Visits to the Center: Art Discovery
The Center offers field trip opportunities for all ages and groups (preschools, grades K – 12, home schools, seniors, Scouts, camps, etc.). Contact the Education Department for unique visits to the Center that cater to your group’s needs -- additional fee may apply. Please call: 760-839-4173.
Studio Art Lesson
50-minute hands-on experience in the Center’s art studio. Work on an age-appropriate art project. A perfect activity to jump start creativity! $2 per person.
Behind the Scenes Theater Tour
Now you have the exclusive opportunity of going backstage in our Behind the Scenes Theater Tour! Discover the technology and ingenuity that powers the dramatic complexity of shows featured in the Center Theater and Concert Hall. You'll visit the nerve centers that keep the lights and sound on cue. Learn about the process involved in bringing a story to life, and step up to the stage for an actor's view of these amazing live venues. Please call 2 weeks in advance to reserve space. $3 per person. For school groups, one adult is admitted free per 10 students. Additional adults pay $5 per person.
Beyond Words Drama Workshop
Perform alongside trained theater professionals at the Center! In Beyond Words Drama Workshop participants will practice various theater techniques, storytelling, and character development. Students will develop cooperative skills and learn theater vocabulary such as plot, setting, props, conflict, and dialogue. The group will also perform a skit or tableaux to show off their new skills! $4 per person.
Learning Garden & Seasonal Art Activity
Be inspired by the beauty and wonder of nature! The Center offers seasonal art activities to individuals or groups. Activities include learning about California native plants and vegetable gardening, creating sun prints, plein-air paintings, or an assemblage sculpture. Please call 2 weeks in advance to reserve space and materials. $4 per person.
Center Focus
Here’s a new program for individuals or groups of all ages! Center Focus is an introduction to the basics digital photography focusing on color vs. black and white. A Center Teaching Artist will lead a Visual Thinking Strategies discussion using professional photographs then visitors will have the opportunity to go on a photo shoot in beautiful Grape Day Park (adjacent to the Center). Digital cameras are provided by the Center. Following the photo shoot, photographs can be printed and included in a hands-on art activity. This tour can be tailored your specific needs and interests. $10/ person.
Museum Adventures at Grape Day Park
Bring your group to Downtown Escondido for a multi-museum program that is exciting, educational, and value-packed. In one fieldtrip for one low price, visit the Escondido History Center (engage in local history through a tour and activity), the San Diego Children’s Discovery Museum (learn about the world through interactive play), and the California Center for the Arts, Escondido (explore the arts and create an art project). $9 per student. 1 adult chaperone per 7 students admitted free. Additional adults pay $5 each. Please call 2 weeks in advance to reserve: (760) 839 – 4173.
Hours available for tours: Tuesday – Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., closed Mondays.
Special Programs for EUSD Schools
Queen Califia's Magical Circle Tour
Escondido public school teachers can take their students on a very special fieldtrip to experience the colorful mosaic work of Niki de Saint Phalle in Kit Carson Park then create an art project based on Niki’s artwork for a low price of $3.50 per student. FREE school buses are provided by the Niki Endowment Fund. Teachers will also receive a FREE illustrated Educators’ Guide with in-class activities. There is limited availability for free buses – please call 2 weeks in advance to reserve: (760) 839 – 4173.
Hours available for tours: Tuesday – Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., closed Mondays and rainy days. For more information visit queencalifia.org