Opportunities for Teens to Get Involved with Art and Artists

Exciting opportunities for teens to get involved with the arts abound in the North State. Here is just a sample of the extraordinary arts activities available in our region designed to engage teens and offer openings to express themselves and develop their artistic talents.

BUTTE COUNTY

Chico Art Center

              Chico Art Center actively supports local and regional artists, artistic activity and the continuing placement of visual art in the community, thereby enriching the quality of life for community members of all ages. Teens who become members, (student membership is $20/year), can enter art pieces in art shows throughout the year. There are also opportunities to participate in special art projects, making pieces for specific shows. (530) 895-8726.

Inspire School of Arts and Sciences

              Inspire School of Arts & Sciences is a tuition-free, award-winning, 9-12 public charter high school in Chico, offering a balanced curriculum of challenging academic courses and deep, rich performing arts, and fine arts and science/engineering programs, providing a creative, connected, learning environment.

To find out more about this exceptional school, consider attending Inspire’s 15th Annual Performing Arts Gala 2025 – Be the light for others to see by. Students and staff will showcase their classwork and extracurricular activities, including performance work in music, theater, dance, film and more. The event features two performances Saturday, January 11 at 1pm & 6pm. $10 Inspire students & children 13 and under. $12 Inspire alumni & other students. $15 General Admission. Click here for more information and tickets.

Kiley finds Brushstrokes Studio and Gallery in Oroville the perfect place to get creative.

Mosaic Murals

Teens can try their hand at creating mosaics for the Feather River Mosaic Mural Project, Saturdays from 11-2 at Brushstrokes Studio and Gallery, 1967 Montgomery St, Oroville. Read our article on this beautiful and inspiring art proj¬ect on page 9 of this issue. Brushstrokes studio has open hours and instruction available in a variety of art forms. Call for (530)538-2508 for more information.

SHASTA COUNTY

Cascade Theatre Volunteer Opportunities

Volunteering as a cast member at the historic Cascade Theatre in Redding is an invaluable opportunity for teens passionate about the arts to immerse themselves in a vibrant cultural environment. This historic venue regularly hosts a diverse array of musical and theatrical productions, providing a dynamic platform for young volunteers to engage with the performing arts up close.

For teens with creative inclinations, the Cascade Theatre offers more than just a chance to observe; it presents an opportunity to contribute to the artistic process, whether through assisting behind the scenes, helping with set designs or supporting performers and directors. This hands-on experience fosters a deeper understanding of the intricacies involved in bringing a production to life, from technical aspects to creative decision-making.

Volunteering at the Cascade offers teens a chance to connect with like-minded individuals and professionals in the arts community, sparking mentorships and friendships that inspire future educational and professional career pursuits, nurturing teens’ creative passions, encouraging personal growth and inspiring a lifelong appreciation for the arts.

Contact Shirly Flynn, volunteer coordinator (530)243-8886 Ext 311. Shirly@cascadetheatre.org.

Shasta County Arts Council Annual High School Juried Art Competition

Each year, Shasta County Arts Council invites Shasta County high school students to submit new works of art for display in March at their art gallery, 1313 Market Street in Redding. A local artist is invited to jury the show, choosing pieces that will go on display at the gallery, Students submit two new two-dimensional or three-dimensional art pieces through their school art teacher or art class or through Shasta County Office of Education. Entry forms can be obtained by calling the arts council. (530)241-7320.

Turtle Bay Museum’s Famous Artists Children’s Art Exhibition

              Turtle Bay Exploration Park  offers the Famous Artists Portfolio Program, a valuable resource that brings art into local classrooms. The program includes 70 portfolios of art reproductions, complete with lesson plans that help students explore art, history and more while inspiring them with the works of great artists.

Each January, Turtle Bay Museum hosts the Famous Artists Children’s Art Exhibition, showcasing the creativity of students influenced by the program. This year’s exhibition features over 150 submissions under the theme “Make the Ordinary Extraordinary,” celebrating diverse perspectives and imaginative creations. See the 2025 exhibition running Jan. 31 through April 30 at Turtle Bay Museum.

SISKIYOU COUNTY

Jefferson Center for the Arts Classes for Teens

Jefferson Center for the Arts incorporates the natural beauty of the Mount Shasta with professional arts education to create a premier arts education venue where teens can learn to sing, dance, play the piano and have the opportunity to perform in theatrical productions. Visit the website for information on classes.

TEHAMA COUNTY

Affordable Private Music Lessons for Teens

Sean Wilson, credentialed music teacher with a master’s in education, offers private instruction in Red Bluff and wants to remove price barriers so teens can jump in and start learning an instrument. Students from all over the region, including as far away as Corning, come to take lessons from Sean. He gives away instruments or helps students find affordable used instruments. He teaches basic and intermediate guitar, introduction to piano, ukelele and drums. facebook.com/mmschoolofrock modernmusicredbluff@gmail.com. (530)586-0856.

All About Love – Art from the Heart for Teenagers 

The Tehama County Arts Council offers teens opportunities to exhibit their art in monthly themed Gallery exhibits. The Council gives free sponsorships/ membership to all students 18 and younger and invites high school art classes to display their art in the annual Red Bluff Art Walk.

The next scheduled exhibit is It’s All About Love-Art from the Heart. There will be open studio Saturday, Jan. 11 & 18 at the Tehama Arts Studio and Gallery, 328 Oak Street, Red Bluff, for teenagers to drop in and create art on canvases for that theme. Look for the time on the Tehama Arts Council’s Facebook page. Instructions and supplies will be provided.

The All About Love-Art from The Heart show will open with a reception, Friday, February 14, 5-8pm in the Tehama Arts Gallery. The young artists are invited to represent their art and meet attendees. The drop-off date for all art is Monday, February 10, 4-6pm at the Tehama Arts Gallery. For more information call (530)278-5691 or email tcacarts@gmail.com.