Artists Seek to Open Community Studio in Half Moon Bay

As resources for local art, music and film programs become more scarce, Project Knew Groove is raising funds to open a center in Half Moon Bay where those of all ages and levels of experience can both learn and practice a wide variety of artistic disciplines.

“For a community with as much beauty and talent as we have here on the Coastside, artistic facilities and programs to nurture this energy are in need,” said Lea Krutel, a staff person with the project.

Project Knew Groove was born, she said, as many local artists and supporters of the arts began to discuss a common goal to fill this gap.

One person's dream led to a community-wide effort last summer, when Bryan Richter, the project's Executive Director and Board of Directors member Mark Weisbarth launched the first-ever Project Knew Groove Art and Music Festival in July 2010.

At the festival held in Princeton, artists came together to bring locally-produced work of all different genres to the San Mateo County Coastside. Another festival was held this summer at the same location.

The enthusiasm at the first festival was the impetus to begin planning for the construction of a material and digital arts studio, said Krutel.

Though the group does not have a specific location for the studio as yet, the group is working towards an opening in January 2012. Krutel says the group would like it to be located in downtown Half Moon Bay, so that it is accessible for students to go to the center after school. 

“Community members were eager to support the cause by offering their own time and resources to help us get started,” she said.

Project Knew Groove now in the process of applying for nonprofit status. In the meantime, a group in San Jose is acting as their fiscal sponsor, which allows them to apply for grants and accept tax-deductable donations.

The group is currently sponsored by local businesses. They include Brothers Builders, , Half Moon Bay Lions Club, , , Millinery Magic and a variety of art vendors who have donated their art for fundraising purposes.

The project’s estimated budget for 2012 is about $180,000, which includes the construction of the building and one year of operating expenses.

“We would like to provide classes for free to residents of the community once we open our doors, but until we have the necessary funds to do so, we will be hosting art and music workshops at other venues throughout the community and charging a minimal fee of about $20 per person to participate,” said Krutel.

The fees charged at workshops provide enough funding to purchase supplies needed for each session and also contribute to our fundraising goals, she added.

Plans for the new venture include material and digital arts studios. While the material studio will include printmaking, painting, ceramics and other material based forms of art, the digital studio will include equipment and tools for cinematography/video production, photography, music production and graphic design.

Examples of classes the studio hopes to offer include:

• painting, drawing and sketching
• printmaking
• collage
• sculpture
• ceramics
• knitting and crochet
• glass art
•  metalworking
• music production
• graphic arts
• video production
• photography
• web design
• online promotions

Krutel said that Project Knew Groove aims to add a kitchen, garden and performing arts venue eventually. 

Coastside Film Society leader and Moss Beach resident Joe Devlin agrees with Krutel that the studio would fill a void in local arts education.

"Pacifica has a film program, but Half Moon Bay has not had one in the schools for years," he said. Students need guidance and feedback to hone their craft, Devlin added.

Krutel also said the Half Moon Bay studio would provide a positive creative outlet and healthy alternative for both adults and children that do not currently exist in the area.

Such opportunities, she said, would keep local residents from "leaning towards possible substance abuse and destructive behaviors,” she said.

Project Knew Groove, she said, would also provide services for adults “who may not have the knowledge or means to produce their art," as well as for youth "who are in need of a positive and encouraging environment."

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