Sonoma Community Center Announces Equity in Arts Scholarships for their Fall 2020 Classes 

Sonoma Community Center announces its Fall series that cover an array of subjects including ceramics, culinary, fiber, painting, drawing, printmaking, mixology, music and more! The classes are carefully curated by the Center’s Staff Lexi Bakkar, Eric Jackson, Kala Stein, and Jill Valavanis. 

The diverse programs are designed to serve everyone from youth to seasoned artists and through the month of October The Center is excited to once again offer Dia De Los Muertos programming for all ages. “This series is friendly to all budgets and is not to be missed,” commented Creative Programs Manager Eric Jackson.  “ What excites me the most is that both of this year’s Instructors, Diego Rios and Ernesto Hernandez-Olmos, not only teach specific Day of the Dead crafts but also integrate the historical and cultural background behind each project.”

Sonoma Community Center was an early leader in creating high-quality, virtual programming when the COVID-19 pandemic forced the cancellation of regular programming. Since April, 2020, art enthusiasts from around the world have Zoomed in to learn on this digital platform that also provides artists a new way to share their expertise and continue to earn an income in these uncertain times. 

“We are committed to making change that bolsters our educational programming and accessibility. Through virtual programming and our scholarships, we are able to reach a broader audience than ever before” said Kala Stein, Director of Sonoma Ceramics. “We began the EQCLAY20 initiative (similar to EQARTS20, but exclusively in the ceramics department) in June to promote long-term sustainable change in the ceramics field and the artists we hire are right there with us.”

The Equity in Arts Scholarships (EQARTS20) provide workshop seats at a reduced rate to anyone who self-identifies as an underrepresented or marginalized individual.  To get the discount, self-identified marginalized individuals simply register using the code EQARTS20. This minimal fee covers the cost of the ticketing software and licensing to run the class. This grassroots effort could not be possible without the generosity of the artists who are hired by Sonoma Community Center to teach. 

In conjunction with the Equity in Arts Scholarships, the Sonoma Community Center is offering fall youth classes at a sliding scale for anyone under 18 thanks to a grant from the Sonoma Plein Aire Foundation. With only 43 percent of students in the Sonoma Valley School District enrolled in arts education, these classes will contribute greatly to the Sonoma community.

Visit  https://sonomacommunitycenter.org/classes/  for the full list of creative classes at the Center. 

Click here to view the 2020 Fall Class Catalogue

 

Testimonials from past workshop students:

“I love the overhead and side video’s. Even BETTER than attending a class in person! Plus, travelling to CA from Canada is too cost prohibitive even if it weren’t for CoVid so THANK YOU for this wonderful opportunity.”

-Virtual Ceramics Workshop Participant, Squamish, BC Canada

 

“Thank you for supporting accessibility and equity to marginalized groups and hiring instructors like Melissa Weiss who do the same. This is one of the reasons I will choose a course with you in the future.”

-Kate Fetterol, Bucks County, Pennsylvania

For more information about the Sonoma Community Center, arts programming and membership information visiting our website at sonomacommunitycenter.org, 

Brightening lives through the arts, education, and community centered activities. 

For over six decades, Sonoma Community Center has worked to inspire creative expression and enhance quality of life by bringing world class programming to the Valley of the Moon, and to preserve and restore our grand, historic building.