Their mission is to support, nourish, and awaken the arts in our community. And their purpose is to network with arts-related organizations and individuals, schools, and businesses to provide a cultural vitality in our area. When you walk into the council’s office on Main Street in San Andreas, you’ll witness a hub-bub of activity. The staff of 2 are usually handling about six projects at a time,
not to mention greeting visitors to the gallery which is the artistic part of the office. All major arts disciplines are promoted through their programs – the major ones include: Arts in Education , "Ovations"- a winter performing arts series; "Music in the Parks"– free weekly summer concerts; the annual Artists Studio Tour, Webpage featuring all kinds of information; Artists Scholarships; and being the Community Arts Liaison –providing assistance to theatre companies, artists, galleries, and writers’ groups. The Arts Council has earned a statewide reputation of being a model local arts agency. Where does the council’s support come from? Annual State of California grants, local grants such as from the Office of Education, individual schools, and the Calaveras Community Foundation. Two recent grant awards from the National Endowment for the Arts help as well. Also, from the County, discounted rent on the county bldg in which the council is housed. Of course, local support from memberships, fundraisers, admissions to concerts and outright contributions keep the Arts Council alive, serving residents and visitors. A: About 3,000 local school children, 85 teachers, all the thousands of folks who attend the many concerts, gallery shows, studio tours, and not to mention about 150 visual artists, 140 musicians, various writers, and many others who inspire us through the arts.
