Founded on the belief that recreation, fun, challenge and access to the outdoors are an essential part of a healthy and fulfilling life, Shared Adventures is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the quality of life of people living with disabilities.

Art Classes

Young Artists Studio (YAS) is an inclusive after school art program for young people with and without special needs. A major goal of the program is to unite two communities that do not regularly interact, the disabled and the able-bodied.

Young Artists Studio classes run throughout the school year, taking a break for the holidays. See below for map and directions.

New students always welcome!

TUESDAYS and WEDNESDAYS October 18- December 14

Tuesdays: Adult Classes
Time: 3:30-5:30
Where: Hope Services-
220 Lincoln St., Santa Cruz
(Click here for map & directions)
Cost: FREE

Wednesdays: Kid Classes
Time: 3:30-5:30
Where: Branciforte Small Schools-
840 N. Branciforte Ave. RM. 22, Santa Cruz
(Click here for map & directions)
Cost: FREE

Order a Young Artists Studio Art Card!

Support the Young Artists Studio with the purchase of an art card made by students! To see designs and pricing, click here.

Young Artists Studio Mural: The Nature of Santa Cruz

yas mural 2010

On Friday, July 2nd, the Young Artists Studio had the grand opening of their most recent mural entitled: The Nature of Santa Cruz at the Firefly Café in Santa Cruz. This project was funded with grants from the Santa Cruz Cultural Council and Omega Nu. There was live music, food, arts & crafts! The Mayor was also in attendence for the ribbon cutting ceremony. View more photos of the mural here.

What is the Young Artists Studio?

	Shared Adventures’ Young Artists Studio program has provided free, inclusive open-studio type art classes twice weekly during the school year. Young Artists Studio classes include both abled bodied and disabled students. They interact with one another while expressing their artistic abilities. YAS is a comfortable environment in which these two segregated communities may work side by side in their shared artistic interest and learn from one another’s unique self expression.
Students work with many creative mediums including printmaking, painting, ceramics, and photography. They also benefit from the expertise of guest artists, learn about master artists, take field trips to view local art, and participate in art shows.
	Through instruction, studio time, guest artists, field trips, and opportunities to exhibit art, youth explore their talents and potentials as artists.