Ojai Interfaith Council honors Kate Russell!

Kate Russell is the adult supervisor for the annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day held in Libbey Park and Matilija Auditorium. Under her guidance, each year, from September to January, a team of high school students produces this event.”

“The Community Bridge Builder awards goes to residents in the 93023 or 93022 ZIP codes who:

• Create a more cohesive, inclusive, and equitable society, where people have the opportunity to thrive.

• Foster connections and relationships between diverse groups, organizations, or communities.

• Work to bridge gaps, build trust, and promote understanding and collaboration.

• Take positive action to create harmony and cooperation among individuals or groups.”

Congratulations, Kate!

Posted on October 9, 2024 .

Thank You Conejo Valley Auto Center!

Thank you to our friends at the Conejo Valley Auto Center for giving our Conejo Cottontails shiny new clear coats! Miss Poppy and Hoppy Poppy were the first Cottontails to enter their spray booth earlier this year, and Art Trek’s own Peace Bunny returned to the studio on September 4th with a fresh coat!

We would also like to thank our lead Satellite Teachers for sanding and repainting Peace Bunny’s coat over the summer.

Peace Bunny

You can visit Peace Bunny at the Art Trek Studio during hours of operation and community art nights!

Posted on September 4, 2024 .

Nan Young: Woman of the Year

Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin featured our Executive Director, Nan Young, as one of the six women chosen as 2024 Women of the Year!

Nan Young has a life-long history of the arts and philanthropy. Nan's passion for the arts flourished in her teens and early adult years. Upon graduation from UC Santa Cruz, Nan taught high school English and Drama for ten years at Chadwick School in Palos Verdes and created new arts and humanities programs for the school’s Juniors and Seniors.

Nan moved her family to the Conejo Valley in 1990. Instead of returning to the classroom full time, she focused on her young children and volunteered in the school and community. The birth of Art Trek began there. Nan wanted her then 4-year-old daughter, who has cerebral palsy, to attend the same regular elementary school as her son. Due to the inaccessibility of the school, Nan struck a deal with the Ladera Elementary School principal. Nan promised to create an arts program in exchange for the school being modified for a walker. On a handshake, both events occurred almost immediately. The school received appropriate adaptations and Art Trek, a visual, literary, and performing arts program was created.

Congratulations Nan Young 🏆”

https://www.instagram.com/p/C9VNBkivLRk/

Posted on July 12, 2024 .

Tile Wall Installation at Ladera STARS Academy

On Wednesday, June 12th, our Art Trek staff installed a new tile wall for Ladera STARS Academy! All tiles were painted by Ladera students and teachers. The completed wall is now on their campus, along with their other fantastic tile walls!

Learn more about Art Trek Character Walls here!

Posted on June 13, 2024 .

Weathersfield Tile Wall Installation

On Tuesday, June 4th and Wednesday, June 5th, our Art Trek staff installed a new tile wall for Weathersfield Elementary School! All tiles were painted by Weathersfield students and teachers. The completed wall is now on their campus!

Learn more about Art Trek Character Walls here!

Posted on June 6, 2024 .

Art Trek at OSD Creates 2024

On May 30th, 2024, our Oxnard after-school staff showcased their students’ work at OSD Creates— an event celebrating the achievements of students in the Oxnard School District!

The Art Trek programs featured were our Art Enrichment lessons (arts education with literary connections), Inquiring Minds (STEAM learning), and our Middle School Burst lessons (ceramics and urban art exploration).

Take a look at our students’ incredible artwork, as well as the stunning displays our staff worked hard to design and assemble!

Posted on June 4, 2024 .