Local residents may be familiar with the Muckenthaler Cultural Center’s historic mansion museum and seasonal live performances offered at their spacious outdoor amphitheater, but many may not be as familiar with the non-profit organization’s expanding arts education program.

Parents and children alike learn together at a Muckenthaler arts class in the Pat and Rose Young Studio – Photo by Stephannie Beeman

The Muckenthaler’s Arts Education Department offers classes year-round, including seasonal sessions, weekend workshops, and school-break camps, tailored to community needs and students young and old, ranging from ages two to ninety-two. Their education team instructs at 25 different sites in 10 different cities located throughout California, according to the organization’s website. Classes include the visual arts, ceramics, dance, creative writing, music, cultural arts and career pathways in the arts. So, who teaches these classes? Experienced, passionate teaching artists who are committed to community engagement, cultural relevance, and student growth, according to the Muckenthaler’s publicity team. I was recently hired to teach a digital photography class for their fall session which begins later this month at the Muck, and had a chance to interview Chief Education Officer Stephannie Beeman to learn more about the history of the Muckenthaler’s educational programming and how the non-profit approaches arts education both locally and regionally.

“The Muckenthaler’s Arts Education Program began over 25 years ago as a grassroots initiative led by passionate local educators and arts advocates,” said Stephannie. “Their goal was simple but profound: to make the arts accessible to everyone in our community. That mission still drives us today.”

Muckenthaler Education Team – Photo by Stephannie Beeman

As Chief Education Officer, Stephannie heads up a collaborative, multi-talented team that includes lead artists Willie Tabata and Bridgette Antonelli, as well as twenty-five teaching artists. Over the past ten years, she has worked to create a department that, in her own words, “reflects the best of who we are as a community: creative, inclusive and supportive.”

She said, “We’ve evolved into the go-to arts education provider in North Orange County, thanks to our talented and compassionate teaching artists, innovative programming, and a nurturing, growth-centered culture. We listen – to students, families and educators – to ensure our programming meets real needs. I’m proud of what we’ve built together and I know we’re just scratching the surface.”

With arts programming aligned with the State of California’s Visual and Performing Arts standards, many of the Muck’s student-centered, project-based art classes take place within studios located behind the historic mansion on the hillside above Chapman Avenue. I definitely remember visiting their ceramics studio on field trips when I was a student at Golden Hill Elementary School many years ago, but the expanded classroom spaces in the Pat and Rose Young Studio, located next to the Muck’s parking lot off Buena Vista Drive, are relatively new.

Students learning in the Muckenthaler mansion gallery – Photo by Stephannie Beeman

When asked how the Muckenthaler’s education program expanded to twenty-five different sites across multiple California cities, Stephannie said, “The expansion happened naturally, rooted in community need and word of mouth. Our programming is sought after by schools, libraries, senior centers, and community organizations because of the quality of our instructors and our inclusive approach. We bring the Muck’s heart and mission wherever we go – and we’ve grown one relationship at a time.”

As students head back to school this month, it’s worth noting that the Muck’s education area has coordinated and collaborated with Fullerton-area schools and organizations for over 20 years.

“Our work with Fullerton Joint Union High School District (FJUHSD) has grown tremendously; their openness and vision have allowed us to begin shaping a true support system for arts teachers and students. We look forward to becoming a trusted extension of in-school arts education across grade levels,” said Stephannie. “We’re excited about the future of our ever evolving partnership with Fullerton Elementary School District. We also proudly serve as the after-school arts provider for the Lowell Joint and La Habra City School Districts, where our programs have more than tripled our impact on elementary-aged students. All of this growth reflects our deep belief in the power of collaboration and our dedication to nurturing the next generation of artists.”

Muckenthaler Education Department offers arts classes for adults – Photo by Stephannie Beeman

Sometimes, the classes offered at the Muckenthaler can be expensive, but fortunately, they do offer scholarships, because, according to Stephannie, one of their department’s ongoing goals is to actively seek funding and community partnerships, so that they can provide accessible programming for everyone, regardless of financial circumstances. However, she did stress that scholarship availability varies from year to year, depending on grant funding and donor support.

She said, “We are especially mindful of the financial burdens faced by patrons.. .our goal is to relieve that pressure whenever we can and ensure the arts remain a joyful, barrier-free space. For those interested, applications are simple and open to all – we’re always happy to connect anyone to opportunities that can help them thrive creatively.”

This year alone, the Muck’s Education Department has launched two fully funded programs that have provided free access to arts education:

“Anti-Camp: Makers Studio for Teens,” was funded by the Ebell Club of Fullerton and allowed 13 local teens to attend a multi-week “creative intensive” at no cost. This basically meant that teens were allowed to work on their own art projects at the Muckenthaler’s various classrooms, while having access to materials and trained artists for free.

Students Painting – Photo by Stephannie Beeman

“Smart Sunday,” funded by the MOCA Foundation, offered visual arts classes for individuals with mental and physical disabilities, plus professional development for teachers – all completely free.

“With community support and donor engagement, we’re ready to take the next step – offering even more career-building programs, emotional wellness through artistic outlets, and transformative access for all,” Stephannie said. “With continued support, increased funding and community investment, we know we can do even more – reaching additional students, supporting more teachers, and elevating arts education across Southern California. We can expand our reach, invest in future artists, and build an even more resilient and joyful arts ecosystem.”

When I asked her what else she would like Fullerton residents and the public to know about the Muck’s arts education program, Stephannie responded by saying, “We design our class calendar to be flexible, inclusive, and responsive to student availability. Our mission is built on love – for the arts, for our community, and for creating inclusive spaces where everyone belongs… we’re not just teaching art – we’re building connection, confidence and community. And we’re doing it with passion and heart.”

Classes at the Muck include the visual arts- ceramics – dance – creative writing – music – cultural arts – and career pathways in the arts – Photo by Stephannie Beeman

Registration for the Muckenthaler’s first fall session art classes has now opened and is available at:
https://themuck.org/art-classes.

Classes for their first fall session begin August 18, and run until September 22. To learn about the Muckenthaler’s Education Department, visit: https://themuck.org/outreach.