To Contact the Paso de Robles Art Association: P.O. Box 1636, Paso Robles, CA 93447 rpfrank@tcsn.net

The Paso de Robles Art Association is the voice of the art community in North San Luis Obispo County since 1949. This part of central California is only a few miles from where the 101 and Highway 1 split, Highway 1 continues to follow the coast north to Carmel, Monterey and beautiful Big Sur. The 101 turns away from the coast through the vast oak woods of California and acres of wineries. Paso Robles is a town full of California history and with a different winery every few miles with their requisite tasting rooms.

The Paso Robles Art Association recently lost their permanent gallery and art center, they have adapted by creating a program called "Gallery In - Gallery Out" where temporary exhibitions are curated through out the area in wineries, libraries, and other public spaces. The result, while very intensive in terms of organization, has been an increase in the communities awareness of the art association's activities. There were 65 people at the most recent new members meeting in an art association with a membership of 350.
The PRAA also maintains a high profile at the annual community wine fair that typically attacts 90,000 visitors to their city.

Of additional interest are PRAA fund raising activites that include a bridge club that includes both artists and non-artists. The dues for the bridge club go to finance art associations shows and activities.

Ms. Frank at the PRAA exhibition held at the Paso Robles Library

Because there is little formal art education in the schools of North San Luis Obisbo, the PRAA works with Cuesta College in providing curriculum and expertise to local children. The local Wine Growers and Vintners Association provides funds for Kid's Art Camps run by the PRAA and they also work with the nearby art center built by a local philanthropist, Ms. Donna Berg, for children of migrant farm workers.