EVENTS
The Storyteller Awards
The Storyteller Awards is Venice Arts’ signature fundraising celebration and a reimagined alternative to our annual gala. This powerful evening honors alumni from our Digital Storytelling Pre-Apprenticeship, showcasing their creative work and professional accomplishments while raising essential funds to support our programs.
College Day
Join us on Saturday, October 4th from 1-4pm for our annual FREE College Day event at Venice Arts!
Our College Day is open to all high schoolers and their families, offering a fantastic opportunity to explore a variety of options available after high school and receive valuable insights on navigating these transitions. We will have an exciting lineup of tables, workshops and discussions from institutions such as West LA College, El Camino College, 826LA, Otis College of Art and Design, Woodbury University, and more...!
College Day Activities:
Personal Statement + Writing Support
Financial Aid Workshop
Creative Career and College Pathways Panel
Art Portfolio Reviews
Raffle Prizes (all attendees who stay until the end of the event will have the chance to win 1 of 5 awesome raffle prizes!)
Poetry in Motion
Join us in celebrating the Academy Museum’s Anniversary Day on Saturday, September 28!
As part of a unique collaboration between the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures and Poetic Film Club, a youth arts organization co-developed by Venice Arts Teaching Artist, Tiffany, a talented cohort of students (ages 13 to 19) will present original poems inspired by films and artifacts from the museum’s exhibitions.
This program reimagines filmmaking through a poetic lens, encouraging young people to reflect, feel, and disrupt through storytelling.
Performance Times:
11:30 AM
1:30 PM
3:30 PM
Fleeting Bloom
Fleeting Bloom is a two-day immersive art and wellness experience that centers softness, reflection, and identity within communities of color—particularly through the lens of healing and storytelling.
Venice Arts 2025 Summer Media Arts Camp
All skill levels are welcome to join our summer workshops!
Students will develop and expand their creative and technical skills in media arts and storytelling with hands-on activities, field trips, and access to professional equipment and software.
Pour With A Purpose
Join us on Saturday, June 14 | 6–8PM in Venice for Pour With a Purpose, a private curated wine tasting that funds free arts + media programs for LA’s creative youth.
Buried Years
In 2024-25, Advanced Photography students at Venice Arts explored the forced removal and internment of Japanese Americans during WWII through research, interviews, and a journey to Manzanar. Their 24-week project culminated in an exhibition and zine reflecting on this history and it’s relevance to current civil liberties.
Young Professionals Network SPRING 2025 MIXER
Join us for an evening of connection and community at the Young Professionals Network!
Digital Storytelling Pre-Apprenticeship SPRING 2025 Culmination
Join us as we celebrate our 10th graduating cohort of Digital Storytelling Pre-Apprentices. Cheer them on as they showcase their final projects and move onto creative sector work and Advanced Learning! RSVP W / AJANI@VENICE-ARTS.ORG
Tax Prep 101 Workshop
Confused about how to file your taxes? We will have representatives from the How Money Works Learning Center on site to help explain the process!
This event is recommended for:
ALL working students, alumni, friends and family members in need of guidance on getting started!
Must be a Venice Arts or CCWE alumni or family member/ friend of a Venice Arts or CCWE alumni to attend.
Photography and Cyanotype Open Studio
Open to all middle and high school students!
Join us for a day of photography and walk away with a new portrait and a cyanotype! Take turns modeling and photographing in our lighting studio while you wait for the sun to work its magic on your blue prints.
Students are welcome to drop in or stay for the full 3 hours!
Youth Creative Roundtable
Creative Conversations
Emerging artists from Venice Arts share their creative journeys, showcase their work, and discuss their creative industry challenges and aspirations during this roundtable discussion and Q&A. Explore their unique perspectives on navigating the creative workforce and hear practical advice on breaking into the industry.
Jalen Carter
Production Assistant, NBCUniversal
Jalen Carter, a graduate of the University of Iowa, has worked in various roles within the entertainment industry. Currently, he is a production assistant on Happy’s Place, a multi-cam sitcom filmed at Universal Studios. Jalen's experience spans from production internships to working at post-production houses, where he has developed a deep understanding of production processes. He emphasizes relationship-building and taking advantage of opportunities to further his career.
LinkedIn
Joseph Godslaw
Originally from Nigeria, Joseph Godslaw recently graduated from Wesleyan University with a degree in Film Studies. His academic career was marked by a series of experimental short films, each pushing the boundaries of conventional narrative. Joseph aspires to become an executive in television production or a creative director at a major studio, using his platform to tell inclusive, compelling stories that resonate across cultures.
