Sparks curiosity / Provokes questions / Awakens awareness / Motivates self-exploration
Summer Exploration and Inspiration
Paula Spellman, Creator of Ripples
Ripples is our summer cultural program that was created by Paula Spellman. Paula Spellman is an author, speech writer, and literary consultant. She is also a Living Treasure and former executive director of a mentoring and role model program, and has served on many boards within the Ojai Valley. Both OVYF and Paula have a great passion for exposing youth to diverse experiences outside of their comfort zone that will provoke questions and motivate them to seek new opportunities–together they created the strong program ‘Ripples’ that continues today!
Ripples offers a wide variety of events for youth 12-18 years of age, which has included tango lessons, culinary experiences, tours of the Disney Animation Studio and the Santa Barbara Museum of Art, live theater performances, as well as improv and visual arts workshops. Ripples is designed to give students the knowledge needed to appreciate culture, as well as a learning environment in which they can integrate into their lives the lessons learned from these events.
“One of the things that is missing for our youth today is the opportunity to get outside of their own neighborhoods.”
-Paula Spellman
As we continue to incorporate Paula’s passion in this unique summer program, it also evolves over time. What will always remain is our shared vision to provide young people with an interactive and educational program through the arts. Today’s Ripples program is funded by a small collection of generous donors, including Paula, and includes such fun experiences as late night slam poetry at Da Poetry Lounge in West Hollywood, and visits to The Broad Museum! Questions about attending this free program, held over a number of weeks during summer vacation, can be directed to OVYF Board President Franci Nelson at: 805-640-9555.
Business and individuals who have given of themselves to make Ripples possible:
- Steve Bauer
Tango lesson - Tree Bernstein
Poetry workshop - Barbara Brandt
Etiquette workshop - Demitri Corbin
Improv workshop - Nancy Michali
Culinary Arts Studio - Donna Granata
Focus on the Masters - Ted Gall
Studio tour - Stephen Geering
Musical workshop - Nomi Morris
Journalist talk - Joan Nicholson
Poetry workshop - Ojai Valley Inn
Culinary workshop - Sylvia Raz
Art workshop - Kate Russell
Art workshop - Bill Spellman
Theater tickets - Walt Disney Animation Studios
- Whale’s Tail Deli – Santa Barbara
Dinner
