By Crystal Harrell
Old Town Artisan Studios is in their final days of the Eggstravaganza 2023 Art Show and Auction, raising funds to provide free and low-cost art instruction throughout the Coachella Valley. The art exhibit, showcasing over 200 decorated ceramic eggs, is now open to the public in the Leland Gallery at Old Town Artisan Studios, located at 78046 Calle Barcelona in the La Quinta Arts District.
The nonprofit partnered with artists from the local community and across the nation to create these exquisite works of art. One hundred percent of the proceeds from the auction goes toward the non-profit’s extensive outreach program. In the last three years (even during a global pandemic), Old Town Artisan Studios served over 67,000 art experiences, providing art instruction to children, adults, seniors, veterans, individuals with Alzheimer’s, and those with special needs.
“Bringing art into the lives of our community has always been the foundation of our work,” said Katie Thornton, OTAS Director of Development and Donor Relations.
Another exciting element to the art show is the inclusion of their Mobile Outreach display in the gallery, featuring egg masterpieces made by children from the Boys and Girls Clubs of Coachella and Indio. The nonprofit has invited these students to visit the campus for a field trip to view their work in an art gallery and participate in art activities on the 2.5-acre art campus. The eggs will be returned to the children just in time for Easter.
“Because so many do not have the ability or financial means to come to our studio, we bring art to them. Our unique Mobile Mission is at the core of our Outreach Programs, bringing art adventures all over the Coachella Valley at 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 as far as Mecca, Thermal and Desert Hot Springs,” stated Thornton.
Old Town Artisan Studios is a 501 (c)3 nonprofit organization committed to providing positive art experiences for all people despite age, ability or financial condition. Fee-based classes help subsidize the studio’s operational costs, allowing donations to directly support the mission as they offer free and reduced-fee classes on-site and out in the community.
The Outreach Programs are at the core of Old Town Artisan Studios’ mission. With increased studio classes helping to fund the Outreach Programs, the unique Mobile Mission allows the studio to partner with local schools, senior centers, various non-profits, and provide art instruction off-site. Old Town Artisan Studios brings art to those who cannot come to them, and their goal is to expand outreach services and increase the number of lives they touch through art.
“Through invaluable partnerships with local organizations such as Boys & Girls Club, YMCA, FIND Food Bank, Alzheimer’s Association, Jewish Family Services, Variety of the Desert and more, we are able to expand our reach and enrich the lives of so many,” continued Thornton.
For more information, please visit www.oldtownartisanstudios.org.
