ART EXPERIENCES

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

throughout the Coachella Valley.

Total Experiences: 2024

27,533

YTD Experiences: 2025

4,463

Summer is just around the corner—what better way to make a difference than by sponsoring a student to take art classes? This year, we're excited to offer 4-week art classes, our popular week-long youth art camps, along with a brand-new half-day digital art camp for teens! Sponsorships will be awarded to students who meet eligibility criteria set by OTAS.

For more details, contact info@oldtownartisanstudios.org or click the button below.

Tell us a little about yourself and your background.

Hi, my name is Jennifer. I am a pastor’s wife, a mother, a grandmother, and a part-time potter. I work full-time designing and engineering wooden roof trusses. I have a bachelor's degree in business management and administration. While I do not have formal art training, I have developed a passion, love, and appreciation for ceramics.

How did you begin taking classes at Old Town Artisan Studios?

We moved to La Quinta in 2015. Before that, I was enrolled in an Adult Ed ceramics program in Claremont, which captivated my attention. My husband found OTAS and gifted me two classes for my birthday and anniversary. I have been an avid ceramic student ever since. I started with Stefania’s beginning ceramics class, where I built a solid foundation in various techniques. In 2020, Colby became our instructor, inspiring me with his out-of-the-box thinking and technical expertise. His teaching recalibrated my throwing interest. Later, Roark challenged me to move out of my comfort zone, expanding my approach to shapes and textures. Angel, whom I first met as a student, has grown into an amazing instructor and emerging artist. Watching his journey has been inspiring.

Why is it important to have art accessibility in our community?

Art accessibility is the beauty of OTAS. I’ve learned the value of community and interpersonal relationships. Working through the creative process—regardless of the outcome—is essential. Encouragement from fellow students makes a difference, and I strive to give and receive that support.

The OTAS campus is always alive with creativity, from gallery openings to community events. What drew me here was my passion for clay, but what keeps me coming back is the love for the people and community.

Anything else you’d like to share?

Two aspects of ceramics stand out to me: age diversity and limitlessness. I’ve learned from both young and seasoned artists, each with unique skills and stories. The limitless possibilities in ceramics inspire me—there’s always something new to explore. The collaboration and encouragement at OTAS make this community truly special.

OTAS is proud to host a variety of 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 make art accessible to everyone. Join us for fun and creativity while making a meaningful impact!

THE ART OF MUSIC

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.

03/13 - Ken O'Malley

04/10 - Fred Benedetti

OPEN MIC NIGHT

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

03/17 - Outside the Masa

04/21 - Dad's Burgers

HOCKNEY + YOU

Discover the art of David Hockney in this FREE art event where you’ll have the opportunity to create your own HOCKNEY+YOU-inspired painting. Sponsored by Jordan D. Schnitzer and his family foundation, this immersive experience is designed to educate and enrich students across the Coachella Valley on the work of David Hockney.

03/08 - Coachella Veteran's Park

03/16 - Palm Springs DT Park

Unleash your creativity with our wide selection of art workshops at OTAS. 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

Mark your Calendars for Summer 2025

(May - August)

Registration Week!

Monday, April 7th

Ceramic I, II, III, Sculpture I & Sculpture II

Tuesday, April 8th

All Pottery Wheel Classes

Thursday, April 10th

All Youth Classes, Youth Summer Art Camp, Teen Digital Art Camp

Friday, April 11th

Fused Glass, Glass Mosaic, Painting, and Photoshop

Spring 2025 classes are still available! Don’t wait—spots fill up fast!

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!

Please review Studio Policies HERE.

The Leland Gallery at 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.

Paint Your Own Pottery (PYOP) is a fun, creative experience for everyone–no matter age, ability, or artistic talent! We supply all the materials you will need and offer a wide range of ceramic items for you to choose from. Simply choose your item, paint your unique design with our underglazes, and pick it up once we fire it for you in our kilns! Pottery painting is a great way to spend quality time with family and friends. It’s also ideal for birthday parties, corporate events, baby or bridal showers.

Learn more by clicking HERE.

Stop by our retail shop and browse everything from hand-made jewelry, scarves, pottery, handmade cards, glass art, and more! All pieces for sale have been handmade by local artists, students, and OTAS instructors. Proceeds from retail shop purchases go to support Old Town Artisan Studios.

WE LOVE OUR VOLUNTEERS! WANT TO HELP? 

Volunteering with OTAS 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!

NEXT ORIENTATION

Thursday, March 6th from 4:00 - 5:00pm

OTAS 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.

Old Town Artisan Studios is committed to providing positive art experiences for all people despite age, ability or financial condition.

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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HOURS

Monday - Saturday

10:00am - 5:00pm