LinkedIn
Angelica Quiñonez
Director
Angelica Quiñonez is a filmmaker with a passion for directing and writing. She was a previous participant in NBCUniversal's Creative Impact Lab, where she shadowed as a directing and producing apprentice. Angelica is currently in post-production for her short film Jamaica, for which she received a grant from The Alliance. Her work focuses on creating personal and humorous stories that bridge her curiosity about the world with her love for storytelling.
LinkedIn
J.J. Tolibao
Screenwriter, Director, Editor
Venice Arts
J.J. Tolibao is a Los Angeles-based filmmaker who graduated from California State University Long Beach with a degree in Film & Electronic Arts. He directed the short film Twin Aces, which screened at various festivals. J.J. has worked as an editing apprentice for NBCUniversal and freelances as a video editor on a variety of projects. He is currently a teaching assistant at Venice Arts, helping young filmmakers develop their skills.
LinkedIn
Semira Paul
Artist/Professional Wrestler
Semira Paul completed her studies at Howard University with a Bachelor of Arts, graduating summa cum laude. Initially focused on photography and dance, she transitioned into film, aspiring to become a cinematographer. Semira is also a professional wrestler, currently signed with WOW Women of Wrestling. She’s an alumna of Venice Arts’ Digital Storytelling Fellowship, Fall 2023 cohort.
LinkedIn
Click here to see the complete schedule of conversations.
Click here to download the Creative Conversations Flyer.
This is a free event. Priority for in-person training programs and financial stipends, including opportunities for paid internship placements, is given to active participants, ages 18- 24, in Creative Conversations, as well as young people who are low income, foster youth, homeless, and/or justice involved.
Presented by Venice Art’s Center for Creative Workforce Equity.
Supported, in part, by:
The Art of Music Composition & Sound
Creative Conversations
Explore music composition techniques and sound design for film, television, commercials, and video games, with industry professionals who share their expertise in crafting compelling scores and building successful careers. Gain insights into working with orchestras, hybrid compositions, and digital scoring.
Michael Rubino
Composer
Michael Rubino has recently scored two successful seasons of Nickelodeon’s hit series It’s Pony and has collaborated with Walt Disney Imagineering to create music for Disneyland’s re-imagined Mickey’s ToonTown. With over 20 years of experience, Michael has composed for major Hollywood studios such as Disney, DreamWorks, DC, and Marvel. His passion for orchestral music allows him to create strong emotions through memorable melodies, whether using a full orchestra or hybrid soundscapes. mikerubinomusic.com
Gabrielle Grubbs
Composer/ Songwriter
Gabrielle Grubbs is a composer and songwriter from Indianapolis, Indiana, currently based in Los Angeles, California. She started writing songs at a young age, and learned piano and guitar to accompany herself. After graduating with her Bachelor’s degree, Gabrielle spent several formative years working as a public school educator. In 2022, following her desire to write and create music professionally, Gabrielle began her foray into film scoring by participating in the NYU Screen Workshops. She has studied music composition at Berklee College, Anderson University, and European American Musical Alliance Institute. In 2024, she completed her grad work in Music Scoring for Visual Media at Indiana University. She was chosen for Film Independent’s Project Involve program, where she worked on a new short film score, which will be released in 2025. Gabrielle loves story-telling through music and song, and the capacity for imagination that scoring for media provides. She is passionate about the role of music and the arts in community building.
Click here to see the complete schedule of conversations.
Click here to download the Creative Conversations Flyer.
This is a free event. Priority for in-person training programs and financial stipends, including opportunities for paid internship placements, is given to active participants, ages 18- 24, in Creative Conversations, as well as young people who are low income, foster youth, homeless, and/or justice involved.
Presented by Venice Art’s Center for Creative Workforce Equity.
Supported, in part, by:
The Power of Voice in Acting
Creative Conversations
Dive into performance techniques across media including gaming, traditional acting, and voice acting, with a focus on character development and the collaborative process between actors and directors. Discover how voice performance transforms characters across different platforms, from animation to video games.
Yuri Lowenthal
President
Relentless Productions Inc.
Yuri Lowenthal is a BAFTA-nominated actor best known for his work in video games and animation. He has lent his voice to characters like Spider-Man, Ben 10, and Sasuke Uchiha in Naruto. Beyond acting, Yuri is an author and producer, having co-written the award-winning book Voice-Over Voice Actor with his wife, actress Tara Platt. Together, they run Relentless Productions, a media company focused on storytelling across various platforms.
