Palo Alto City Council Member, Former Palo Alto Mayor and Philanthropy executive at Microsoft Corporation
Popular Palo Alto Mayor Sid Espinosa says he was inspired 11 years ago to take the leap from observing art to making it. "From viewing art, to creating it and talking about it, Palo Alto Art Center never stops inspiring me," he says. Espinosa first encountered PAAC when he took a ceramics class there more than a decade ago. “The first class I took was with my office team at Hewlett-Packard as a bonding experience,” he remembers. “We all had a blast and we fell in love with the classes at the Art Center. PAAC is not just a facility for professional artists only; it is a place that welcomes people who want to explore art at any level. It's an incredible community resource.” “I have done painting, sculpture and ceramics and now I really want to learn glass blowing. Since I started I have been a student, volunteer, docent and even board member at PAAC , but my favorite connection has been the fun and interesting classes I take there.” In addition to learning and creating, community outreach is another aspect of PAAC Espinosa responds to. “I like that PAAC is accessible to everyone, from beginners to experts, from kids to seniors, from those who can afford it to programs for needy kids in East Palo Alto. They are focused on making the exhibitions, classes, programs and events accessible to the whole community.”
Click here to watch a video of Sid sharing his Palo Alto Art Center story
About the "Discover Your Inner Artist" Series: When the 40-year-old Palo Alto Art Center re-opens October 6 after a $7.9 million transformation, more community members than ever will discover their inner artists through its programs that have inspired and educated thousands. As the Art Center enters the final days of its transformation, many young professionals have shared what the beloved community organization has meant to them, their families, friends and neighbors as an amazing place to see and make art, be inspired and feel part of something life-enhancing and exciting. Visit the Palo Alto Art Center's Facebook, Twittter and YouTube pages to see and hear more stories, and share yours as well.
