Ontario Arts Festival returns Oct. 19

The Ontario Museum of History & Art and the Chaffey Community Museum of Art have announced the return of the free Ontario Arts Festival, taking place Saturday, Oct. 19, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the Downtown Ontario Arts District. Now in its sixth year, the festival has extended its footprint to over 60 artist booths, live art demonstrations, hands-on art-making activities, public art installations by resident Ontario artist, Eva Grello, and a special exhibition of Ontario’s heritage celebrating the legacy and beauty of Ontario’s iconic Armstrong Roses. These iconic roses were first hybridized here in Ontario, California by John Armstrong in 1889.

“Art collectors, culture enthusiasts and everyone in between will surely feel inspired to be amongst the most talented artists across the Inland Empire,” said Rebecca Ustrell, Event Coordinator of Ontario’s Department of Museum, Arts & Culture. “We are excited to celebrate our vibrant Arts District with our largest festival yet.”

By partnering with local artist associations and instructors, the festival will bring the Arts District to life with exciting hands-on activations. Join artist Joe Oakes for a painting demonstration on how to paint a vivid landscape, Estudio Aire artist Sarah Steelo for a rose-themed tote bag appliqué activity, or the Inland Empire Modern Quilt Guild for a quilt-making studio experience. Additional drop-in art activities will be hosted by Pomona Valley Art Association, Associated Artists of the Inland Empire, The Arts Area, IE Plein Aire Society, and Arts Connection.

Festival goers will enjoy live American and Latin Jazz music by returning performer Homero Chavez y Una Noche. There will also be food from local artisan eateries such as smash burgers by The Burger Game, Neo-Neapolitan style pizza by Inner Pizza, Latin cuisine by Tacos Chicanx and many more. The festival showcases a wide range of mediums, including fine art, textiles, ceramics, digital art, photography, jewelry, metal, wood and glasswork. Selected by a jury, one exhibiting artist will be selected for a first-place prize of $500 for setting the highest standard of artistry and booth design.

“Each year the Ontario Arts Festival adds new things to intrigue and delight both returning and new visitors,” said Nancy DeDiemar, CCMA’s Community Liaison. “Besides collection-worthy art, light jazz music, tasty street food and locally brewed beer, 2024 Festival visitors can observe art being made by demonstrating artists and participate in art-related activities.”

Visitors will also be able to attend several exhibitions that will be open and free to the public. OMHA and CCMA will have “The Art of Healing,” the fourth collaboration between the two museums. “The Art of Healing” explores the concept of art promoting healing in those who are ill, their families, and in the artists themselves. Locally, this was exemplified in the mid-1950s when San Antonio Community Hospital assembled an art collection to display on hospital walls and in patient rooms. As its name implies, CCMA’s exhibit “Highlights from the San Antonio Hospital Collection” presents selected works of art from the hospital’s collection. OMHA’s exhibition, “Holistic Expressions,” showcases the transformative power art can have on the healing process through the work of five artists living in Southern California.

The Ontario Arts Festival is free and for all ages. To learn more visit: www.ontariomuseum.org/ontario_arts_festival/

The Ontario Museum of History & Art is located at 225 S. Euclid Ave., Ontario, CA 91762. The hours are Thursday and Friday, noon to 4 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission to the Museum and exhibits is free.

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