Film and Digital Media students at Idyllwild Arts create college-level films as one of the Academy’s fastest growing programs.Photo courtesy Idyllwild Arts
Film and Digital Media students at Idyllwild Arts create college-level films as one of the Academy’s fastest growing programs. Photo courtesy Idyllwild Arts

This year, Idyllwild Arts celebrates 70 years of providing arts education to students and adults alike. In 1946, the Summer Program was the first building block of the dream that would become a full-time residential arts school for ninth- through 12th-grade aspiring artists and a summer arts program offering programs for youth and adults.

Pamela Jordan, president of the Idyllwild Arts Foundation, invites the community to attend the event at The NOVO by Microsoft (formerly Club Nokia), LA Live in downtown Los Angeles. “The NOVO seats 1,200 and general admission tickets are free, so we hope that more people will join us,” said Jordan. “Come to discover what’s new at Idyllwild Arts and what makes an Idyllwild Arts education exceptional. With this event early evening on a Saturday, I hope that everyone will commit to seeing our students in this world-class venue. We will distribute tickets at the door, but people should hurry.”

Doors open at 5 p.m., and a student exhibit in the main floor of The NOVO is available until 5:45 p.m. The exhibit will present student art installations and conversations with the featured artists. It also offers attendees opportunities to learn about Idyllwild Arts. Audience members take their seats starting at 5:45 p.m. for the student showcase of Idyllwild Arts’ best musicians, actors, singers and dancers that plays from 6 to 7:15 p.m. Said Jordan, “See why the Arts School Network has bestowed Idyllwild Arts Academy with the distinguished 2016 Exemplary School Award.” ASN is an educational nonprofit dedicated to providing leaders in arts school with quality resources, support and networking opportunities.

At 7:30 p.m., those holding Backstage Pass Party tickets are invited to a special VIP lounge for Wolfgang Puck-catered food, drinks, entertainment and fun. Holders of Backstage Passes also get VIP seating for the student showcase.

Idyllwild Arts patrons and supporters are encouraged to support this celebratory event at a sponsorship level. “We are also hopeful that people who may not be able to support the event as a sponsor will consider making a donation to the event,” said Jordan. “Proceeds from the evening support Idyllwild Arts in two ways: including all 300 Academy students in the evening to perform, exhibit, attend and support the event; and helping to raise the $6 million we distribute annually in scholarship support to deserving students who would not otherwise be able to afford to attend the Idyllwild Arts Academy and Summer Program.”

Producing the event is former CBS vice president and producer and Academy alumna parent Suzan Mischer. She has assembled a technical crew of industry professionals to make the student showcase a memorable experience for all who attend. “This will truly be an event that is properly placed in the entertainment capital of the world, Los Angeles,” said Jordan.

For information, visit, www.idyllwildarts70th.org. For questions, contact Theresa Teel at 951-659-2171, ext. 2338, or [email protected].