Business Guide - San Dimas Chamber of Commerce

6
San Dimas Festival of Arts
The San Dimas Festival of Arts began in 1977 as a
Chamber of Commerce venture under the guidance of
John Walgren, the Executive Director at the time. This
non-profit organization was first known as the Festival
of Western Arts and held it’s first Annual Western Art
Exhibition & Sale in April 1977. The aim as part of the
Mission Statement was to preserve the history and
cultural heritage of our American West. As the exhibition
draws artists from across the nation, it is now known
as the National Western Art Exhibition & Sale. The
33rd Exhibition was held in April of 2009. Hundreds of
volunteers throughout the years have made this a success,
making it possible to bring a second show to the city of
San Dimas, the Wildlife Art Show. This show is held every
October and celebrates its 14th year in 2010.
In keeping with its Mission Statement to “enrich life
in the community through enjoyment and appreciation of the
fine and applied arts”, the Festival is now known as the Festival of Arts. In its effort to bring credit and
distinction to the city of San Dimas, the Festival has sponsored six public art projects: a bronze statue,
“A Welcome Sight”, a 40-foot stone mural, “Between the Sun and the Moon”; a small sculpture, “Catching
Frogs”, a bronze, “Cornerstones of Freedom”; the “Angel of San Dimas”, and a life-sized four-figured
bronze, “Our Neighborhood Sheriff ’s Station”. The close involvement of the Festival with the City of San
Dimas in the planning and execution of the Walker House renovation has included the procurement
of a federal grant and numerous money raising events. The completion of the restoration of this
historical grand old mansion is an event of pride the whole community of San Dimas can share.
The Festival is now sponsoring rotating art shows in the 2nd Story Gallery in the Walker House.
These exhibits are held the 2nd and 3rd Friday and Saturday of every month from 5 – 9 pm. The
rotation shows are of different types of art executed by professionals and students. Encouragement
of student artists has long been a priority of the Festival. Student art has been included in both the
Western and Wildlife Art shows. Professional artists judge the student work and offer their advice
and encouragement. All art shows are offered to the public as cultural and entertaining events with
no fee for attendance.
SPRING SHOW
National
Western Art
Exhibition &
Sale
Late April
FALL SHOW
Wildlife
Art Show &
Sale
Late
October
New!
2nd Story Gallery
Shows & Sale
Monthly, the Second &
Third Fridays &
Saturdays
In the Walker House
121 N. San Dimas Ave. San Dimas, CA
Information: (909) 599-5374 or www.SanDimasArts.com
The office is located in the historic Walker House
at 121 N. San Dimas Avenue, San Dimas.
Please call to learn about the many ways
you can become involved in the Festival of Arts
and its cultural events.
Phone/Fax: 909/599-5374
or www.sandimasarts.com.