ASPIRING ARTISTS MENTORSHIP PROGRAM
Join a cohort of aspiring artists dedicated to unlocking their creativity, fostering meaningful relationships with their peers, and creating great art under the mentorship of Simon Drew.
Helping aspiring artists to deepen their craft and broaden their impact.
The Aspiring Artists Mentorship Program (AAMP) is an ongoing cohort of creatives young and old pursuing their artistic careers under the mentorship of Simon Drew.
Through both private and group mentorship, students explore new pathways to unleash their own inner creativity, learn to understand their unique role and power as artists in our culture, collaborate with other aspiring artists to create great works, and hear from guests in the industry who are making meaningful contributions through their artistry.
While students may join the cohort at any time, the program comes to a crescendo every three months with an exhibition weekend at The Sanctuary Studio wherein mentees are given the opportunity to share their works with their loved ones and the broader community at a series of performances and open-studio events.
WHAT’S INVOLVED?
Private Mentorship
Weekly 45 or 60 minute mentorship sessions with Simon Drew. These sessions are completely geared toward helping the artist to unlock their creativity and deepen their connection with the works they’re creating.
Group Mentorship
Weekly group sessions are offered to the entire cohort. Within these sessions, mentees explore important questions and techniques relating to creativity and artistry while also developing meaningful relationships with their cohort.
Masterclasses
Mentees enjoy monthly masterclasses with leading industry professionals from diverse art-forms and crafts. Guests are specially selected based on their relevance to the general artistic directions of the students in the AAMP cohort.
Presentation Weekend
Every three months, parents, friends and the public are invited to attend gallery exhibitions and performances in The Sanctuary Studio to celebrate and appreciate the works created or performed by our artists.
MEET Your Mentor
Simon Drew | Musician, Poet & Educator
Simon Drew is an Australian musician, poet, and founder of The Sanctuary Studio for the Arts & Humanities, as well as co-founder of The Walled Garden Philosophical Society. He has performed globally with his jazz quartet aboard cruise ships, released multiple jazz and experimental albums, and performed at clubs and festivals throughout Australia. Simon is also the host of The Walled Garden Podcast, and recently published his first book of poetry and prose titled The Poet & The Sage.
Since moving to Orange County with his wife Jennifer in 2022, Simon has been teaching music at Tustin Music Center, performing at Disneyland and venues across LA and OC, and expanding his creative work through The Sanctuary Studio.
Through the Aspiring Artists Mentorship Program, Simon hopes to help some of Orange County’s most creative individuals to come alive through their art, contributing meaningfully to their communities while they step more fully into their role as a creative.
Fees & Scholarships
All fees are based on weekly private mentorship session length, but include participation in weekly group sessions and quarterly presentation weekends.
If for whatever reason the cost of this program or the payment terms are prohibitive, be sure to note that you’re interested in the negotiated scholarship when you apply.
45-Minutes Weekly
$380 / Month
60-Minutes Weekly
$460 / Month
Negotiated Scholarship
A negotiated scholarship is offered to young artists who display an exceptional degree of talent or ability in a particular craft or art-form and who have need of financial assistance in order to participate in the program.
Schedule a Visit
OR
Apply for more information