After a noteworthy six years of service, Arts Commissioner Dan Gorfain leaves the Commission this month.  Dan served the Commission through some of the toughest years in our 35-year history - guiding the agency's policy, procedure and ordinance revisions; advocating for and creating a more transparent public process; serving as Chair of the Arts Commission (2008-10), the Art in Public Places (2010-12) and Arts Education Committee (2006-08).  Throughout this time he has remained a tireless advocate of funding for the arts, turning his love of art into tangible benefits for our community.  I'm going to miss his perceptive advice, good judgment, leadership and vision. On behalf of the City and County of Sacramento, thank you Dan, for the many hours you've spent serving the arts. 

Speaking of thank you's - a warm thank you to Commission Vice Chair, Cheryl Holben for hosting a "meet and greet" for SMAC staff and commissioners and more than 65 artists and arts organizations at her home last month.  It was the perfect place to connect, put names to faces, share stories, and learn more about how we are negotiating these changing times.  I will be in touch for more one-on-one conversations.  Thanks Cheryl. 

Wishing you a great ARTober,  

Shelly Willis

2012 Holiday Performing Arts Series - deadline is October 15th

Exhibit Opens October 13th!   

20 trees that line 13th Street between J and K Streets, will be painted blue.  The temporary public artwork by Australian artist, Konstantin Dimopoulos,  is  titled "The Blue Trees". The blue paint used on the trees is a non-toxic, environmentally friendly paint, similar to the paint used to mark sports fields. It is expected to stay on the trees for six months.

Costumed Scavenger Hunt Celebrates ARTober

Dress up as a piece of art or as an artist or just grab a costume and join in the 2nd Saturday Costumed Scavenger Hunt on  October 13th at 4:00 p.m. in front of the MARRS Building, 1050 20th Street (20th and J Streets), Sacramento. More info> 

October 13, 2012, 10:00 - noon 

Click here to register.  Sponsored by SMAC together with the AIA Central Valley Region Architecture Festival. More info>  

On Common Core Standards 

The National PTA released its Parents' Guides to Student Success so parents can understand what their kids are learning. SMAC has adapted their guide especially for teaching artists interested in working in school settings. Get the guide > 

Creativity is Contagious!

Partner with a teaching artist to pass it on to your students or clients.  

Search for a teaching artist >