January 16, 2015
By Hayley Thomas
Studios on the Park will get in on the spooky spirit this year for an All Hallows’ Eve celebration 6 to 9 p.m. on Oct. 31. A costume contest, mask making, live music by local band The Monroe, drinks, nibbles and art will collide for the first-ever Halloween event.
All Hallows’ Eve event committee member Rene Zavala moved to Paso Robles from Southern California this August. With a background in event planning, she’s an energetic new recruit with a willingness to help spread the nonprofit’s mission.
“Studios on the Park has never done a Halloween event, and with the streets closed off for the kids to do trick-or-treating, we thought it would be great to have a party in here where people can come in and really be exposed to Studios on the Park,” Zavalla said.
Zavala said she’s amazed to meet so many longtime residents who still are not 100 percent educated on Studios on the Park’s mission. Aside from the exhibitions and workshops, the nonprofit offers its Kids Art Smart program each year, which provides free arts classes to thousands of local youth.
“I have a passion for art and I love what it can do for the community, and Studios on the Park is really doing their part,” Zavala said. “They aren’t an exclusive art gallery; they really want to bring the community in and get people involved.”
As a former teacher, Zavala said providing art education to youth is a huge personal mission for herself as well.
“I couldn’t wait to get involved,” she said. “We need to make sure the community is aware of all the great programs Studios offers… it is constantly evolving and changing, and offers something new each time you visit.”
According to organizers, attendees have the chance to be active and engrossed in the event, making masks, showing off costumes and mingling with volunteers, resident artists and locals.
“You don’t have to be an observer – you can be involved,” Zavala said. “It’s so much more interesting and fun to be part of it, and I hope that we can continue to surprise the community and offer new events.”
Chronic Cellars, Peachy Canyon Winery, Firestone Walker Brewing Co. and G Brothers Smokehouse & Kettle Corn will provide the treats, and a $10 ticket includes one drink or food item. For more information, visit studiosonthepark.org.
