Newsletter Volume 90 | April 2025 | |
SUMMER REGISTRATION WEEK IS
ALMOST HERE!
Mark your calendar! Starting next Monday, registration for Adult and Youth 4-week art classes, Youth Summer Art Camps, and Teen Digital Art Camps will go LIVE! Classes will be grouped by medium and released on specific days, starting at 10:00am each day.
| | Review the Summer Class and Camp Catalogs below. | | Limited number of student sponsorships available - Click HERE to apply. | | |
La Quinta Resident Discount - Click HERE to apply.
Veteran's Discount - Click HERE to apply.
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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.
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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: 2024
27,533
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YTD Experiences: 2025
7,411
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OTAS INSTRUCTOR SPOTLIGHT
Ravi Wilkie
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We are thrilled to welcome Ravi Wilkie as our newest acrylic painting instructor at Old Town Artisan Studios! With a lifelong passion for art and a diverse background spanning multiple artistic disciplines, Ravi brings a wealth of experience and a deep appreciation for creative expression to our community.
Ravi has been painting and drawing for as long as he can remember. His love for art began in school and quickly turned into a career, starting as a potter’s assistant and evolving into a lifelong journey through various art industries. “Before I knew it, I didn’t know how to do anything else,” he shares.
For Ravi, art is more than just a creative outlet—it’s a way to better understand the natural world. His approach to painting is deeply rooted in observation, patience, and a love for exploring different mediums. “I actually really like teaching acrylic painting because you can do so many different things with it. It’s a lot like sculpting, but with colors.”
After moving to La Quinta during the pandemic, Ravi quickly discovered Old Town Artisan Studios. His connection to OTAS grew as his art cards and his wife Elena’s jewelry became part of our gift shop. Now, as an instructor, he’s excited to share his expertise with students, helping them gain confidence in their abilities and embrace the creative process.
Ravi finds fulfillment in seeing students grasp a concept or have that moment where they truly let go and immerse themselves in the process. His goal is to equip students with a basic understanding of color theory and brush techniques while encouraging them to put less pressure on themselves and simply enjoy creating.
Believing that art is an essential component of a healthy, balanced life, Ravi is committed to making creativity accessible to all. His advice to aspiring artists? “Don’t be afraid to just go for it. You’re probably better than you think you are. And practice as much as possible.”
In addition to teaching, Ravi and Elena have built a thriving small art business in the Coachella Valley. From local murals to retail spaces like the Palm Springs Airport, their work continues to grow. You can explore their art and jewelry at markets across the desert or visit their website, www.wilkiestudios.com, to see more of their creations. Of course, you can see their work in OTAS' Retail Shop! We’re excited to have Ravi as part of the OTAS team and can’t wait to see the continued impact he makes in our community. Welcome, Ravi!
Interested in taking one of Ravi's classes this summer? Check out our adult class catalog to learn about his upcoming classes, Beginning Acrylic Painting and Abstract Acrylic Painting!
| | 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. | | |
OTAS STUDENT
ART SHOW
OPENING RECEPTION
TOMORROW!
Thursday, April 3rd
5:00 - 7:00pm
Click HERE to learn more!
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COMMUNITY ART SHOW
OPENING RECEPTION
Thursday, May 1st
5:00 - 7:00pm
ARTIST CALL!
Deadline to Submit:
April 18th
Click HERE to learn more!
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Interested in having an art show at OTAS?
To be considered for a group or solo show, please fill out the application below. Please note that applications do not guarantee placement in the Leland Gallery. For questions, please email angel@oldtownartisanstudios.org.
| | 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 CONCERT SERIES
April 10th from 6:00 - 7:30pm
The Art of Music concert series blends musical performance with conversation, education, and storytelling. We welcome back renowned guitarist Fred Benedetti, who has played worldwide with esteemed groups like the San Diego Symphony and jazz legend Dave Brubeck. His versatile talent has led him to perform alongside artists such as Art Garfunkel and Willie Nelson, and in 2023, he was inducted into the San Diego Music Hall of Fame.
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OPEN MIC NIGHT & FOOD TRUCK EXPERIENCE
April 21st from 6:00 - 8:00pm
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 featured food truck, Dad's Burgers, on April 21st! Winners for Best Burgers in CV (Palm Springs Life Magazine's Best of the Best Award 2021).
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SPECIAL CONCERT:
THE LAUREL CANYON BAND
April 23rd from 6:30 - 8:00pm
The Laurel Canyon Band is a seven-member group celebrating the Southern California rock scene of the ’60s and ’70s with songs by The Eagles, Linda Ronstadt, Jackson Browne, Joni Mitchell, and more. A popular act at festivals and private events, they captivate audiences with stellar musicianship, soaring harmonies, and classic riffs. The Laurel Canyon Bandbrings the era to life through iconic songs and behind-the-scenes stories.
| | 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 | |
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. | | |
LA QUINTA ARTISTS
OPEN STUDIO TOURS
We wrapped up our second year hosting the La Quinta Artists Open Studio Tours, and it was a tremendous success! This special event gave the community a unique opportunity to step inside the creative spaces of talented local artists, experiencing their work firsthand through a free, self-guided tour. A heartfelt thank you to the City of La Quinta for their partnership and to all the incredible artists who opened their studios to share their passion and process. We can’t wait to do it again next year!
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BIRDY BUNGALOWS
ART SHOW & FUNDRAISER
From February 12th to March 26th, the Leland Gallery at Old Town Artisan Studios was filled with an incredible collection of artistically transformed birdhouses for our signature spring art show and fundraiser, Birdy Bungalows. These one-of-a-kind creations, crafted by talented local artists, were raffled off to support our mobile art program, helping us bring free and affordable art classes to the community.
Thanks to the generosity of our participating artists and the enthusiastic support of everyone who purchased raffle tickets, we raised an amazing $5,830 for our outreach efforts! A huge congratulations to all the lucky winners who took home a beautifully crafted birdhouse. We are so grateful for the continued support of this event and can’t wait to see creativity take flight again next year!
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PRIVATE EVENTS AND WORKSHOPS
Whether you have an upcoming group outing, corporate retreat, birthday party, or special occasion... OTAS is the perfect place to make memories!
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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 Board Room is free to community members with approval and reservation.
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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
Tuesday, April 8th 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.
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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
Gerald Ford Elementary (YMCA)
Hope Through Housing
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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
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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.
| | FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA! | |
HOURS
Monday - Saturday
10:00am - 5:00pm
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