Six high schools students from the Desert Sands school district joined the inaugural art mentorship program, Aspiring Artists, created by Old Town Artisan Studios (OTAS).
The students include Keira Farmer from Palm Desert High School, Rubi Maldonado from Shadow Hills High School, and Emily Hinsley, Raevyn Johnson, Levi Reyes, and Makayla Townsend from La Quinta High School.
The goal of the new program from OTAS is to “enhance visual arts education for young creatives” in the area through learning experiences outside of the traditional classroom. The curriculum includes workshops, seminars, field trips, and hands-on experiences. The program aims to teach students the technical side of art as well, such as writing artist statements, handling self promotions, and gaining professional advice for a career in the field.
A group exhibition, “Aspire, Create, and Present” capped off the program, and was held on Thursday, April 18. An Aspiring Artists participant Rubi Maldonado was able to sell four pieces of her artwork during the reception and said she “learned that art can be more than just an emotional outlet or hobby; it can be a passion I can make a career from.”
The Aspiring Artists exhibit will remain on display until May 11 in the Leland Gallery at Old Town Artisan Studios, located at 78046 Calle Barcelona in La Quinta. For more information, visit www.oldtownartisanstudios.org for additional information.
“Initiatives like the Aspiring Artists program uphold our mission of providing positive art experiences to individuals of all backgrounds,” OTAS Gallery and Events Coordinator Isabela Garcia said. “By offering this free enrichment program, we ensure that artistic expression remains inclusive and accessible.”
