Arts & Galleries

02/09/2010

Quilts show gratitude for service
A joint effort by Maze Stone Quilters and members of the Valley Quilters Guild has resulted in lots of patriotic quilts being donated to the Quilts of Valor Foundation program.

02/12/2010

UC Riverside's Writers Week begins Tuesday
Authors will discuss the trials and triumphs of the writing process next week when UC Riverside hosts its annual Writers Week.

"This is our 33rd year - it's the longest-running literary event in Southern California," said Michael Jayme, assistant professor of creative writing at UCR and director of Writers Week.

02/07/2010

Auditions set for Redlands Shakespeare Festival
The Redlands Shakespeare Festival plans auditions for its sixth annual season 1-5 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 20, and 1-5 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 21, at the Joslyn Senior Center, 21 Grant St., Redlands. Festival directors will seek to cast a repertory company of 45-50 actors.

02/05/2010

Student musicians competing for honor
The best musicians from a Hemet Unified School District solo and ensemble festival will play for the public at 7 p.m. on March 1 at the Tahquitz High auditorium.

Tahquitz is at 4425 W. Commonwealth Ave. in Hemet. Admission is free.

The musicians will be chosen from among those playing Saturday at a festival at Ranch Viejo Middle School. That festival is not open to the public.

02/04/2010

Special exhibit of glass on tap in Redlands
For some 20 years, Michigan resident Norma Von Stuck collected bells.

She gathered them up everywhere, whether they were commemorative bells, souvenir items or ones that were holiday-themed. "Her criteria for selection was, if she didn't have one," said her son, Redlands resident Monte Stuck.

Western Science Center offers slime time
Patrons at the Western Science Center on Saturday can make slime and a Valentine's Day card and get answers to such questions as why oil and water don't mix and whether cornstarch and water form a solid or liquid.

Science Saturday runs from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the museum, 2345 Searl Parkway at Diamond Valley Lake in Hemet.

There is no charge for the event. Information: 951-791-0033.

02/03/2010

Exhibit at museum shows Riverside residents in antique-style photos
The photographs in the "Riverside-Americans" exhibition now at the UC Riverside/California Museum of Photography look like they were taken 150 years ago.

They were created with 19th century techniques, using metal plates and a time-consuming development process that sometimes leaves peeled-up film at the edges.

Restaurant, jazz club envisioned for Odd Fellows Temple in downtown Hemet
Jason Strain and Matt McPherson sat side by side as saxophonists in the Hemet High School jazz band.

Now, years later, they are a duet hoping to reinvent a historic Hemet building and bring soul to downtown.

Strain has his sights set on a summer opening for the Allegro Eatery & Music Venue in the Odd Fellows Temple on Harvard Street.

Strain said downtown really needs something.

Hemet dance team celebrates success
The Hemet High School dance team had a successful month of competition in January.

On Jan. 23 at Aliso Niguel High, Hemet was first in Military, Dance Drill, Pom and High Kick, and fourth in Hip Hop.

On Jan. 30 at West Covina High, Hemet was first in Dance Drill, second in Military and Pom, third in High Kick and fourth in Hip Hop.

Brian Rokos

Tea and antiques help celebrate Hemet birthday
A March 13 tea and antique appraisal has been sanctioned by the city of Hemet as an official centennial event.

The event is sponsored by the Soroptimist International of San Jacinto-Hemet Valley and will be held from 2 to 4:30 p.m. at Hemet United Methodist Church, 330 S. Buena Vista St. in Hemet. The cost is $30 per person or $200 for a table of eight.

02/01/2010

Riverside museum wants tattoo stories for upcoming exhibit
The Riverside Metropolitan Museum is taking a new look at a very old tradition.

For its upcoming exhibition, "Adornment," the museum will explore the ways that people adorn themselves, including tattooing, cosmetics, jewelry, clothing and accessories.

The exhibit opens March4, but in preparation the museum is looking for people willing to share their thoughts -- and their tattoos.

01/31/2010

Youth Spotlight: Kyle Toth
Kyle Toth is an example of talent meeting luck at just the right time to create special opportunities.

The 19-year-old Temecula resident is one of 12 students in the nation accepted into the master woodworking program at North Bennet Street School in Boston, where he is enrolled in a two-year program leading to certification as a master craftsman.

01/30/2010

Dickens Festival returns with novel entertainment
The world of Charles Dickens once again spills off the page and into the streets of downtown Riverside Feb. 6-7.

This year's Riverside Dickens Festival focuses on the novel "The Old Curiosity Shop." It will feature all annual favorites, including Fezziwig's Ball (sold out, except for the observation deck), strolling street performers and Oliver's Alley for children.

