05/02/2026
❗**NEWS FLASH!**❗ The LAST "Beacon Art Show " ended Sunday, March 22, 2026, concluding a run of 18 countywide exhibitions. Organizers announced on their website that NO FUTURE EXHIBITS are planned at this time. Please share your photos in tribute in Comments. https://beaconartshow.com/
⚜ This popular community exhibition began in 2008 as part of San Luis Obispo United Methodist Church"s Grand Opening celebration of their newly rebuilt structure. Sadly, on Easter Sunday 2001 an arsonist fire consumed the former church building. The church’s bell tower was a beacon to the SLO community & inspired the name for the show.
⚜ This unique juried art showcase has been SLOUMC’s gift to the community, attracting visual artists from CA's Central Coast & beyond. Hundreds of artists shared their diverse designs as ceramics, fiber art, glass, metalwork, paintings, photography, sculpture & wood.
⚜ For 18 years, Beacon Jurors honored artists for their creativity & excellence with cash awards totaling over $25,000. SLOUMC purchased many pieces that are displayed throughout the church. SLOUMC purchased Kathleen Bosch's photograph “It’s Christmastime in SLO.” It also won the 2026 “Best in Show” Award.
⚜ During Beacon Art Show's history, artists benefited from SLOUMC's spacious gallery setting; having knowledgeable docents on hand to greet guests; receiving 100% of art sales; & having their art images featured on SLOUMC's online gallery. They also enjoyed unique events that attracted visitors to the show, including concerts & poetry events, originated by writer & publisher Glenna Berry Horton Lushei (RIP) & continued in recent years by Jeanne Greensfelder & Benjamin Daniel Lawless, Poet.
⚜ Beacon's committee wants to express sincere gratitude to Kathleen Friend, David A Limrite, Ruta Saliklis, Robert Burridge, Margaret Korishelli, Robert Rosenthal, Guy Kinnear, Artist & others who served as some of Beacon's previous Jurors.
⚜ For many years Beth Mott served as the committee’s Coordinator & Dave Rau served as the show’s Curator. Without their commitment & vision, the shows would not have happened. We recognize them & express our deepest gratitude. Other hardworking volunteers included Janie Holland Takagi, Paul Takagi, Ernie Lawrence, Kevin Dunlap & Ginny Rodgers. These helpers along with many others worked behind the scenes to make this event happen year after year.
🙏 Our Sincere Thanks, The Beacon Art Show Committee
