Creativity Is Good for Your Brain—And Your Summer!

Making art is more than a pastime—it’s a proven way to support mental and emotional well-being. Whether you’re painting, shaping clay, or writing poetry, creative expression helps your brain form new connections, lowers stress levels, and fosters a sense of calm and clarity. According to NPR’s Life Kit podcast, the act of creating art can activate the brain’s reward centers, help us process emotions, and even encourage a more hopeful outlook on the future. As researcher Girija Kaimal puts it, creativity isn't just about making something beautiful—it’s about building resilience and staying connected to yourself and the world around you.*

We’ll be sharing more about these powerful benefits at the 2025 Fallbrook Healthy Living Faire on Saturday, June 14. Stop by to see how the arts can play a role in your wellness journey. And all summer long, our cool, air-conditioned studios are open to help you relax, recharge, and reignite your imagination. Sign up for a class or workshop today—and give your brain the best kind of workout.

*How Making Art Helps Your Brain” by Malaka Gharib, NPR.

Introducing Our New

Open Studio Membership:

More Clay, More Creativity, One Easy Registration!

More Clay Time, More Flexibility—Welcome to Our Expanded Open Studio Membership!

Our newly expanded Open Studio Membership is designed to give currently enrolled ceramics students more creative freedom—on their schedule.

Option 1: (current program) choose a specific day and time for your practice

Option 2: $50 more per five week session (or $60 more per six week session), you can come to all open studio offerings per week for the duration of the session. This means you can attend all four or just one but on the day that suits your schedule the best for that week.

Option 3: Don't want to commit but would like to drop in once in a while? We got you. You can drop in for $25 a visit.

Open Studio Times

• Tuesdays: 1:00–3:00 PM
• Wednesdays: 1:30–4:30 PM
• Thursdays: 10:00 AM–1:00 PM
• Saturdays: 1:00–3:00 PM

And here’s the best part: our Ceramics Department Head, Kody Barnes, will be sharing his expertise during these sessions. Whether you’re troubleshooting a tricky form or want a second opinion on your glaze choices, Kody’s here to support your creative journey.

The Open Studio Membership runs alongside each ceramics class session—just register once per session and choose the plan that fits your style.
(Open Studio is available to students currently enrolled in any ceramics class.)

Cartoon Creators Camp: Two Sessions of Drawing, Laughing & Creating!
Calling all budding cartoonists—kids, teens, and adults, too! Join artist Gabriel Stockton this summer for our Cartoon Creators Camp offered twice with fresh projects in each session. This three-part series features two live demos per class—one simple, one more advanced—so artists of all skill levels can jump in and have fun.

You’ll sketch, laugh, and even create a collectible Artist Trading Card with your own artwork. Parents are encouraged to participate alongside their kids for a creative bonding experience you won’t forget!

- Sign up for the full series and save
- Prefer flexibility? Drop-in options available
- Special pricing for Fallbrook Boys & Girls Club members.

Cartoon Creators Camp

Father’s Day Mug Making Workshop – Make Memories, Not Just Mugs!

Ditch the necktie and skip the gift card—celebrate Father’s Day with creativity and clay! In this special Father's Day Mug Making Workshop, instructor Kody Barnes will guide you through crafting your own ceramic custom mug—perfect for sipping coffee, tea, or just admiring your handiwork.

No experience needed—just bring your imagination.
Come solo or make it a shared memory with someone special: a dad, uncle, brother, partner, mentor, or friend. Sign up together and save $10 on two registrations. Because let’s face it—making something together is way more fun than shopping for it!

Father's Day Mug Making Workshop

Featured Demonstration

Featured Demonstration: Sculpting a Face with Karen Williams Smith
Ever wonder how a lump of clay becomes a lifelike human face? Join us on Monday, June 2 from 10:00 AM to Noon for a free live demonstration with artist Karen Williams Smith, and watch as she brings portrait sculpture to life—one feature at a time.

Karen will walk us through her process for sculpting an anatomically accurate face, sharing expert tips on proportion, form, and expression along the way. It’s a rare opportunity to learn from an accomplished artist as she reveals the artistry behind capturing personality and realism in clay.

Whether you're an experienced sculptor, an art lover, or simply curious about how it all comes together, this demo promises to inspire and inform.

More Information

Fallbrook School of the Arts is a division of Fallbrook Center for the Arts, Inc, a 501(c)3 non profit. Your sponsorships and donations help us continue purchasing equipment, offer scholarships and bring in guest artists. If you'd like to donate for a specific piece of equipment, event or for scholarships, please donate here

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