01/29/2010

Anthology explores the myths and realities of Inland deserts
Ruth Nolan's love affair with the California desert began as a teen, when she moved to a remote part of the Mojave.

01/28/2010

No concrete proposals on first day of Hemet teacher contract negotiations
The Hemet Unified School District did not make a formal proposal Wednesday on the first day of contract negotiations with the Hemet Teachers Association.

The sides are expected to continue talks today on a 2010-11 deal that almost certainly will include cuts as the district tries to erase a $19 million deficit.

Art exhibit uses Riverside community as inspiration
In a new exhibit being shown at the UCR/California Museum of Photography, members of the Riverside community and UCR ARTSblock curators and staff are part of the show.

Photographer Keliy Anderson-Staley's exhibit, "Riverside-Americans," will have an opening reception from 6-9 p.m. Feb. 4 as part of First Thursday ARTSwalk in Downtown Riverside.

01/27/2010

Artists' quilts are on display at Mt. San Jacinto College
These quilts are for hanging, not covering a bed, and the artists who created them will be on hand Saturday when their exhibit opens at Mt. San Jacinto College's Art Gallery at the San Jacinto campus.

Western Science Center gets $150,000 from Hemet for improvements
The Western Science Center will receive $150,000 from the city of Hemet to build new exhibits at the museum and expand classrooms and laboratories.

Artist on display in Redlands began in kindergarten
Artist Landy (Yolanda) Terrell first picked up a paint brush in an after-school art class when she was in kindergarten.

"It was as if it belonged in my hand," she said. "I could take a paintbrush and make mountains move, make people be whatever I wanted them to be."

Artist Spotlight: Cathi Calhoun
Artist Cathi Calhoun's motivation comes from the joy of discovery and exploring new expressions.

She works in a variety of media, including watercolor, acrylics, photography and monotypes. The freedom to pursue whatever develops has led her to create work that is fresh, imaginative, and expressive. This approach has also brought her recognition and awards.

01/26/2010

San Bernardino Symphony opens with Michael Jackson songs
The San Bernardino Symphony Orchestra continues to prove itself to be more than a fine professional orchestra. Under the leadership of conductor Carlo Ponti, the staff and volunteers, it has become a gem for the community. At its Sunday afternoon concert, the orchestra and Ponti showcased orchestral sections, diverse and worthy music and outstanding performers. The event also served as a teaching tool for the young people in the audience.

01/23/2010

Riverside resident captures life through long lens
What began as a photography assignment in India in 1959 while Constance Mayfield St. Jean was a cultural anthropology research assistant, turned into a serious passion for art photography, which the Riverside resident has continued to pursue throughout several decades.

Photo Gallery: Artist Spotlight: Constance Mayfield St. Jean

01/22/2010

KVCR-TV will air Palm Springs special next week
A primer on Palm Springs and other desert cities is airing 8 p.m. Monday on KVCR-TV.

"Hello Paradise" is an hour-long pledge special culled from the locally produced, weekly show of the same name.

It will profile resort hotels, museums and attractions, golf, restaurants and upcoming special events in the Coachella Valley.

University of Redlands organist releases CD recorded on famous organ
Art teacher and university organist Frederick Swann will release his newest recording, "The Artistry of Frederick Swann," on Sunday. Produced by Gothic Records, the CD is believed to be the first commercial recording made with the Casavant Opus 1230 pipe organ.

The instrument was dedicated in the University of Redlands' Memorial Chapel in 1928 and has since been fully restored.

01/20/2010

Artist probes beyond reality for truth
"There are things and then there are things in relation to other things."

That simple statement on Duncan Simcoe's Web site has provided fertile investigative territory for his art for decades. It is the core concept connecting his diverse themes of conflict, violence and social injustice.

Photo Gallery: Artist Spotlight: Duncan Simcoe

01/17/2010

Art show begins in Temecula on Friday
A juried art show featuring 45 creations begins Friday in Temecula.

The Visual Expressions 2010 Juried Art Show is sponsored by the Arts Council of The Temecula Valley and is the council's first juried show.

An artists' reception and award ceremony will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday at the Gallery at the Merc, 42051 Main St., Temecula.

The exhibit is scheduled to run through Feb. 21.

Artist Spotlight: Lisabeth Mertins
Lisabeth Mertins' visual imagery and style may seem familiar to readers of The Press-Enterprise: She just produced the unique and artistic front page for the Special Opinion/Editorial Section focusing on the grand opening of the Fox Performing Arts Center in this past Sunday's edition.

01/16/2010

Pass-area history goes on display
A museum that emphasizes the history of the San Gorgonio Pass area debuts today.

"I think it will open up an interesting history that many people might not know about," said Ken Holtzclaw, a Banning author of several Pass-area history books.

