Three Ways Arts Alive! Is Saying Out With the Old for ’08

Since changing hands late last year, Santa Barbara’s all-ages gallery-meets-studio-meets-learning center, Arts Alive!, has been going through a world of changes. Along with painting, cleaning, and making over the space (located at 1 N. Calle Cesar Ch¡vez), the complex’s new owners have added new studios and a slew of programs that truly run the artistic gamut. Call 963-2art, or visit artsalivesb.com for details, class schedules, and new programs, which are being added through February.

1) Sticking with What Works: Arts Alive! has always been a place to bring the kiddies, and that’s one part of the center’s programming that will never change. In addition to breathing new life into the ¼ber popular art and dance combo class for children ages 3 to 5, the new owners have started offering more after-school classes, as well as a kids’ theater workshop on Saturday mornings.

2) The Artsy Side of Med School: Along with a number of new courses, Arts Alive! also has a brand spankin’ new dance and yoga studio, which can be rented out by teachers in the community. Likewise, a massage and healing space is already in the works, and will allow the center to provide massages, acupuncture treatments, and free healing sessions to the public.

3) Party Like It’s 2008: A step above your neighborhood Chuck E. Cheese’s, Arts Alive! has always been known as a great place to entertain the tykes. And while the kid-friendly festivities are still going strong, the center is now also offering up event planning and party rentals for adult art enthusiasts too. The build-your-own bash package can include everything from belly dancers and deejays to catering and private art classes, making it the perfect way to throw an awesome-and stress-free-party.