Santa Clarita Artists Association – Finds New Home Local non-profit to open gallery in Old Town Newhall

After nearly 30 years of supporting the local arts community, the Santa Clarita Artists Association is thrilled to announce the opening of a new gallery in Old Town Newhall, said association President Norma Warden.
“After our brief stay at Westfield Valencia Town Center, we were essentially homeless as an organization; we no longer had a gallery,” Norma said.  “But with support from the City of Santa Clarita’s Arts and Community Services and Arts Grant, we are proud to announce the opening of a new gallery, which we anticipate to have for a year or longer.”
The duration of the gallery’s life in Old Town Newhall will depend in part on community support, as the organization works hard to raise funds to keep the gallery open long-term.
“This is a huge value to the local artists in our community, and we hope to provide an enriching experience for all residents – from art enthusiasts to professionals to residents looking to add beautiful, local art to their walls,” Norma said.
The non-profit has a long and important history in the Santa Clarita Valley, as it is the only local, inclusive organization for artists of all mediums.
“We started about 27 years ago with 10 members: just a group of local artists who wanted to get together and share their work with each other and the community,” Norma said.  “Today, we have about 120 members.  We welcome all artists – from photography to oil and acrylic to sculpture and mixed media – as well as all levels – from novice to professional.”
Members hope to carry the founding members’ mission forward with the addition of the new gallery, located at 22508 6th Street, Unit E, in Newhall.  Community involvement and artist support are the two main goals for the association’s new establishment.  Featuring about 20 artists at a time, the gallery will rotate through its members to provide a diverse and fair representation of local artistry.
“Our location is great because we’re right next to two other major arts organizations: Ceramic Artist Studio, Inc., and The ARTree Community Arts Center,” Norma said.  “We hope to nurture these relationships, so we can bring dynamic events to our little corner of Santa Clarita’s Arts and Entertainment District.”
Residents will get their first taste of this burgeoning arts center at the gallery’s grand opening and reception on Thursday, August 18.  Guests can expect twinkle lights, spectacular local art and a beautiful summer evening full of culture and community.
This gallery is possible thanks, in large part, to the City of Santa Clarita’s Community Services and Arts Grants program, which contributed $7,500 to help open the gallery.  Association fundraisers, such as the Santa Clarita Artists Association 27th Annual Art Classic on Saturday, October 15, also help sustain the gallery.
The association also contributes back to the community through its scholarship program.  Each year, the association awards scholarships to local graduating high school seniors who will be entering arts programs; this year, the association will add a new scholarship for one California Institute of the Arts student, as well.
For more information about the Santa Clarita Artists Association, please visit www.santaclaritaartists.org.  Meetings are free, open to the public, and held on the third Monday of each month at 6:30 p.m. at Barnes & Noble in Valencia.   

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