AAI board elects new president

For several years, the Art Alliance of Idyllwild (AAI) was on a quest to find a new president. At its latest board meeting Wednesday, June 28, Haleigh Lavy was unanimously elected as the new president with immediate effect, believing she is the perfect fit.

Lavy has been organizing Art in the Park events for the past three years. According to Lavy, “I found a real passion for organizing and managing fine art events. Being part of the Art Alliance of Idyllwild means following a passion and diving deeper into the community through fine arts. I am very excited to create lasting connections within our community, offer support where it is needed and encourage growth within the Art Alliance.”

In 2018, Lavy was introduced to the world of art when her husband Cory discovered chainsaw sculpting, which quickly became a full-time passion and a source of income for their family. She took over financial responsibilities and operations for Beard-A-Bear Woodshop, building upon her already established managements of operations and experience.

The board is preparing for a summer of activity. It also thanked Cyn Grady and Donna Elliot for their hard work in keeping the passion for art and community service thriving in Idyllwild.

AAI invites art lovers to visit several of its artists at their studios on July 8, along with three of its galleries: Golden Pine, Town Gallery and Middle Ridge Winery Tasting Gallery.

Details and maps may be found at Mountain Pottery, 54240 Pine Crest Ave., starting at 10 a.m. Saturday, July 8. The tour is from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m with a chance to win a basket of art by those artists participating in the studio tour. Visitors to each studio receive a free raffle ticket. The more studios visited, the higher the chance to win.

A Plein Air Art Festival is scheduled for Saturday, August 5, hosted by Town Gallery, 54425 N. Circle Dr., with an artist reception from 3 to 6 p.m. Come and celebrate the ribbon winners and enjoy artists booths, live music and refreshments.