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For Arts Connection, the year consisted of many triumphant feats worth commemorating; The launch of the council’s official website—Artsconnectionnetwork.org—being among the most prominent. The formal launch was celebrated at the December 15th Arts Connection Holiday Party held at the Mission Gables Bowl House in Redlands, where over 100 guests reveled in not only holiday cheer, but the launching of the fresh-faced site. The website is an all-encompassing connective line, offering access to art and information in a way San Bernardino County has never seen before.
Artsconnectionnetwork.org holds the only county wide artist directory, arts calendar and digital informational forum for San Bernardino County. Constantly growing and evolving with activities, the arts calendar acts as a direct line to the pulse of the artistic community, allowing for exposure to events and exhibitions taking place locally. For artists, the website offers an “opportunities” tab, consisting of information on grants, upcoming exhibitions as well as job opportunities. News and highlights focused on art and artists of San Bernardino County are posted weekly, giving the community an opportunity to engage with the arts of the county as it transpires. The true potential the website holds to positively affect the creative community of San Bernardino County is boundless, making it a definite means for celebration.
The guest list for the Arts Connection Holiday Party was just as handsome and multifaceted as the wine selection or cuisine. Consisting of community members with seasoned ties and an understanding and appreciation for the arts, there was no shortage of laughter and no limitation in willingness to contribute to the cause. During the midst of the celebration, a silent auction with items varying from every end of the creative spectrum ensued. A variety of generous contributions were displayed and coveted, later to be enjoyed thanks to the generous donations of the Wild Lemon Project, The Ruth Chandler Williamson Gallery, Kathe Kollwitz of the Guerrilla Girls, San Bernardino County Museum Association, CSUSB Music Department, Lewis Family Playhouse, Empire Tattoo Studios, RAFFMA, Joshua Tree Music Festival, among numerous others.
The soundtrack of the evening was comprised of performances by refined local talents including soprano Stacey Fraser, pianist ChoEun Lee, the CSUSB Bonafide Trombone Quartet and a closing performance from the Joshua Tree Community Jazz Band.
The setting and décor was ideal, the entertainment simply priceless and the participants, in all their unique insight and uncontested skill, appreciated above all. Because of the gracious time and attention given to this endeavor by cherished sponsors and friends of Arts Connection, we are all able to revel in this year’s achievements and continue to work together to accomplish a new set in the years to come.