Instagram
Tara Platt
Actor / Producer
Relentless Productions
Tara Platt is an actor, producer, and author who has worked on projects such as Insomniac's Spider-Man, Fire Emblem, and Hearthstone. In addition to her acting career, Tara has co-written books and given a TEDx talk with her husband, Yuri Lowenthal. Together, they run Relentless Productions, focusing on creating content that blends storytelling and personal experiences. Tara is passionate about bringing authentic narratives to life in both voice and on-screen acting.
Instagram
Zeno Robinson
Voice Actor
Zeno Robinson is an American voice actor known for both Western animation and English-language dubs of Japanese anime, and has also worked on various video games and audiobooks. Starting his acting debut as Alan in Ben 10 at just 14 years old, some of Zeno’s major animation roles include Remy Remington in Disney's Big City Greens, Cyborg/Victor Stone in Young Justice, Omar in Craig of the Creek, and Hunter in The Owl House. A few of his anime roles include Hawks in My Hero Academia (for which he won Best VA Performance at the 2021 Anime Awards), Akira in Zom 100, Goh in the Pokémon, Vanitas in The Case Study of Vanitas, Gamma 2 in the Dragon Ball Z Super Movie, and many more. Instagram.
Click here to see the complete schedule of conversations.
Click here to download the Creative Conversations Flyer.
This is a free event. Priority for in-person training programs and financial stipends, including opportunities for paid internship placements, is given to active participants, ages 18- 24, in Creative Conversations, as well as young people who are low income, foster youth, homeless, and/or justice involved.
Presented by Venice Art’s Center for Creative Workforce Equity.
Supported, in part, by:
31st Anniversary Gala
Join us in celebrating creativity, mentorship, art-making, and our Founding Executive Director, Lynn Warshafsky, while welcoming in our new Executive Director, Jaime Zavala, at our 31st Anniversary Gala on November 2nd, 2024!
Enjoy live jazz, a photo auction of works by notable artists and Venice Arts students, delicious hors d’oeuvres, and libations. Have your portrait taken by our young photographers and get sketched by our comic artists.
Save the date and join us on November 2nd, 2024! Get your Early Bird tickets now at $150 before they go up to $175 on October 15th.
The Story Production Cycle
Creative Conversations
Gain a comprehensive understanding of producing a series, from development to distribution, with insights on writing, producing, pitching, and collaboration across animation and live-action projects. Hear from writers and development coordinators who will break down the entire cycle.
Alex Díaz
Writer / Producer
Díaz Narrative Laboratories
Alex Díaz started his career in storytelling after studying neuroscience but quickly transitioned into writing for TV. He and his wife, Julie Sagalowsky Díaz, have developed and executive produced series like SURFSIDE GIRLS for Apple TV+ and GENERATION for Fox Network. Alex has a passion for creating high-concept genre stories that focus on deeply human characters. Currently, he is developing a YA mystery horror series with 20th Century TV.
LinkedIn
Serena Smith
Director, Interviewer, Producer
Sobremesa
Serena Smith, a four-time Emmy-nominated producer, host, writer, and dancer, has interviewed icons like Gloria Steinem and Pharrell Williams. She is the executive producer and host of On the Table and was previously a creative producer at MasterClass and Larry King Now. Raised in Montreal, Vancouver, and Chicago, Serena is a Northwestern Medill School of Journalism graduate. She lives in Venice with her husband, Ian Smith, and often performs at Stud Country.. LinkedIn
Click here to see the complete schedule of conversations.
Click here to download the Creative Conversations Flyer.
This is a free event. Priority for in-person training programs and financial stipends, including opportunities for paid internship placements, is given to active participants, ages 18- 24, in Creative Conversations, as well as young people who are low income, foster youth, homeless, and/or justice involved.
Presented by Venice Art’s Center for Creative Workforce Equity.
Supported, in part, by:
Fundamentals of Visual Storytelling
Creative Conversations
Learn the technical and artistic aspects of cinematography from industry experts across various genres, including documentaries, narrative films, music videos, commercials, and freelance projects. Features key insights on lighting, camera work, and visual storytelling techniques from pre-production to post-production.
