41st Annual Art Exhibition and Sale
California Images & History
April 28, 29 & 30, 2017
Civic Center Plaza, 245 E. Bonita Ave., San Dimas, CA [map]
San Dimas Festival of Arts Merges Hollywood and Fine Arts in their 41st Annual Exhibition
VIEW PHOTO ALBUM from this Exhibition on Flickr (opens in new tab)
Since the inception of the new theme, California Images & History, the San Dimas Festival of Arts has sought to bring innovative ideas to the forefront of the art festival season. The California Images & History theme was demonstrated by 30 artists who portrayed the vast diversity of the state with art that exemplified the splendors of the coast, vast mountain ranges, and flourishing wine country. It is fitting that we paid special tribute to Hollywood as well.
October In Round Valley by Joe Mancuso (pastel).
The alchemy of Hollywood studio art and fine arts merged together in this new Spring show by featuring eclectic artist Tom Hester. His bronze sculptures have reached academic levels and his ‘studio’ fantasy creatures have helped to create Oscar Gold on such movies as American Werewolf in London, Harry and the Hendersons (both Oscar winners) as well as the convincing simian performers of Greystoke: The Legend of Tarzan and Gorillas in the Mist (both Oscar nominees). As the lead character designer for DreamWorks, he is also responsible for such animated blockbusters as Shrek, Shrek 2 and Shrek the Third. Read more about Tom Hester’s career...
Puss in Boots by Tom Hester.
Mr. Hester conducted his seminar on Sunday, April 30 at 11:30am. Topics included how he applies wildlife art techniques to characters that come to life on the silver screen.
It is only fitting that the Festival continued an original California art tradition in their third Annual Plein Air event. This year, the San Dimas community and the surrounding areas, were invited to join our professional artists to Paint Along with the Pros! Those novice artists who participated in this unique program gained insight and perhaps a few new valuable painting techniques. Above all else the community discovered a new appreciation for the dynamic skill of our participating professional artists. While the Plein Air event was held over two days, the community Paint Along with the Pros was devoted to Saturday, April 29, 9am to noon.
The Award Ceremony for the winners of the California Images & History Art Exhibition and Plein Air Event 2017 took place on Saturday, April 29, at 6pm (reservations required).
The exciting weekend events for the California Images & History Art Exhibition and Sale began on Friday evening, April 28, with a Premier Opening Reception at 6:00pm (reservations required).
Viewing of all the unique and original fine artwork was free of charge and open to the public from Saturday April 29, 9am–9pm, and Sunday April 30, 9am–4pm.
To learn more about the Festival of Arts and the 41st Art Exhibition, please call (909) 599-5374.
The list of Exhibiting Artists is included in a sidebar to the right.
Scroll down for a Schedule of Events.
For more information, contact us at (909) 599-5374 or via email at
California Images & History
Schedule of Events
Admission is free with the exception of Premier Opening and Awards Dinner.
Parking is always free.
Friday, April 28, 2017
- Plein Air Event: 1:00 am – 4:00 pm (set up at noon)
- Friday Night Premier Opening & Sales: 6:00 pm – 9:30 (reservations required)
Saturday, April 29, 2017
- Plein Air Event: 9:00 am – 12:00 noon
- Gallery open: 9:00 am – 9:00 pm
- Trading Post open: 9:00 – 5:00 pm
- Quick Draw: 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm, followed by
- Quick Draw Auction: 2:15 pm
- Awards Dinner: 6:00 pm (reservations required)
Sunday, April 30, 2017
- Gallery & Trading Post open: 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
- Seminar by Tom Hester: 11:30 am – 12:30 pm
- Play with Clay with Richard Myer: 11 am – 12:00 noon
- Show Closes: 4:00 pm
Plus, Student art was displayed in the Richard Meyer Gallery during the main gallery hours.