01/15/2010

Rancho Cucamonga Community Foundation receives grant
The Rancho Cucamonga Community Foundation has received a $25,000 grant to support arts programming at the Lewis Family Playhouse at the Victoria Gardens Cultural Center.

Sinfonia Mexicana expands its youth academy to include Folklorico dance
When Sinfonia Mexicana's Youth Academy was named the official Youth Mariachi of the 2010 San Bernardino Bi-Centennial celebration, the group saw it as an opportunity to expand.

The result was Sinfonia Mexicana's Ballet Folklorico Dance Company.

01/10/2010

Parlors OK if they cover up
Corona recently allowed tattoo parlors anywhere in the city, as long as they take on a more upscale and inconspicuous look, something traditional tattoo artists say hides the art but represents a growing trend that may soon be coming to the Inland area.

Artist's work reflects Hawaiian style
An artist whose work is strongly influenced by Hawaiian culture and scenery will have her work on display at the gallery of the Banning Center for the Arts.

The work of Bridgette Adams Greb will be on display through Feb. 20 at the center, 130 San Gorgonio, in Banning. A free reception is set for Jan. 15 from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Light refreshments will be served.

01/08/2010

Club Corner - Hemet Valley Art Association
Name of Club: Hemet Valley Art Association Inc.

When formed: Dec. 16, 1963

Current president: Pat Pierce

Number of members: 150-170

01/09/2010

Temecula boy scout's project honors Holocaust victims
The memorial is simple, almost sparse. Three concrete benches face a fountain with six ascending bowls, and the only sound is trickling water.

But maybe visitors will hear something else, maybe the cries of six million Jews who perished in the Holocaust. Brandon Sigel hopes so.

01/08/2010

Riverside showcases art from sister-city partnership
Riverside will show off its global reach by presenting art exhibits of work related to the sister cities of Ensenada, Mexico, and Sendai, Japan.

Starting Jan. 14, the Riverside Community Arts Association will showcase two exhibits with art related to or created by Riverside's two sister cities.

Artist Spotlight: Art is a restoration for Laura Ryan
Using the tools of scrapbookers and rubberstampers, Laura Ryan opened a door to a variety of art projects, rushed through and never looked back.

Her leap of faith into creative expression has led to experiments in a wide variety of media that recently earned her the 2009 Artist of the Year award at the Hemet Art Association.

Photo Gallery: Artist Spotlight: Laura Ryan

Take a tour through history at the Rains House
A firsthand look at history will be open and available to the public, for free.

The historic John Rains House will be the site of a tour through Rancho Cucamonga history on Friday, Jan. 22.

Two Riverside high school students win water art contest
Two local Riverside high school students have been awarded a special prize. Their art will displayed in 60,000 places.

Sixty thousand water bottles to be exact.

For the 12th year, the Riverside Public Utilities held a contest where students from Riverside high schools were asked to create original artistic labels for the RPU water bottles.

01/07/2010

Lyric Opera hits bravura on few funds
Recent decades have not been kind to the opera world, which has suffered a decline in audiences and aficionados.

The Riverside Lyric Opera, which serves opera fans from throughout the Inland area, is passionate about reversing the trend. The organization and its talented singers show that opera is still very much alive and growing in Riverside and the region.

12/28/2009

Redlands artist finds freedom to create after job loss
The recession has resulted in a good news, bad news situation for artist Richard Freund.

Losing his job after 30 years as a computer programmer led to economic hardship, but the situation afforded him the opportunity to make art full time.

12/25/2009

Claremont Museum of Art to close after this weekend
Two more days remain to check out what is on display at the Claremont Museum of Art in The Packing House.

The facility will close after this weekend and put its permanent collection in a secure storage facility, according to a news release.

The museum attributed the closing to current economic conditions.

12/24/2009

Final chapter coming for Moreno Valley bookstore
B. Dalton will conclude its last chapter Jan. 16 when it disappears for good from Moreno Valley.

That will leave this city of nearly 185,000 people without a bookseller, except for a smattering of independent Spanish, religious and adult stores.

12/22/2009

Artist Spotlight: Richard Waggoner
Woodcarver Richard Waggoner is a man of few words. His hands and carving tools speak for him. They convey reflections on country, service and the traditions of his community.

Photo Gallery: Artist Spotlight: Richard Waggoner

12/17/2009

Holiday events, Dec. 18, 2009
RIVERSIDE COUNTY

Hemet

Christmas at the Bowl, today, 4-8 p.m. additional dates, Saturday, 4 p.m. The Ramona Bowl Amphitheatre, 27400 Ramona Bowl Road, call for information on specific events, 800-645-4465.

