Old Town Artisan Studios (OTAS)
Old Town Artisan Studios (OTAS) is a nonprofit arts center in La Quinta, California. Its mission is to provide positive art experiences for people of all ages, abilities and economic backgrounds. Through on‑campus classes, outreach programs and community events, the organization uses art to heal, inspire and build community.
Mission and Vision
- Inclusive art access: OTAS exists “to provide positive art experiences for all people regardless of age, ability or financial condition”. The organization’s leadership believes that art can heal and should be as accessible as sports facilities are in most communities.
- Healing through creativity: Founders Victory and Richard Grund were inspired after Victory discovered the therapeutic power of clay during a period of depression; they created OTAS in 2009 so others could experience this healing.
- Non‑profit framework: OTAS operates as a 501(c)(3) organization. Revenue from fee‑based classes, gift‑shop sales and events funds free or reduced‑fee programming for underserved populations.
Campus and Building History
Historic homestead: The three‑acre campus sits on one of La Quinta’s earliest homesteads from the 1940s. World‑renowned photographers Mary Mead and Tamis Maddick bought the property and commissioned architect Cliff May to design a ranch retreat that soon drew Hollywood legends such as Elizabeth Taylor and Alfred Hitchcock.
Cunard era (1970s–1980s): Restaurateur Robert Cunard and his wife Dolly converted the property into Cunard’s Restaurant, a fine‑dining destination that won Distinguished Restaurants of North America honors.
Office‑park era (1990s): The site briefly served as a boutique office complex with eateries like La Quinta Grill and Emil’s Bistro.
OTAS era (2016–present): After outgrowing multiple rented spaces, OTAS purchased the site in 2016 and moved in by mid‑2017. The 20 000‑square‑foot facility now houses seven working studios (including a pottery studio with eight kilns) and the Leland Gallery. Tree‑lined gardens, patios, fountains and mountain views create a tranquil “creative oasis” for visitors.
Classes and Workshops
| Area/Medium | Format & Audience | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Ceramics | 4‑week classes and workshops for adults and youth | Wheel‑throwing, hand‑building and glazing; classes run once a week for four weeks. |
| Watercolor & Painting | 4‑week classes and 1–3‑day workshops | Instruction for beginners through advanced; fosters technique and self‑expression. |
| Fused & Stained Glass | Classes and short workshops | Students make jewelry, suncatchers and decorative panels. |
| Printmaking, Textile Arts & Mixed Media | Workshops and youth camps | Options include fabrics, printmaking, and mixed‑media projects. |
| Music and Theater | Summer camps and special programs | Children explore performing arts and gain confidence. |
| Culinary Arts | Occasional classes at the culinary arts center | Linked to OTAS’s broader creative curriculum. |
| Private Lessons & Paint‑Your‑Own Pottery | Custom sessions | Available for individuals or groups; supports OTAS’s mission through fees. |
Class structure and pricing: Classes typically run in four‑week sessions, meeting once a week. Discounts are available: veterans and their immediate families receive 50 % off four‑week classes, and La Quinta residents can receive a 20 % discount on one class per session. OTAS warns that its classes often sell out quickly due to limited seating. Fees vary by medium and materials, ranging from roughly $145–$280 per session. Summer youth camps introduce children to ceramics, printmaking, textile arts, theater, music and more.
Outreach and Community Impact
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Mobile Mission & Outreach: To serve those unable to visit the campus, OTAS operates a Mobile Mission program with art vans that bring instructors and supplies to schools, senior centers and partner organizations across the Coachella Valley. Partners include Boys & Girls Clubs, YMCA, Alzheimer’s Association, Angel View and Desert Arc.
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Scale of service: By 2023 OTAS had provided more than 60 000 art experiences on and off campus over two years. Palm Springs Life noted that OTAS served 25 000 art experiences annually and, since January 2020, had delivered over 68 000 experiences through classes, outreach, Art‑to‑Go kits and live performances.
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Impact recognition: Local leaders, including La Quinta’s mayor, describe OTAS as “the heart” of the city’s artistic heritage and praise its grassroots growth and community influence.
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Financial health: The Desert Sun reported in 2023 that OTAS held $4.6 million in assets and received over $1.6 million in contributions and grants, supporting sustainable operations and scholarship programs.
Events and Fundraising
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Gingerbread Lane & Art of Music: Free community events such as the gingerbread‑house festival and outdoor concert series attract diverse audiences.
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Color the World Gala: An annual fundraising gala raises money for outreach programs; the 2023 event featured performances by young opera singer Victory Brinker and a Frankie Valli tribute group.
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Leland Gallery Exhibitions: The on‑site gallery hosts rotating exhibitions with free admission; proceeds from art sales fund outreach.
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Eggstravaganza Art Show & Auction: A fundraising event where local and national artists decorate ceramic eggs that are raffled for charity.
Why OTAS Matters
OTAS demonstrates how a small creative vision can grow into a regional hub for arts education and healing. Starting from a one‑room studio in 2009, it now operates a historic three‑acre campus with multiple studios, a gallery, a retail shop and mobile outreach. Through scholarships, discounts and partnerships, the organization ensures that art remains accessible to children, seniors, veterans and underserved communities across the Coachella Valley. The combination of high‑quality instruction, community events and a strong mission makes Old Town Artisan Studios a model of inclusive cultural engagement and creative placemaking.
