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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:
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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:
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Preserve our history and
the cultural heritage of the American West;
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Cultivate community awareness and
pride in our western heritage;
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Enrich life in the community
through enjoyment and appreciation of the fine
and applied arts;
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Emphasize student art and education
through the development of the San Dimas Western Art
and Learning Center;
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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.
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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.
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Title: Lonesome but Happy
Artist: Joe Milazzo
2006 Drawing Gold Medal Award
Winner |
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Artist Joe Milazzo |
In selected years the Festival names a Spirit of the West and
commissions an artist to paint a portrait featuring the honoree.
These portraits become part of the Festival’s permanent collection and
currently are on display at the San Dimas City Hall.
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Past recipients of the
Spirit of the West award
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Roy Rogers
Olaf Wieghorst
John Wayne
Louis L'Amour
Gene Autry
Iron Eyes Cody
Johnny Grant |
Santa Fe Railroad
Ben Johnson
President Ronald Reagan
Frederic Renner
Monty Montana
Senator Barry Goldwater George Montgomery |
Sheriff Sherman Block
Walter & Cordelia Knott
Sen. Ben Nighthorse Campbell
Wells Fargo Bank
Joanne & Monte Hale |
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Title: One of The Boys
Artist Victoria Wilson-Schultz
2006 Other Media / Pastel Gold Medal Award Winner
Past Recipients of
Artist of the West
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Burt Proctor
Brownell McGrew
Ed Fraughton
Bettina Steinke
Reynold Brown
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Doc Tate
NevaquayaWilson Hurley
Merv Corning
Melvin Warren
Allan Houser
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Woody Crumbo
Fritz White
Gary Carter
Lloyd (Kiva) New
George Lundeen
Harley Brown |
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Participating
Artists
2009
San Dimas Festival of Arts
National Western Art Exhibition
held at the Walker House
In addition, the Festival has expanded to include:
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A Wildlife art show each
fall
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Student Art Shows held in
conjunction with the Spring and Fall shows
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The Walker House
preservation project
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Public Art Projects:
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The Jedediah Strong Smith Memorial, A Welcome Sight - sculpture,
by Victor Issa
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The Tongva Mural, Between the Sun and the Moon, by Steven Rieman
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Catching Frogs - sculpture by Vic Riesau
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The Cornerstones of Freedom - sculpture by James N. Muir
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Angel of San Dimas - painted by Margie Green and Richard A. Myer
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Our Neighborhood Sheriff's Station - sculpture by Richard A. Myer
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San Dimas
Citrus Murals - Painted by San Dimas High School Students
The success of this is due
to the many hours donated by the dedicated volunteers from the community who
serve throughout the year on committees and on the Board of Directors.
Many citizens of the local area are involved in support groups such as 1)
General Members, 2) Festival 200 sponsors, 3) Patron 500 sponsors and, 4)
Corporate 1000 sponsors who provide annual donations to the Festival.
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