New Year's Eve calendar, Dec. 18, 2009
RIVERSIDE COUNTY

Riverside

Decadent New Year's Eve Bash, Dec. 31, 8 p.m. Club Sevilla, 3252 Mission Inn, Riverside, $25. 951-778-0611.

Harvest New Years Eve Car Show, Dec. 31, 5 p.m.-10 p.m. Harvest Christian Fellowship, 6115 Arlington Ave., Riverside, Free entry, 909-687-6902.

Robert Wagner to talk about memoir
Morongo Casino Resort and Spa is launching a celebrity authors series with Robert Wagner, who has starred in three TV series and appeared in notable films from the 1953 "Titanic" to "Austin Powers."

Wagner will discuss his 2008 memoir, "Pieces of My Heart" at 2 p.m. Saturday. His daughter Katie Wagner will join him.

Art Institute graduates showcase best works
The Art Institute of California, Inland Empire celebrated the works of 30 graduating students Tuesday evening at the Graduate Portfolio Show.

The exhibition was held at the Riverside Art Museum and included works in graphic design, animation, Web design, interior design and culinary arts.

Earlier in the evening, prospective employers browsed the portfolios as the students stood by answering questions.

12/16/2009

Corona muralist paints Inland area, Detroit and more
Singing Elvis Presley's "It's Now or Never" to a lady in a club led Daniel Melendez to Michigan, with the woman, and eventually to the busted romance.

But it also revived an interest and a career in doing murals.

"Call it destiny or whatever it was, it was a weird circumstance," said Melendez, now a Corona resident.

12/15/2009

Artist Spotlight: Judy Davis
Artists struggle with the dichotomy between creating personal art they love and making work that is marketable. During her college years, Judy Davies was literally painting pictures to match the couches while working for a furniture company.

Photo Gallery: Artist Spotlight: Judy Davies

12/13/2009

Art students to show off portfolios in graduate show
After months of work, students from The Art Institute of California -- Inland Empire will show off the fruits of their labors.

The Graduate Portfolio Show will be held Tuesday from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Riverside Art Museum. Potential employers are invited to browse student works.

From 6 to 8:30 p.m. the show will be open to the public. Participating students are scheduled to graduate March 26.

12/11/2009

Winterfest brings weekends of wonder to Temecula
Old Town Temecula will host a blizzard of holiday activities during Winterfest, a monthlong calendar of events starting Friday night.

Winterfest kicks off at 6 p.m. with a visit from Santa, snow to play in, a holiday train and the Spark of Love Toy Drive.

12/10/2009

Corona Art Association honors annual winners
Corona Art Associated selected R. Mike Nichols as its Artist of the Year during its annual reception Saturday.

Also honored with awards were Marilyn West, Carmen Lopez, Cathi Calhoun and Jill Jones.

Photo Gallery: Corona Art Association selects annual winners

12/08/2009

Artist Spotlight: Photographer David Lawrence captures natural glimpses
Retired art professor David Lawrence is a visual philosopher.

Lawrence, of Redlands, explores everyday images within easy reach of his camera and provides viewers with a profound sense of beauty that travels below the surface.

Photo Gallery: Photographer catches natural glimpses

12/01/2009

His realistic work is accessible, if edgy
Artist David Rosales is a reflective artist using everything in his personal arsenal to address what he sees as contradictions and conflicts in perceptions throughout our contemporary experience.

Photo Gallery: Inland artist David Rosales' cultural commentary

11/29/2009

Adams' 'Moonrise' sells for $360,000
An early print of an iconic Ansel Adams photograph sold Tuesday for $360,000 at a Swann Auction Galleries sale in New York City.

11/26/2009

Event celebrates new Inland anthology
The release of the book "No Place for a Puritan: the Literature of California's Deserts" will be celebrated at the main Riverside Public Library on Dec. 5 at 2 p.m.

11/25/2009

Halls ringing with versions of 'Jingle Bells'
The holidays are the time of the year when artists trot out albums they recorded in July, and halls are filled with the ringing reinterpretations of "Jingle Bells."

Here are the big-name holiday concerts to catch in the Inland region.

Sara Evans

Artists explore landscapes in 'Edenistic Divergence' exhibit
Landscapes are the unifying theme for a new exhibit at the Riverside Art Museum, but the four participating artists have different interpretations of the subject.

"Edenistic Divergence," organized by guest curator Andi Campognone, will be on display through Feb. 20.

11/24/2009

Playful work
Temecula artist Ingrid Wright sparkles with crackling energy and a megawatt smile.

Before she pursued her creative interests, she worked as a fashion model, developed a successful dental practice and raised a family. At 46, she left dentistry and dedicated herself to art.

Wright thrives on expanding and evolving her talents and taking on new challenges.

