Our Philosophy
Every person has a unique vision to share that enhances the richness of our community. The wide range of creative learning opportunities available at Seven Directions help all students realize their potential artistically, academically and socially. We believe that the arts are a crucial part of the human experience, and that art is the best way for young learners to explore and express their understanding of the world around them. Instruction at 7D emphasizes the development of self-esteem through meaningful self-expression, with social emotional skills being valued as strongly as academics. Art and academics are thoughtfully melded with a genuine respect for each student’s creative spirit and celebration of their uniqueness.
Our Facility
Our 2000 sq ft facility is filled with natural light, live plants and over 30 live exotic animals! Seven Directions is centrally located at the Old Sash Mill, between northern and southern Santa Cruz communities. Our studio is equipped with artist-grade materials and tools for students to use, including stretched canvasses, acrylic paints, mixed media, a variety of art technology such as 3D printers, iPads and more, and an extensive library of art and science books and literature for inspiration and education.
Our Name
Around the world, many cultures recognize seven directions: East, South, West, North, Above, Below, and Within. Artistic endeavor can lead us to a greater awareness of ourselves and the world around us. Our studio offers many directions for students to explore themselves and their worlds to achieve this awareness and share their own artistic creations.
Seven Directions has over 30 different live animals to inspire creativity in the pursuit of art and science. By observing real animals, students become more absorbed in their work while studying the amazing detail a living, breathing creature provides. Creativity brought to life! Observing and interacting with live animals in a nurturing setting like Seven Directions also helps develop feelings of empathy and connection to the natural world.
Our extensive collections of hundreds of 3D models includes mythical creatures, animals, flowers, sports figurines and much more. By drawing, painting and sculpting from 3D models, students learn shape and proportion in a powerful way that is not available solely from pictures.
Seven Directions has a collection of well over 500 art and science books which students use to inform their creative inquiry.
Traditional materials are still the cornerstone of a good creative arts program. At Seven Directions, students work with pencil, charcoal, water color, acrylics, clay and mixed media materials to develop their art making skills.