Jenny Fancy
Marketing and Brand Consultant
Jenny Fancy’s entrepreneurial mindset and background in early-stage startups have led her to a passion for combining creative ideas with practical strategy. Her core specialty is in brand strategy, creative digital content creation, programming, and bringing new products and brands to market. Jenny has extensive experience leading launches from development through go-to-market, with expertise in distribution, growth, and market positioning. She has worked with notable brands such as Dragun Beauty, Coastal Citizen, and JLo Beauty. LinkedIn
Darol Olu Kae
Director
Somesuch
Darol Olu Kae is a Los Angeles-based filmmaker whose work challenges conventional storytelling structures. His innovative approach to sound and image intertwines with black expressive modalities in America. His short film, i ran from it and was still in it, won the Pardino d’oro for Best International Short Film at the Locarno Film Festival in 2020. Darol’s work has been screened at global institutions such as Sundance, Locarno, and BAM, and he was named one of “25 New Faces of Independent Film” by Filmmaker Magazine. LinkedIn
Ian Smith
Founder / Director / DP
Studiobox Inc. & Sobremesa Inc.
As a Los Angeles native, Ian Smith has been in the video production industry for over 15 years, beginning his journey by making videos with friends in high school. After graduating from UC Santa Cruz, he embraced the digital DIY revolution, capitalizing on the emergence of platforms like YouTube. Today, Ian directs and produces across a variety of mediums, from documentaries to commercials. His expertise in visual composition and production management has earned him a respected reputation in the industry. LinkedIn.
Trevor Roach
Cinematographer
Born in Indianapolis, Indiana, Trevor Roach attended Butler University, where he majored in Digital Media Production. He moved to Los Angeles to pursue his MFA in cinematography from Chapman University. Trevor has shot award-winning short films, commercials, music videos, and feature films, including Night, Mother, which won a 2022 Webby Award. He is known for his ability to capture compelling narratives and visually striking compositions. Instagram.
Click here to see the complete schedule of conversations.
Click here to download the Creative Conversations Flyer.
This is a free event. Priority for in-person training programs and financial stipends, including opportunities for paid internship placements, is given to active participants, ages 18- 24, in Creative Conversations, as well as young people who are low income, foster youth, homeless, and/or justice involved.
Presented by Venice Art’s Center for Creative Workforce Equity.
Supported, in part, by:
College Day
College Day is an opportunity for students to explore a variety of options available after high school and get valuable guidance on navigating these transitions. Stop by Venice Arts Saturday, September 28th to talk with college representatives, receive personalized essay and resume reviews, attend workshops on personal statements and financial aid, and join career and college roundtable discussions!
FREE and open to all high school students and their families!
Dogtown Closing Reception
DOGTOWN is a body of work that captures the lively and humanistic essence of the dogs of Venice Beach, CA. It draws its name from »Dogtown«, an area of West Los Angeles known for the rebellious surfers and skateboarders who populated the slums of Venice and Santa Monica’s Ocean Park in the 1960s and 70s.
This intimate closing reception will offer a unique opportunity to meet the talented Dotan Saguy and hear an insightful artist talk about his stunning black-and-white portraits. It’s the perfect way to celebrate the end of an unforgettable exhibition that has captured the endearing bond between Venetians and their pups. Don’t miss this chance to connect, reflect, and enjoy a final look at these captivating images. Admission is FREE.
Dogtown Opening Reception
DOGTOWN is a body of work that captures the lively and humanistic essence of the dogs of Venice Beach, CA. It draws its name from »Dogtown«, an area of West Los Angeles known for the rebellious surfers and skateboarders who populated the slums of Venice and Santa Monica’s Ocean Park in the 1960s and 70s.
This cultural phenomenon has left a lasting legacy that continues to inspire and influence new generations. Today, it is the dogs of all breeds and social statuses that have taken over Venice Beach, many of whom have adopted Dogtown’s iconic skateboarding culture.
Masterclass Workshops: Production Assistants
Production Assistants with Jonathan Chen
Join our workshop with Jonathan Chen designed for aspiring filmmakers eager to jump-start their careers as production assistants at Award Shows! Learn the essential skills and industry secrets from a seasoned professional, covering everything from set etiquette and time management to effective communication and problem-solving. Come discover how to navigate the fast-paced environment of film production. Don't miss this opportunity learn how to take your first step towards a successful career in the film industry! This workshop series is only open to Creative Workforce Equity Alumni.