Photo Gallery: Artist Wright's work sparkles with color

San Bernardino builds show out of Schumann's constructions
The San Bernardino Symphony Orchestra scratched the classical music itch big time with not one, not two, but three orchestral works by Robert Schumann, and the intensely cerebral exercise of listening to three Schumann pieces left me aching for something raucous, something playful.

11/23/2009

Aspiring tattooists reject fears that their work at home could harm clients
In kitchens and living rooms across the Inland area, unregistered tattoo artists are inking their friends, relatives and anyone else looking for a deal.

Health officials say it's a risky and illegal practice.

11/22/2009

Beach mural must go
One of those silly homeowners flaps resulted in a directive to paint over a beach-scene mural to make an ill woman feel like her Hemet is by the ocean.

"I'm going to fight it, for her," said Rich Sanford, who commissioned airbrush artist Richard Williamson to paint the mural for his fiancée, Judy Lee Parsons.

Arts event sets up under umbrellas
The La Quinta Arts Foundation will present Art Under the Umbrellas, Nov. 28, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. in Old Town La Quinta.

More than 75 artists will line the lawns and streets of the area, off Washington and Calle Tampico, presenting art and jewelry.

The event will also feature live music and wine tasting. The event and parking are free.

11/20/2009

Family fun doesn't have to break the bank
Looking for something to do with the kids that's enjoyable, educational and, best of all, cheap? There are museums, libraries and art galleries all over the Inland region that offer great programs for families that don't involve an admission fee. Here's a list that's just the tip of the iceberg of inexpensive or freebie fun the whole family will enjoy:

First Sundays

11/19/2009

Temecula arts group looks to expand horizons
For the Arts Council of the Temecula Valley, 2010 will begin with a blank canvas it hopes to fill with a montage of events and programs that will play a role in changing the face of the arts in the area.

Riverside resident earns spot in photography exhibit at Kent State
Glennis Siegfried, a Riverside resident and senior photojournalism and library and information science major at Kent State University, earned a spot in a new exhibit for her photograph featuring the residents of Hattie Larlham Center.

11/18/2009

Artist Spotlight: Don Roth
Don Roth has earned the unofficial title of "The Norman Rockwell of Cats" through his series of paintings known as "The Kool-Kat Kollection." He began working on the series back in 2000 and each year since he has continued to create new paintings for the series.

Photo Gallery: Artist Don Roth's feline creations

11/17/2009

Mission Inn luncheon marks National Philanthropy Day
It is appropriate at this time of year that the true spirit of giving and generosity is celebrated as National Philanthropy Day, a nationwide event that marks the work accomplished through the generous donations and volunteer efforts of individuals and organizations offering their time, talent and passion to improve their community.

11/15/2009

Riverside International Film Festival holds poster contest
Want your artwork in lights? And on the web? And in a film-festival program?

11/13/2009

'Soldier-Artist' paintings on display
"Soldier-Artist," an exhibit of 15 paintings by Victor Contini, is on display at the General Patton Memorial Museum in Chiriaco Summit.

Contini's studies as an art student at Cleveland Institute of Art were cut short when he went to fight in World War II. He died on the island of Saipan. He was 26.

His niece Mary Contini Gordon put together the exhibit of paintings, which will run through Dec. 31.

Is art a dog's best friend?
It's been said that dog is man's best friend.

At the exhibit "Intelligent Design: Interspecies Art" at the Sweeney Art Gallery in Riverside, dogs and other animals are also collaborators with different forms of art.

The exhibit pairs 20 artists with different animals from cats and bears to rats and trout. There are also artistic collaborations including artists, cockroaches and spiders.

11/11/2009

Artist Spotlight: Rich Lopez
Beaumont artist Rich Lopez has a long history of sinking his hands into rich clay. He has been creating pottery by hand for more than 40 years.

And throughout the decades, he has cultivated a spiritual connection in his work.

Photo Gallery: Ceramic artist Rich Lopez of Beaumont

11/10/2009

San Bernardino cartoon artist received early guidance from Charles Schulz
Cartoonist Charles Schulz launched the careers of Snoopy, Linus and Charlie Brown -- and gave a boost to cartoon artist Darlene Douthit of San Bernardino as well.

As a teenager in the early 1960s, Douthit was a budding cartoon artist living in Sebastopol in northern California. She had been told that a professional cartoonist lived nearby, she said.

11/09/2009

Sculpture exhibition reflects suffering of war victims
A new exhibition at the Crafton Hills College Art Gallery will protest the suffering of people victimized in wars.

"Pieces & Parts" was created by University of Redlands School of Fine Arts professor Renée Azenaro. It consists of about 30 works made up of aluminum window screens, plaster and beeswax.

An opening reception will be held at 7 p.m. Thursday in Finkelstein Performing Arts Center.

