If you enjoy art, distinguished paintings, beautiful jewelry, fine pottery and sculptures, you will LOVE the “Art on the Lake”. An event that takes place in Big Bear every August, this is the 10th annual festival for the Art’s Council of Big Bear Valley. There is around 60 artists from throughout Southern California presenting and selling the art. Also showcasing the “Young Artists’ Gallery”. This is a special program for children created by the Council, implemented for the schools here in the valley.
The group was originally organized in 1988 as the Friends of the P A C, to raise funds for the newly completed Big Bear Lake Performing Arts Center. In 1995, the group renamed itself Friends of the Arts to reflect its expanded mission of supporting all the arts, and in 1998, the “Friends” became the Arts Council of Big Bear Valley.
Over the years, the Arts Council has donated over $20,000 to the PAC to upgrade sound and lighting equipment, and has established art programs in the middle and elementary schools. They have also embarked in a program called “The Magic of Music”, in which they donate refurbished instruments and give them to local schools. Additionally purchasing nearly $10,000 in new instruments for the High School music program.
Introducing students to live theater has always been a favorite project of theirs. They’ve done this by hiring performers to do in-school programs, and by bringing students to the PAC to enjoy educational entertainment.
~Sara
