San Dimas Festival of Arts Mission Statement To provide a clear understanding of the objectives and vision of the San Dimas Festival of Arts, the following Mission Statement was adopted:
Title: Pueblo Window Artist: Rock Newcomb 2006 Oil / Acrylic Silver Medal Award Winner Our Mission In affirmation of our belief in the "Western Spirit" as a guide and inspiration for the people of the community to rise to meet life's challenges, our mission is to sponsor and promote programs that will: Preserve our history and the cultural heritage of the American West; Cultivate community awareness and pride in our western heritage; Enrich life in the community through enjoyment and appreciation of the fine and applied arts; Emphasize student art and education through the development of the San Dimas Western Art and Learning Center; Bring credit and distinction to the city of San Dimas. History of the San Dimas Festival of Arts The Festival began in 1977 as a venture of the San Dimas Chamber of Commerce under the guidance of John Walgren, then Executive Director of the Chamber.  Mr. Walgren, along with Y. Elbert “Easy” Cheyno of the American Indian and Cowboy Artists (AICA), initiated the First Annual Western Art Exhibition and Sale held in April, 1977.  From this early effort the non-profit corporation, known as the Festival of Western Arts was created.

Each year a select group of distinguished artists are invited to come to San Dimas for the Annual National Western Art Exhibition and Sale.  They exhibit approximately 150 pieces of original art in various categories, such as paintings, drawings, sculpture and other media.  An estimated 6,000 guests come throughout the weekend to enjoy the Art Gallery as well as the Trading Post (attending artists present prints – framed and unframed), seminars on art creation, a “Quick Draw” (artists create a piece in 45 minutes and then auction the item), food booths, entertainment and Sunday’s Art Auction.  

Title: Lonesome but Happy
Artist: Joe Milazzo

2006 Drawing Gold Medal Award Winner

Artist Joe Milazzo