11/06/2009

Museum exhibits Inland art for collectors, fundraising
Want to start or supplement an art collection? Riverside Art Museum is holding its sixth annual "Off the Wall" fundraiser exhibition, presented by the Art Alliance.

There are 869 pieces of original artwork created by Inland artists available for purchase right off the wall for $50, $100, $200 or $300. "Off the Wall Jr." arwork prices are $10, $20 and $30.

Photo exhibition will chronicle Fox Theater's transformation
Riverside resident Michael Elderman thinks Riverside's Fox Theater has a story to tell.

He'll be telling its story in the form of a photographic essay exhibition, "Riverside's Fox Theater: An Intimate Portrait" at La Sierra University's Brandstater Gallery. It opens with a reception on Monday and runs through Dec. 10.

11/04/2009

Artist Spotlight: The insightful creations of Caron Rand
Caron Guerrant Rand's artwork is reflective, insightful and thought provoking. She infuses portraits with sentiment and creates abstract works exploring layers of pattern and meaning. She also creates art that delivers intense, impassioned messages.

Photo Gallery: Challenging creations by Riverside artist Caron Guerrant Rand

11/03/2009

Exhibit features art, music
Riverside's Richard Espinosa, who has been creating original art for more than 70 years, will be displaying his work during Thursday's Art Walk.

The show will be at the Universalist Unitarian Church in Riverside at 3657 Lemon St. from 6-9 p.m. The event will feature the music of Marcus Devant, Shae, Sal & Isela, Sherilynn, Vienna and David Robinson.

Reality clashes with the surreal at challenging RCC show
You might as well ask artist Pamela Mower-Conner directions from Tyler Mall to Timbuktu when trying to dig into the motivation and meaning behind her paintings.

Noncommittal responses obscure the expected route from point A to point B, leaving one to wonder if a beginning and end even exist, and whether the landmarks to get there even matter.

Video: RCC art exhibit provokes inward thoughts

Photo Gallery: "The Haunting Terrain" art exhibit at RCC

Fellowship group to host dancing, chanting event for peace
The Inland Communities Fellowship of Reconciliation will present The Dances of Universal Peace at All Saints Episcopal Church in Riverside Wednesday from 7 to 9 p.m.

The circle dancing and chanting event is open to the public, including children ages 6 and older. Admission is $10.

11/01/2009

Museum to celebrate Kaiser Steel's 40-year run
For 40 years, Kaiser Steel was an industrial giant of the Inland Empire.

In the gloomy early years of World War II, industrialist Henry J. Kaiser built the plant in Fontana so it would be safe from a coastal attack. The steel mill was the largest west of the Mississippi River and its steel was made into supply ships that helped win the war.

11/02/2009

San Bernardino County Museum sets Wildlife Art Festival
The San Bernardino County Museum is going to get a little bit wild this month.

The museum's 27th annual Wildlife Art Festival will take place Nov. 21 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Nov. 22 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. An opening reception with several participating artists will take place the evening of Nov. 20.

The festival exhibit will include paintings, sculptures, carvings, photographs and prints.

Artists explore post-apocalyptic world, masculine vs. feminine themes
Two artists will display works described as "surrealistic" and "complex" in a show that will be open from Nov. 2 to Dec. 4 at Riverside City College's Quad Gallery.

11/01/2009

Riverside Art Museum holds an 80th birthday bash for its building
The day Dottie Smith took her daughter to dance class was a fateful one.

Photo Gallery: Celebrating 80 years of the Riverside Art Museum

Photo Gallery: Arts & Craft Beer fundraiser at Riverside Art Museum

10/30/2009

Exhibit captures famous entertainers
caught on film

'Shot in the Dark" is a photo show by Ed Foster and is on exhibit at the Whitney Library on Tropicana Ave. at Nellis Road through Dec. 6.

Photos in the exhibit include shots of Robert Goulet, Jack Jones, Buddy Greco and Joe Williams.

10/23/2009

Riverside Art Museum holds an 80th birthday bash for its building
The day Dottie Smith took her daughter to dance class was a fateful one.

In the mid-1960s, Smith helped found the Art Alliance, a fundraising group supporting the arts in Riverside. At the time, the Art Center and School occupied a converted dog pound, leased from the city of Riverside on Brockton Ave., and it was outgrowing the facility, recalled Smith's daughter, Sarah Smith, past president of the Art Alliance.

Photo Gallery: Celebrating 80 years of the Riverside Art Museum

10/31/2009

Artists explore post-apocalyptic world, masculine vs. feminine themes
Two artists will display works described as "surrealistic" and "complex" in a show that will be open from Nov. 2 to Dec. 4 at Riverside City College's Quad Gallery.

