What's Happening?
Summer Wyman, a Carmel Valley artist and teacher, has opened the Surf and Turf Art Club, her first brick-and-mortar location in Del Mar. The new fine art school, situated on the Surf and Turf Tennis Club campus, offers a curriculum focused on foundational
techniques in drawing, painting, and sculpting, alongside classical art history instruction. Classes commenced on August 24, catering to all ages from three years old to adults. Wyman initially launched her art school in her Carmel Valley garden studio in 2020 with her husband and business partner, Jason. The expansion to a physical location follows a community connection made last fall when Wyman learned that Surf and Turf Tennis was seeking an art vendor, leading to her being recommended by a former client and subsequently invited to view the space by Club Manager JZ Keegan. Wyman, who previously worked as a STEAM+ art specialist for the Del Mar Union School District, aims to provide high-caliber fine art instruction that helps students develop techniques while fostering their individual artistic expression.
Why It's Important?
The establishment of the Surf and Turf Art Club signifies an expansion of accessible fine art education within the Del Mar community, offering a dedicated space for artistic development. This initiative provides a structured environment for individuals of all ages to engage with classical art techniques and history, which can be crucial for fostering creativity and critical thinking skills. For parents, the club offers a complementary activity to sports, as it is located near other youth-focused facilities, potentially streamlining schedules and providing diverse enrichment opportunities for children. The emphasis on foundational techniques and art history also contributes to a deeper appreciation and understanding of art, moving beyond casual engagement to more serious study. Furthermore, the club's focus on providing a 'safe place to create' highlights the recognized benefits of art-making for mental well-being and self-regulation, offering a valuable community resource for personal growth and expression.
What's Next?
Following the official launch of classes, the Surf and Turf Art Club will continue to offer its curriculum from Monday through Saturday. Community members, parents, and prospective artists are invited to tour the new space, book trial classes, or learn more about upcoming schedules via the club's website. Wyman hopes to maintain the momentum generated by the successful nine-week summer camp that preceded the official opening. The club aims to attract a diverse student body, from young children to adults, seeking to develop their artistic skills and engage in creative expression. The ongoing operation will focus on delivering high-caliber instruction and fostering a community-centered hub for creativity, with potential for future expansion of programs or workshops based on community interest and demand.
Beyond the Headlines
The opening of the Surf and Turf Art Club reflects a broader societal trend towards valuing hands-on creative activities as a counterbalance to increasing screen time and digital engagement. In an era dominated by technology, the club's mission to provide an opportunity to 'step away from screens and tech' addresses a growing concern about the impact of digital immersion on cognitive development and social interaction. The emphasis on art as a means of self-regulation and confidence-building underscores its therapeutic and developmental benefits, particularly for younger students. This initiative also highlights the resilience and adaptability of educators like Summer Wyman, who, after facing professional changes during the pandemic, transformed a backyard endeavor into a formal educational institution. The club's success could inspire similar community-led initiatives that prioritize traditional arts education and foster creative expression in local neighborhoods.
