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Arts & Culture Newsletter

Save the Date for Family Arts Day

Family Arts Day

Mark your calendars for Family Arts Day from 10 am to 2 pm on Saturday, April 13 at the Potocki Center for the Arts. Families are invited to explore their creativity in this fun-filled day of hands-on art experiences.  

Enjoy art demonstrations by local artists, hands-on art projects with the Chuck Jones Center for the Arts, and learn acting techniques in an improv workshop. You will also savor the rhythm of live music. This program is free and open to all ages. 

Potocki Center for the Arts is located at 27301 La Paz Road.

Email arts@cityofmissionviejo.org for more information.

 

Springtime is Swing-time at the Potocki Center for the Arts

Trumpet

With spring in the air, the Potocki Center for the Arts patio is brimming with jazz. Join us from 5-7 pm on Saturday, April 6 on the picturesque patio for a free jazz concert. The Brian Watson Quartet will play a blend of jazz standards and other popular songs. 

Register by clicking here.

Potocki Center for the Arts is located at 27301 La Paz Road.

For more information, contact 949-470-8470 or arts@cityofmissionviejo.org.
 

Get excited about our Spring Classes

Welcome Cottage

There are many reasons to get excited for classes at the Potocki Center for the Arts this spring. After a three-year hiatus, ceramics resumes with afternoon and evening classes. We are excited to add new classes like candle making, scratch art and acting to our already robust lineup.

Register for our spring classes by clicking here

Potocki Center for the Arts is located at 27301 La Paz Road.

For more information, contact 949-470-8470 or arts@cityofmissionviejo.org.

 

Art instructor spotlight on Eliane Cherman

Eliane Cherman

Candle making is an exciting new addition to our spring class lineup. Starting in March, expert candle artist Eliane Cherman will offer instruction for children and adults in three-week class sessions as well as several standalone workshops. 

“A Young Candlemaker’s Journey” for ages 8-12 begins on Wednesday, March 6 from 4 to 5:30 pm. To register, visit this link. “Beginning Candle Making” for those 16 and older also starts on March 6 from 6 to 7:30 pm and you can register here.  

We interviewed Eliane, so you can learn more about this creative instructor: 

Q: How did you get started creating candle art? 

A: I began creating candle art in 2010 during a challenging phase in my life. My son, wanting to lift my spirits, asked for a uniquely handmade gift for his birthday. In return, he agreed to join a school sports team, a goal I had encouraged for some time. When I asked about his motivation, he pointed out my happiness during artistic activities and expressed a desire to contribute to my well-being. After pondering for a couple of weeks, I decided to merge his love for my cupcakes with my artistic interests. I crafted candles resembling cupcakes, and to my surprise, they became a hit. Taking them to work, colleagues mistook them for real cupcakes, leading to requests for novelty candles such as cakes, waffles, and drinks. And that's how my journey into this creative venture began.

Q: What is your favorite thing about teaching art classes? 

A: My favorite aspect of teaching art classes is witnessing the sheer joy and sense of accomplishment on my students' faces when they complete their artwork. It's truly priceless to observe the moment when they realize they've created something beautiful, and the pride they feel in their own artistic abilities. It's these moments of self-discovery and creative achievement that make teaching art so rewarding.

Q: How do you like to spend your time when you are not creating or teaching art? 

A: When I'm not creating or teaching art, I'm immersed in my love for cooking, constantly experimenting with new recipes.  I also enjoy gardening, refurbishing furniture, and fixing anything around the house that may need fixing. Finally, I enjoy traveling, and my passion for travel extends to learning about the art and architecture of different countries, enriching my artistic perspective with diverse cultural influences.

Q: What advice do you have for people who think they "cannot do art"? 

A: My advice is to start with an open mind and let go of the fear of judgment. Art is a form of self-expression, and there are no strict rules or boundaries. Begin by exploring different mediums and techniques without focusing on creating a masterpiece. Embrace the process rather than fixating on the outcome.
Consider taking beginner-friendly art classes or workshops to learn basic skills and gain confidence. Remember that everyone has a unique style, and there's no right or wrong way to create art. Allow yourself to make mistakes, as they are an integral part of the learning journey.

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MV Life

The MV Life app has been updated!  Keep your finger on the pulse of Mission Viejo.

Get timely information about news, events, and recreation so you can savor the good life in Mission Viejo.

Don’t delay in downloading this app today to take advantage of all this great community has to offer.

 
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