Grant Brings Art to More Valley Children

For a child waiting for a place in an art class, a $30,000 grant could mean a chance to pick up a paintbrush, shape clay and discover what they can create.

Old Town Artisan Studios in La Quinta will use an Impact Grant from the H.N. and Frances C. Berger Foundation to expand its Youth Art Outreach Programs, reaching children across the Coachella Valley whose access to arts education is limited.

The nonprofit expects the funding to serve an additional 150 to 250 underserved young people during the 2026–2027 program year. Plans include reducing waiting lists and strengthening partnerships with schools, tribal communities and other organizations.

“Art gives children opportunities to try new things, express themselves, build confidence and discover their talents,” said Roccie Hill, the organization’s executive director. “This grant will help us strengthen our programs and partnerships so we can reach more young people who may not otherwise be exposed to art.”

The work reaches beyond the studio campus. Professional instructors take ceramics, painting, mixed media and other hands-on projects into schools, Boys & Girls Clubs, YMCA programs and community locations throughout the valley.

That approach brings instruction closer to children who might otherwise miss out because of cost, transportation or limited opportunities nearby. OTAS also offers free and reduced-cost arts education at its La Quinta campus, with a broader mission of welcoming people regardless of age, ability or financial circumstances.

Grant money will support transportation, supplies, equipment upgrades and improvements to the nonprofit’s outreach classroom and mobile programming infrastructure. Those practical investments will help instructors bring materials and lessons to more participating locations as demand grows.

“Access to arts education should be available to everyone,” said Catharine Reed, the foundation’s vice president of charitable programs. “This Impact Grant will help Old Town Artisan Studios bring meaningful creative experiences directly to children in our community.”

The Impact Grants program is a partnership between the Berger Foundation and KESQ News Channel 3, recognizing local nonprofits through funding and public awareness.

For families, the expansion promises more opportunities for children to explore their talents and make something of their own.

Learn more at oldtownartisanstudios.org.

Source: Cara Van Dijk