From the Classroom to the Creative Economy: Ryman Arts Launches pLAtform

pLAtform students with instructor Joe Micallef on the first day of class at Reveal Studios

By Rebecca Flores, Development & Communications Coordinator

Ryman Arts’ first digital arts and workforce development initiative is here: pLAtform: Launching Young Artists into LA’s Creative Economy. This new pilot program helps alumni of the Core Studio Art Program translate their foundational drawing and painting skills into digital practice, portfolio development, and professional pathways. As the first program of its kind in Ryman Arts’ history, pLAtform marks an important milestone in extending our impact beyond the classroom and preparing alumni to pursue opportunities in LA’s creative economy.

For more than 35 years, Ryman Arts has provided rigorous, tuition-free visual arts education to young artists.  pLAtform builds on that foundation by helping alumni apply their artistic training in a rapidly evolving creative economy. As creative careers continue to change alongside emerging technologies and production tools, pLAtform equips alumni with practical skills, mentorship, and industry insight to help them navigate what comes next.

Participants in the 2026 cohort have now taken the first step in this journey. Over the next 12 weeks, they will explore digital workflows, learn from working professionals, strengthen their portfolios, develop career-readiness skills, and gain a deeper understanding of pathways into fields such as digital illustration, animation, design, and related creative industries.

Led by Ryman Arts’ Lead Digital Arts Instructor, Joe Micallef, students will learn from professional artists, guest speakers, and Ryman Arts alumni mentors. With community and mentorship at the forefront of Ryman Arts’ alumni network, six alumni from our flagship Core Studio Art Program will support pLAtform participants by offering guidance, encouragement, and firsthand insight into the transition from student artist to emerging creative professional.

Instructor Joe Micallef shares why pLAtform is so timely:

"pLAtform is transformative because it gives emerging digital artists a strong foundation in traditional drawing skills, visual thinking, and original storytelling while preparing them to adapt within a fast-changing digital landscape. The artists who will stand out are not simply those who know the latest tools, but those who can draw, imagine, solve problems, and bring an original point of view to new technologies as they evolve.

The key is to be adaptable and fearless. Technology is changing quickly, and the tools we use today may look very different tomorrow. The most important skill is not mastering one specific program, but developing the confidence to keep learning, experimenting, and evolving alongside the technology.”

Mentor Kayley Hawley (Ryman ’15) shared her thoughts on participating in the pilot program:

“It’s exciting to be part of a community that is helping the next generation of artists find their place in the creative industry, especially during a time of rapid change. Now more than ever, we need to value human-made art and lead by example in showing that artists are essential. Art is one of the highest expressions of hope, and supporting these emerging artists feels like a meaningful way to do my part.”

The in-person sessions are being hosted by Reveal Studio in Glendale, whose generous partnership provides students with access to a professional creative environment and digital workstations where they can learn, practice, and build alongside their peers. Ryman Arts is deeply grateful to Reveal Studio for helping create such a meaningful learning environment for this pilot program.

This inaugural pLAtform cohort is made possible with generous support from LA2050 and the John N. Calley Foundation. Their investment in innovative projects is helping bring pLAtform to life.

As the inaugural cohort embarks on this 12-week journey, pLAtform represents an innovative new chapter in Ryman Arts’ commitment to supporting young artists not only as they develop their craft, but also as they build sustainable creative careers.

We are deeply grateful to all who are helping make this program possible. In the weeks ahead, we look forward to celebrating all that the students will accomplish and wish both students and mentors every success.