Enrollment for the Paso Robles Youth Arts Foundation's second session of the "Virtual Studio" will open June 6.
The art enrichment session is free and open to local youths aged five to 18.
The non-profit organization was forced to close its doors to nearly 400 students and their peers along with 22 staff members due to COVID-19.
The "virtual studio" was created to continue art sessions and includes nearly 30 free visual, performing arts and creative enrichment classes that will last from June 6-Aug. 8.
"We had to wrap our heads around what was happening, how did it affect our work, our mission, and how were we going to serve our students — closest to the heart of our purpose," Paso Robles Youth Arts Center Executive Director Mindy Dierks said. "I truly feel that this program has been successful, and we have plans to keep the program moving forward even after we resume live classes and this pandemic has passed. "
Sessions are tailed to specific lessons to help students connect and remind them that they can create alongside mentors and friends, even from home. Each lesson is designed around supplies students can use to create projects from home, as they continue their social distancing.
Different lessons will be offered through the Virtual Studio, where students can comment on scripts, view dances, and emerge in new classes such as yoga and graphic arts. Students access the sessions through their Google Classroom accounts.