Masterclass Workshops: Production Design
Production Design with Prairie Trivuth
Join us for an inspiring talk about Production Design with Prairie Trivuth who will share insights on creating immersive worlds, designing compelling sets, and the critical role of production design in filmmaking. Learn how to transform a script into a visual masterpiece and discover the techniques behind iconic film aesthetics. Don’t miss this opportunity to enhance your creative vision and deepen your understanding of the craft. This workshop series is only open to Creative Workforce Equity Alumni.
Masterclass Workshops: Cinematography with Brenton Oechsle
cinematography with Brenton Oechsle
Join us for an engaging cinematography workshop with Brian Oechsle where you'll learn about the various equipment and tools that are essential for a cinematographer's toolkit and gain valuable insights into the personal and professional journey of a seasoned editor, filmmaker, and cinematographer, as he shares his experiences, challenges, and successes in the industry. This workshop series is open to all Creative Workforce Equity Alumni.
About the Presenter
Brenton Oechsle is a freelance cinematographer and award-winning filmmaker & editor. His experience in documentary and narrative filmmaking extends over thirteen years.
His work has been featured through The New York Times, Tribeca, Hollyshorts, The Atlantic, Nowness, and has been Vimeo Staff Picked. Recently a short doc he shot and co-produced with Sam Mirpoorian - Safe Place received the Grand Jury & Audience Awards at the 2023 Austin Film Festival.
He has also had the privilege of working with brands such as NFL, GoodRX, Nike, Facebook, Dick's Sporting Goods, Lids, Salesforce, and Herschel Supply Co.
No matter the type of project - he seeks to tell stories that will have a positive impact on an audience by expressing unity through the lens of human experience.
Breaking In: End of the Year Celebration
Breaking In: End of the Year Celebration
BREAKING IN is a series of six in-person conversations designed for creatives living in LA County. This fun and engaging initiative opens the doors to Hollywood's hidden gems! Join us as we explore an enriching journey of discovering all the fascinating careers behind the scenes in Hollywood from top agents, producers, managers, and more! Breaking In is where education meets equality, fostering a new generation of diverse talent in the heart of the entertainment industry.
This series will be held on the second Wednesday of each month from 6 pm to 8pm for the next 6-months starting Wednesday, January 10th, 2024 and ends Wednesday, June 12th, 2024. This in person speaker series takes place near Heart of Los Angeles. Exact address sent with registration, teens enrolled in Venice Arts' programs needing transportation can contact David.
BREAKING IN: Speaker Series: Dates and Discussion Themes
January 10th, 2024 (6pm PT) – Film/TV Producers
February 7th, 2024 (6pm PT) – Film/TV Studio Executives
March 13th, 2024 (6pm PT)– Literary/Talent Agents
April 10th, 2024 (6pm PT) – Literary/Talent Managers
May 8th, 2024 (6pm PT) – Writer/Director/Actor/Creative
June 12th, 2024 (6pm PT) – End of the Year Celebration
There are limited spots to this panel series, so apply now!! If accepted, you will receive a confirmation email by Venice Arts for all 6 panels.
If you have any questions or concerns, contact david@venice-arts.org.
Culminating Celebration
Come see the work produced by our students during the Spring Semester!
Breaking In: Writer/Director/Actor/Creative
Breaking In: Writer/Director/Actor/Creative
BREAKING IN is a series of six in-person conversations designed for creatives living in LA County. This fun and engaging initiative opens the doors to Hollywood's hidden gems! Join us as we explore an enriching journey of discovering all the fascinating careers behind the scenes in Hollywood from top agents, producers, managers, and more! Breaking In is where education meets equality, fostering a new generation of diverse talent in the heart of the entertainment industry.
This series will be held on the second Wednesday of each month from 6 pm to 8pm for the next 6-months starting Wednesday, January 10th, 2024 and ends Wednesday, June 12th, 2024. This in person speaker series takes place near Heart of Los Angeles. Exact address sent with registration, teens enrolled in Venice Arts' programs needing transportation can contact David.
BREAKING IN: Speaker Series: Dates and Discussion Themes
January 10th, 2024 (6pm PT) – Film/TV Producers
February 7th, 2024 (6pm PT) – Film/TV Studio Executives
March 13th, 2024 (6pm PT)– Literary/Talent Agents
April 10th, 2024 (6pm PT) – Literary/Talent Managers
May 8th, 2024 (6pm PT) – Writer/Director/Actor/Creative
June 12th, 2024 (6pm PT) – End of the Year Celebration
There are limited spots to this panel series, so apply now!! If accepted, you will receive a confirmation email by Venice Arts for all 6 panels.
If you have any questions or concerns, contact david@venice-arts.org.
