Wednesday, December 10, 2025

CSArts-SGV Creative Writing Students Take Center Stage at Vroman’s for Annual Literary Reading

High school writers from California School of the Arts, San Gabriel Valley will showcase their emerging talent Friday at Vroman’s Bookstore, Southern California’s oldest independent bookstore founded in 1894.

The Creative Writing Conservatory Student Reading features students reading from poetry, fiction and nonfiction selections. CSArts-SGV’s Creative Writing Conservatory is one of 11 arts conservatories offered within the school, operating under a rigorous college-preparatory academic model combined with pre-professional arts training. The conservatory produces “Sugar Pine,” the school’s award-winning annual literary journal.

CSArts-SGV is a tuition-free, donation-dependent nonprofit charter school operating in partnership with Duarte Unified School District. The school was modeled after the Orange County School of the Arts (OCSA) in Santa Ana, which has operated for more than 30 years. According to the school, its mission statement reflects its dual focus: “We provide an unparalleled arts and academic education in a creative, challenging and nurturing environment to a diverse student body passionate about the arts, preparing them to reach their highest potential.”

Vroman’s Bookstore hosts more than 400 free community events annually and maintains partnerships with schools and nonprofit organizations like Friends in Deed through its “Vroman’s Gives Back” program. Under the leadership of CEO Julia Cowlishaw, the bookstore continues its legacy of community engagement.

The Creative Writing Conservatory Student Reading will run on Friday, Dec. 12 at 6 p.m. at Vroman’s Bookstore, 695 E. Colorado Blvd., in Pasadena. For more call (626) 449-5320 or visit https://vromansbookstore.com/event/2025-12-12/csarts-student-reading.