This year marks the 30th anniversary of CSU Summer Arts, and the program – which starts in late June – invites students to register now for this year’s classes.

Summer Arts, which began as a small dance program in 1985, has transformed the lives of more than 12,000 student artists since its inception and has grown into one of California State University’s most dynamic, hands-on programs.

“Many students come to CSU Summer Arts expecting to take classes that will refine their skills, but soon find out our program is life-changing,” said Rachel Nardo, Summer Arts director.

Students master various art forms including dance, music, acting, media arts, fine arts and creative writing. The program – hosted by CSU Monterey Bay – prepares students for workforce success through leading-edge courses and superior teaching. Over a two- to three-week period, students broaden their artistic skills by working with Academy Award-winning professionals, entertainment industry moguls and legendary artists through a series of workshops and courses.

CSU Summer Arts sessions run at varying times between June 29 and Aug. 17. At the end of each session, students exhibit their artwork in a showcase festival that is free to the public.

Additionally, guest artists put on performances and presentations for students and the local community nearly every night throughout the duration of the program.

This year, Summer Arts will offer courses taught by world-renowned guest artists including:

• Broadway director Rob Fisher

• Jazz musicians Dave Pietro and Billy Drummond

• Children’s book author Deborah Underwood

• Contra-Tiempo Urban Latin Dance Theater

• Circus performers Karl Baumann and Stefan Haves

• Sculptors Katie Grinnan and Evan Holloway

• Photographers David Hilliard and Holly Andres

• Video projection artist Yannick Jacquet

• Painters Vincent Desiderio and Ann Lofquist

• Guitarists Eliot Fisk and Scott Tennant

• Cinematographers Vilmos Zsigmond and Bruce Logan

• Solo performers Gin Hammond and Juan Francisco Villa

• Memoirists Lynda Barry and Jimmy Santiago Baca

• Poets Ellen Bass and Juan Felipe Herrera

CSU Summer Arts offers an extensive scholarship program, with almost 80 percent of students receiving scholarship assistance each year.

Information about courses, registration, artists and scholarships is available on the Summer Arts website.

– CSU Public Affairs