Our virtual programs provide opportunities for creative youth to come together despite the pandemic through a shared passion for the arts. The CSSSA Foundation is bringing students together to provide virtual arts training, a community of peers and teachers, interdisciplinary engagement, and an environment that nurtures creativity.
These programs, taught by CSSSA faculty and guest artists, are open to alumni from every CSSSA class, as well as all CSSSA applicants from the Class of 2020.
Check out our courses and the work our talented students have created so far - all virtually!
Past Programs
October -November: Creative Writing & Music Mashup Class
Work with other young artists in a collaboration led by CSSSA legends!
Led by CSSSA Department Chairs, Hilary Darling (Creative Writing) and Jose Soto (Music), students explored both their own discipline and the collaborative process of working with artists from another field.
This 4-week class broadened horizons and flexed creative muscles while building teamwork skills and making connections with other young artists.
Oct.-Nov.: Interdisciplinary Workshop (18+ Only)
Scary Stuff: an artistic, communal exploration of the things we fear
Collegiate and professional CSSSA alumni were led in a collaborative art-making process by CSSSA teaching artists. They used the Hallowe'en month to face the scary stuff of life and explore unsettling topics communally and artistically. The mission of the class is to create art and craft that reflect a collective response to what we fear. This 4-week Interdisciplinary workshop was led by Sonja Bruzauskas and CSSSA Theater Chair, BJ Dodge.
October: Virtual Film & Animation Course
Film & Animation Education Led by Emmy-Winning Teachers
CSSSA Foundation teamed up with Animation Intern to bring this online Film & Animation Course to CSSSA applicants and alumnx. The twice-weekly, four-week course focused on growing skill, creativity, and confidence. Led by Emmy award-winning producer & educator Shawn Sullivan and working artist Sam Skyler, students went on a whirlwind exploration of major themes and skills needed to grow as artists and find careers doing what they love.
September: Virtual College Fair
We welcomed six of our amazing college partners to our first ever Virtual College Fair! The event featured six California Arts Colleges; ArtCenter, CalArts, CCA, LCAD, Mills College, and Otis College. Students had the opportunity to hear from each school and ask questions to the admissions staff of each college directly.
Over 50 CSSSA applicants, alumni, and parents attended the event!
July-August: Interdisciplinary Virtual Arts Course
Who Wants to go Viral? (Art in the time of Coronavirus)
This interdisciplinary series was taught by former CSSSA Guest Artist, Sonja Bruzauskas, and explored the topic of virality and life during COVID-19. During this four week course, students from all disciplines worked together to produce the film “An Ode to 2020” as their final project. Check it out below! You can also view some of the artwork by visiting their Instagram page @whowantstogoviral.