AAI opens new gallery

The Art Alliance of Idyllwild (AAI) has been supporting local artists for years, putting on some of the community’s most popular art events, including the annual Art Walk & Wine Tasting, which features artists and wine makers from near and far.

In January 2018, the AAI opened its first art gallery in the Courtyard building on Ridgeview Drive. For almost two-and-a-half years, the gallery was successfully displaying artists’ talents in the form of drawing, painting, photography, sculptures and much more. There were countless gallery receptions and themed shows.

The gallery also served as a visitors center for those looking for recommendations on where to shop, stay and dine. It shared information regarding events and helped promote local businesses by sharing their information to those passing through.

Unfortunately, the gallery had to close its doors in April 2020 due to the pandemic. As the world shut down and stayed home, it changed everyone in many different ways.

Artists have been busy creating new art in the comfort of their own homes. Now, they will once again be able to get back to displaying their art in a new gallery. Nam Joo Kim, the owner of the Mile High Cafe, offered the AAI a space to open a new gallery located at 26364 Saunders Meadow Road.
Donna Elliot said, “We signed a lease that commenced on Oct. 1, 2020.

Because of the high numbers of COVID-19 cases in Riverside County, the AAI Board decided not to open the gallery until it was safer to do so. This period gave us a chance to create a gallery-worthy space within the building as well as a colorful exterior making it attractive to visitors to stop.”

The gallery and visitors center will greet those visiting with a painted mural created by Rob Padilla, a sculpture garden that will feature one of the AAI deer from its painted herd and a metal sign designed by Dore Capitani.
AAI’s first show at its Courtyard location was called “Here and Now.”

Keeping with this annual event, the AAI will hold its grand opening from 3 to 6 p.m. Saturday, April 24. It will be AAI’s third-annual “Here and Now” art show.

“Masks and social distancing are required with a controlled flow of visitors through the gallery,” Elliot said. “Refreshments will be set up outside the gallery. We invite people to celebrate with the ribbon winners, meet the artists and purchase unique, original art.”

Cyn Grady will continue to be the gallery manager, meeting and greeting visitors, and working with the artists, a role she held at the Courtyard location. The new gallery will be open Saturdays and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The gallery will allow pop-up events for artists to sell their work. AAI is also planning to hold artist workshops.

“This new gallery is an exciting opportunity for our talented artists to sell their art, meet and to learn from one another,” Grady said. “We can also distribute marketing materials from local businesses. We are grateful to Nam at Mile High for her support.”

The AAI members and volunteers will take a spin around town during the month of April to pick up marketing and event materials from local businesses to have available in the gallery. They will also have a bulletin board posted outside the gallery to help spread the word about local events.

On May 15, the “Herd Gathering” will be growing. Student artists will be painting a new deer and a coyote to add to the ever-growing AAI’s Painted Deer public art project. The event will be held from 1 to 3 p.m. at IdyPark and this will be the only time this new addition will be in the same location. After the event, the addition will be installed in its new locations in town.

“This project is funded by the Ruth & Joseph C. Reed Foundation for the Arts,” Elliot said. “Three refurbished deer from the original 2013 project will also be on display.”

The Holiday Art Faire that will be held this summer and the date will be announced in the near future.

If you’re interested in joining AAI, the fee starts as low as $40 per year. For more information, visit www.artinidyllwild.org or send an email to [email protected].