Syl Arena Announces Paso Robles Workshops
September 1, 2008 by Syl Arena
For Immediate Release
Contact: Syl Arena
syl@pasoroblesworkshops.com
tel: (805) 550-4514
Paso Robles, California | September 1, 2008
Syl Arena, a commercial photographer and blogger, officially pulled the covers off his newest project - a workshop program that will offer courses in and around Paso Robles on photography, food and wine. “Thanks to the national attention that our wineries have earned, Paso Robles has become a popular destination for wine enthusiasts. Likewise, we have so many amazing restaurants and charming places to stay.” Syl said. “It’s only natural that there’s a growing interest in educational-tourism on the central coast.”
Syl Arena
The Paso Robles Workshops will begin offering programs in early 2009. Classes will range from 1-day excursions to week-long intensives. Topics will run the gamut and appeal to all skill levels - from complete novice to working professionals. “It’s my hope,” said Syl, “that our diverse collection of workshops will appeal to couples looking to take a unique vacation as well as to enthusiasts and professionals looking to enhance their vocation.”
Beyond wine-based tourism, Syl thinks that the Paso Robles Workshops will attract students who might not otherwise have a reason to visit his hometown. Located halfway between Los Angeles and San Francisco, Paso Robles is within a half-day’s drive of nearly 70% of California’s population. Many will recognize Paso by its proximity to San Luis Obispo, Hearst Castle and Big Sur.
Beyond California, Syl expects to attract both students and instructors from across the country. While he’s not at liberty to comment until the initial class schedule is finalized in October, Syl does say that a number of noteworthy photographers will be coming from the east coast to teach in Paso Robles next spring.
The pairing of courses in photography with courses in food and wine was not just serendipity. Syl started making photographs nearly 40 years ago and earned his BFA in photography “back in the 80’s”. He’s been cooking longer than he’s been making photos… albeit always as an “amateur”. At one noteworthy event, Syl barbecued cantaloupe for a winery charity dinner. More recently, the wife of a good friend dropped off several bags stuffed with ribs so that Syl could smoke them as a birthday present for her husband.
“Our food and wine program will be developed in partnership with many of the artisan farmers, wineries and restaurants around Paso,” Syl observed. “You only have to stroll through any of our local farmer’s markets to understand how great the food scene is on the central coast.” Syl then explained that the Paso Robles Workshops will have a virtual campus rather than a single facility. Many programs will be hosted at area wineries. Others will be held in restaurant kitchens and on local farms.
For more information, check out the workshop website at PasoRoblesWorkshops.com. Once there, you can subscribe to free updates and be among the first to learn about the unveiling of the workshop’s course schedule in mid-October.
More about Syl Arena:
- “Syl” rhymes with “Bill” and is short for “Sylvester”
- Syl’s commercial photography can be seen at SylArenaPhoto.com
- Syl’s national blog PixSylated.com covers the world of digital photography
- Syl’s local blog PasoRoblesPhotographer.com covers his ramblings around Paso
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