Supporting the arts for over 50 years

By Associates of the Idyllwild Arts Foundation
Contributed

The Associates of the Idyllwild Arts Foundation have been supporting our community and the Idyllwild Arts Academy and Summer Program since 1968. While the world around us changes, the Associates are committed to our mission of supporting the Scholarship Funds of Idyllwild Arts Academy and Summer Program and providing cultural and entertainment events in our local community.
“The members and volunteers of the Associates help in so many ways,” said Michael Slocum, president of the Associates. “We were not even stopped by a pandemic. Our giving during the pandemic shows that our volunteers are truly the heart of the community and of Idyllwild Arts.”
Open to the community, the Associates present Spotlight on Leadership the second Monday of most months. Spotlight introduces the leadership of Idyllwild Arts Academy to the community in a one-hour presentation followed by a question and answer session. Our series returns to in-person meetings Aug. 9. Spotlight also introduces community leaders as well. If any community leaders would like to make a presentation, please contact us.
The return of live music presented by the Associates returns Sunday, Sept. 5 with an outdoor musical presentation of “Musicale.” This afternoon of classical music is hosted at a private residence in our community featuring the talented Marion View Ensemble which includes members of the Levy and Speltz families and their esteemed guests. More information and ticketing options are available at www.associatesofiaf.org.
Members of the Associates are always actively planning educational programs as well as fundraising events. Tickets are available to the entire community. In the past, we have presented Broadway and television stars including Wendie Malick and Dan Lauria in the productions of “Love Letters and the Guys.”
Other noteworthy events include Women of Jazz, Hot Flash and Men of Pause, Chairs for Charity and so many others. Proceeds are donated to the Scholarship Funds of Idyllwild Arts. Following the Cranston Fire of 2018, proceeds were donated to the fire responders of our mountain communities.
As the COVID-19 pandemic began, the Associates worked with the community to provide seed money for the now successful Mountain Communities COVID-19 Mutual Aid group. Working with Idyllwild Arts Academy, we brought in the availability of fresh produce.
As well as community events and fundraisers, the Associates offer events that are only open to members. On July 25, we presented Welcome Back, our annual meeting. This return of in-person, live events includes a barbecue dinner and the sounds of Idyllwild’s own ScAtLiSh. Welcome Back was open to current members and invited guests only. Even as a member-only event, it was still a fundraiser. In December, we produce a holiday party, which is also open to members only.
Since 1968, the Associates have donated nearly $2.5 million to the Scholarship Funds of Idyllwild Arts. The funds were raised by the creation of events such as Jazz in the Pines, “Musicale” and so many other performances and events. Membership dues also play a key role in supporting the students of Idyllwild Arts Academy. One hundred percent of membership dues are donated to Idyllwild Arts Academy and our community.
Members can receive updates on events presented by the students of Idyllwild Arts Academy. Members may volunteer to help on the campus and be asked to help direct families visiting or returning to school, supporting the fundraising efforts of Idyllwild Arts Academy, handing out brochures during school events and are often hosts at an annual parents’ reception.
The Associates of the Idyllwild Arts Foundation is a nonprofit. All officers, directors and members are 100% volunteers. No paid staff or physical office space. You can learn more about membership in the Associates by visiting www.associatesofiaf.org.