Calling all creative teens! Join us for Teen Art Group, a free, weekly, hands-on art-making experience at the Santa Paula Art Museum exclusively for local teens ages 13-18. Teens can join artist in residence Gabriel Cardenas for weekly, individual art projects, learn about design, techniques and materials, and explore their own personal style. The group also helps to plan and paint public murals around Santa Paula. All teens and all skill levels are welcome. Participation is free. Teen Art Group will meet at the Santa Paula Art Museum every Friday evening from 4:00pm to 6:00pm. Teens can find and follow the group on Instagram @teenartgroup.

Teen Art Group is led by painter, musician and “artivist” Gabriel Cardenas. Cardenas is currently a graduate student at Cal State University, Northridge (CSUN) where he is pursuing research in Chicano Art politics and Muralism. Previously, Gabriel exhibited his art in and around Santa Barbara where he received his bachelor’s degree from UCSB. As a teacher and mentor to youth in the community, Gabriel has led various mural installation projects in places such as Ortega Park, La Cumbre Jr. High, Franklin Neighborhood Center, Isla Vista, and Carpinteria. As a Ventura County local, he has painted murals in Santa Paula, Saticoy, Oxnard and participated in art shows and pop-ups in Ventura as well. Gabriel’s hope is to teach, mentor and foster a generation of critical thinkers through the practice of art.