people will love to see it."

LEVI REYES

LA QUINTA HIGH SCHOOL

"My dad has always been supportive of my art journey so that's why I developed a passion for it. My biggest dream is to one day, open up my own tattoo parlor, but make it a clean and professional establishment to help combat stigmas around body art. Aspiring Artists was not only a beneficial experience because you learn a lot about best practices, but you're surrounded by others your age and it's a great opportunity to make friends and connections."

RUBI MALDONADO

SHADOW HILLS HIGH SCHOOL

"I started drawing when I was 10, but it was just a hobby. As I started growing up, it was like a coping mechanism for me. Art doesn't have to be just for fun, but something I can use (as a career). I'm super grateful for the opportunity to be here and being accepted into the program."

RAEVYN JOHNSON

LA QUINTA HIGH SCHOOL

"I hope to work in a setting that is related to art, like at a museum or gallery. From a young age, I've wanted to do what I love and that is art! Art makes me feel liberated. It lets me express my emotions without having to be judged. My artwork are like my babies and I'm letting them into the world. It makes me feel very proud of myself."

MAKAYLA TOWNSEND

LA QUINTA HIGH SCHOOL

"I've been making art since I was younger. Eventually, I want to go into animation as a career. I personally have never done a program like this before. It’s been very rewarding."

EMILY HINSLEY

LA QUINTA HIGH SCHOOL

"I want to go to college for animation. Ever since I was little, I've been drawn to art and had the aspiration to create. Overall, the program has been very fun!"

SENSORY ART WORKSHOP

Have little ones under 5 years old? Help them discover colors, lines, shapes, textures and a variety of media. Experience various sensory related toys and activities! Young artists can enjoy the process, while making their own creations to take home! Activities are designed for children, age birth to 5 years.

AVAILABLE DATES:

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

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

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

Partnership with Desert Ensemble Theatre

We are committed to nurturing the growth of artists of all ages, including on and off the stage! Old Town Artisan Studios has partnered with producers Desert Ensemble Theatre and Patricia West-Del Ruth to bring you “Love, Loss, and What I Wore” an Off-Broadway show. This sold-out event took place on Saturday, May 11th at Old Town Artisan Studios. Thank you to all actors, staff, crew, and volunteers for a wonderful event! Learn more about Desert Theatre Ensemble 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.

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.

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.

WISHLIST

NEWSPAPER DONATIONS

Please call our front desk at

(760)777-1444 before bringing in donations. Thank you!

NOW HIRING

FACILITIES TECHNICIAN (FT)

Performs routine facility and custodial maintenance of the campus, with the ability to demonstrate basic carpentry, plumbing, painting, and use of cleaning tools.

Please send resume to sue@oldtownartisanstudios.org.