10/30/2009

The 'Y' in Riverside is 100 years old
Bent Corydon has vivid memories of the day in 1974 when he and a friend scrambled over a back wall and snuck into the abandoned YMCA building at the corner of Lemon Street and University Avenue in Riverside.

It was a rat- and cockroach-infested wreck with gaping holes in the roof. Rain-damaged beams sagged, and gas and water pipes were leaking in a dozen places.

10/29/2009

Museum reopens after renovations
It looked like Christmas morning at the Edward-Dean Museum on a recent weekday as workers unwrapped packages filled with antiques and delicate artifacts.

Employees of Burgess Moving & Storage Company of Riverside were returning to the Cherry Valley museum its inventory of decorative arts from the 16th to 19th centuries. The museum had been closed for five months for renovation and refurbishing.

10/28/2009

Artist Spotlight: Artist Mary Gehley is the goddess of gourds
Childhood memories can mark a lasting trajectory to our future in ways we rarely comprehend. Gourd artist Mary Gehley is fortunate to understand the connection.

Her childhood memories, rich with art and creative adventures, serve as inspiration for her artwork and her outlook on life. Her path in art and life is marked by her fondest memories and the keen sense of curiosity she developed as a young girl.

Dia de los Muertos celebration to honor Mexican culture, art, loved ones
It's a day for the dead that celebrates life.

Families will gather Monday in honor of loved ones who have died. The annual Dia de los Muertos celebration will take place on the corner of Mission Inn Avenue and Orange Street, in front of the Riverside Metropolitan Museum, from 6 to 9 p.m.

10/23/2009

Insects are livin' large in Hemet exhibit
Butterflies' wings, no matter how vivid, are actually tiled with transparent scales. A praying mantis can consume a frog. When a mosquito bites you, it's using a highly specialized, six-piece tongue.

Video: Mechanical bugs invade Hemet museum

Center still going strong
In November 1964 -- long before Earth Day was celebrated and before all things "green" became trendy -- a group of Jurupa-area leaders established a center "to teach respect and responsibility toward the earth and its inhabitants."

10/22/2009

Nonprofit Spotlight: The Banning Cultural Alliance
Small seeds bloom into impressive realities when properly nurtured. This is proven repeatedly through the sheer force of dedicated volunteers and supporters of nonprofit organizations. In the Inland area, the seedling ideas of a few visionary leaders have created a network of arts and culture sites weaving a rich tapestry of talent and community enhancements across the area.

10/21/2009

American Artists from the Russian Empire opens Saturday
"American Artists from the Russian Empire" opens Saturday at The San Diego Museum of Art.

The exhibition features nearly 70 works showcasing such painters and artists as Louise Nevelson, Jules Olitsky, Mark Rothko, and Ben Shahn. Details: 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

10/20/2009

Illustrator Scott Flanders' dangerous landscapes, ominous warnings and treacherous terrain
Every year San Diego becomes a mecca for the faithful pilgrimage of graphic storytellers, digital design masters, and pen-and-ink wizards who hold court with enamored followers and comic book aficionados at a convention extraordinaire called Comic-Con.

10/27/2009

Artist Spotlight: Artist Mary Gehley is the goddess of gourds
Childhood memories can mark a lasting trajectory to our future in ways we rarely comprehend. Gourd artist Mary Gehley is fortunate to understand the connection.

Her childhood memories, rich with art and creative adventures, serve as inspiration for her artwork and her outlook on life. Her path in art and life is marked by her fondest memories and the keen sense of curiosity she developed as a young girl.

Photo Gallery: Mary Gehley, goddess of gourds

10/20/2009

Kennewick man display making local history

Hundreds visit AIDS in Africa exhibit
Tamara Welter has read the grim statistics of AIDS in Africa: tens of millions dead, infected with HIV or orphaned by the epidemic.

On Monday, the Perris woman learned about the impact of AIDS in a personal way, as she journeyed through a replica of an African village at a Riverside church while listening to the story of a 14-year-old girl who lost a father to AIDS and whose mother is sick with the disease.

10/19/2009

Exhibit shares art, science
Blaise Evers expends a lot of his brain power on the study of trephination -- the act of perforating the skull with a surgical instrument. He has researched the earliest record of such surgeries performed in ancient Peru thousands of years ago.

10/18/2009

Angelou inspires hope - except for tickets. It's sold out.
Author and poet Maya Angelou said her mission in public speaking is to provide some hope and humor.

That attitude might explain why her lecture Thursday at UC Riverside is sold out.

Denise Stadelbacher, spokeswoman for UC Riverside presents, said the University Theatre is at capacity and there is no "wiggle room" left.

