What is the “I made this for you” community art project?
The Art Alliance of Idyllwild (AAI) thought it was time to cheer up the community. After weeks of lockdown and social distancing, AAI’s artists stepped up to create some unique art gifts. These gifts have been distributed throughout the town and the AAI continued to do so until they all had new homes.
The gift give-away started on May 4th when handing out art kits to local families. The AAI set up tables in front of the Post Office and accosted unsuspecting locals with these colorful tokens of creativity and kindness. It continued to local businesses, individuals and to those organizing food banks. People receiving food parcels could then be surprised with an artistic memento. The project culminated in a final gift give-away on June 5th.
Generously taking part in this community art project are Artists Donna Elliot (Flower Cards), Martha Lumia (Felted Bookmarks and Bowls), Lois Sheppard (Cards and Books), Kathy Harmon-Luber (Postcard Sets), Ken Luber (Books), Scott Finnell (Fused Glass Crosses), Karen Johnston (Sun Catchers), Norma Jean Watts (Sun Catchers and Key Chains), Carol Landry (Paintings), Wayne Sheets (Magnets), Chris Siems (Cards and Tea Lights), Naomi Cohen (Cards), Delphine Bordas (Card Sets), Doris Lombard (Walking Sticks), Joe Oakes (Paintings), Paula King (Assemblage Art Piece), Wax Apothecary (Candles and Soap,) Mimi Jacaruso (felted paperweight), Trish Tuley (Death Valley DVDs) and Don Dietz (Fused Glass Tray), Such was the appeal of this project that several artists who live “off the hill” also shared their talent and love of Idyllwild by sending art gifts.
Each gift has a branded “I made this for you” tag with the Artist’s name. In addition, the AAI commissioned Sasha Nicol of The Spruce Moose to make 100 bars of her natural and organic soap. Helen Hixon at Mountain Pottery created 200 ceramic magnet hearts with “Idy” embossed on each one. These, too, are meant to spread joy throughout the community.
The Art Alliance of Idyllwild is dedicated to inspiring artists, both young and old, as well as art lovers. Over the years, the AAI supported the Idyllwild School PTA smARTS program, homeschool student art classes, artist workshops, exhibitions, student scholarships, the Courtyard Gallery and Visitors Center and the Art Walk & Wine Tasting. The Painted Deer throughout Idyllwild is an art legacy that delights visitors and locals alike. Although events have been postponed due to the risk of spreading the COVID-19 virus, these will be rescheduled once it is safe to do so.
For updated information on AAI events and plans, visit www.artinidyllwild.orgor the AAI’s Facebook page.