10/16/2009

'Phantom' haunts California Theatre on Saturday
The California Theatre of the Performing Arts will test the strength of its 1920s "Mighty Wurlitzer" on Sunday with a screening of the silent classic "Phantom of the Opera."

Video: Organ tunes up for 'Phantom' screening

10/17/2009

Ceramics bring out Redlands artist's soul
Whenever artist Kristy Bergeson needs to do some soul searching, she looks no further than her potter's wheel.

"I can make forms with my hands that are beautiful to me and that bring out my soul," said Bergeson, of Redlands. "With ceramics, I'm home."

10/14/2009

Hemet artist Rigo Rivas ventures back to images frozen in time
Hemet artist Rigo Rivas, who studied art in the United States, still maintains a sense of color, composition and content linked to his native El Salvador.

10/10/2009

Three Inland groups receive Irvine art grants
Three Inland arts organizations will receive grants to help them improve their community outreach, the James Irvine Foundation announced Friday.

The grants are $225,000 to the Riverside Art Museum, $275,000 to the Redlands Community Music Association and $350,000 to the San Bernardino Symphony Association.

In phone interviews, arts leaders expressed their gratitude.

Banning gallery features paintings by Robert French
The work of a painter known in part for his depictions of Southern California oceans and sunsets is showcased as part of a Banning Center for the Arts show.

The center will continue to present "Robert French: 1916-2007, Shadows and Light, Oil on Canvas" through Nov. 20 at the Banning Center for the Arts, 130 N. San Gorgonio Ave. in Banning. The gallery is open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.

10/09/2009

Cirque du Soleil brings tent show to Southern California
Cirque du Soleil is returning to its Southern California stomping ground with a new show.

Its creators say "Kooza" is returning Cirque du Soleil to its roots as well.

It premieres Oct. 16 in a big top at the Santa Monica Pier.

10/07/2009

Redlands art show marks 30th anniversary this month
As a child, Sheila Hansberger went door to door selling crayon drawings to neighbors for a penny each.

"I've been interested in art my whole life," said the Yucaipa watercolorist, whose work will be featured at the Art, For Heaven's Sake! festival Oct. 16-18 at the Redlands United Church of Christ.

Museum adopts new name
Phil Pendley made a pair of significant announcements at Saturday's Science Under The Stars fundraiser for the museum by Hemet formerly known as the Western Center of Archaeology and Paleontology.

10/05/2009

Gallery of theme park treasures opens at Disneyland
Disneyland reopened a gallery for its treasures in a new location on Main Street U.S.A.

It occupies the site of the bank near the park's entrance.

The space retains the feel of an early 20th century bank, according to a press release, and has three rooms:

A vault containing Disney treasures.

A room showing Disney-inspired art.

A store selling prints, books and sculpture.

Center's fundraising event in Riverside geared toward kids
Saturday will be a busy night for kids at the Riverside Plaza. From 6 to 9 p.m. the Carolyn E. Wylie Center for Children, Youth and Families will hold Clowning Around 4 Kids, a yearly fundraiser event that includes carnival games, a bounce house, balloon animals and more.

10/04/2009

From ancient times to modern, wars re-enacted in Chino
Donning historical uniforms, weapons and in some cases old-time accents, hundreds of war re-enactors are converging at Prado Regional Park in Chino this weekend to portray the lives of soldiers past and present.

10/02/2009

Art opens up a colorful world for disabled
For years, Anna Duncan, 24, of Beaumont, drew pictures in varying shades of black, white and gray.

Now, Duncan, an art student at Mt. San Jacinto College in San Jacinto, is focused on color, she said.

"I've done simple drawings and worked with charcoal and graphite," Duncan said. "I'm into painting now and sculpting. I want to go into digital, also."

10/01/2009

Riverside museum explores Moon Festival
Storytelling, folk songs and calligraphy will be part of the Chinese Moon Festival that will be hosted Saturday by the Riverside Metropolitan Museum.

"It's a family festival," said Barbara Wong, a professional storyteller participating in the event. "Originally, it was a harvest festival. It's a time for reunion and for the family to get together."

Students welcome historic Barton schoolhouse
A crowd of students from Montessori public charter Grove School gathered on corners awaiting the arrival of a flatbed truck inching its way down Nevada Street carrying an oversized load.

Half of the 108-year-old historic Barton schoolhouse was parked at Heritage Park across from Grove's Orange Avenue campus, soon to be returned to use by students. The second half was moved Wednesday.

Longtime educator, air museum board member dies at age 89
Robert Hummel was an educator for 35 years, much of that time in Riverside County, and in retirement consulted on school building projects and pushed education as an integral part of March Air Field Museum.

Mr. Hummel died Sept. 14 at The Village in Hemet from complications of Parkinson's disease, according to his family. He was 89.