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August brings new opportunities to gather, create, and celebrate artists across our region. In this issue, we’re recognizing 15 San Bernardino County artists who received California Arts Council Individual Artist Fellowships, welcoming Jaxon Lopez as Estudio Aire’s next Artist-in-Residence, and celebrating our summer interns as Arts Avenue prepares for a new school year. This month’s events include the Bloomington Arts & Music Concert Series, Films in Conversation, and several City of Ontario Artist Microgrant activities featuring global music, photography, percussion, and beadwork. You’ll also find details about the upcoming Inland Film Festival Nominee Reveal and Mixer, along with opportunities to join our Community Teaching Artist roster or participate in the Hispanic Heritage Month DTSB Art Walk. However you choose to take part, there are many ways to connect with artists, experience something new, and support the arts this August!
As always, this issue is about staying connected, sharing what’s possible, and continuing to build the cultural life of our region together.
Alejandro Gutierrez
Executive Director, Arts Council of San Bernardino County
Celebrating 15 San Bernardino County CAC Fellowship Recipients
15 San Bernardino county artists are among this year’s fellowship recipients, receiving a combined $160,000 in unrestricted support!
54 artists from San Bernardino, Riverside and Orange counties have been selected for the 2026 California Arts Council Individual Artist Fellowship. Chosen from a pool of more than 300 applicants, the fellows will receive a combined $560,000 in unrestricted grants, with individual awards ranging from $5,000 to $50,000.
The fellowship celebrates and supports artists whose creative practices enrich California’s communities and culture. Its unrestricted awards give recipients the freedom to use the funding where it is most needed, helping them develop their work, pursue new opportunities, and continue making an impact through their creative practices. The fellowship was administered in partnership with the Region 7 Consortium, which includes Arts Orange County, Riverside Arts Council, and Arts Council of San Bernardino County. Collaborative community outreach helped ensure artists and communities from across the three county region were represented throughout the process.
Among this year’s recipients are 15 artists from San Bernardino County, who collectively received $160,000 in fellowship funding:
Congratulations to these outstanding artists and to all 54 fellowship recipients whose work continues to shape the creative landscape of Southern California!
Please join us in welcoming our next Estudio Aire Artist-in-Residence, Jaxon Lopez, for the August–September residency.
Jaxon Lopez is a first-generation artist and storyteller born and raised in San Bernardino in a family of artists. Working across animation, tattooing, drawing, and sculpture, they draw inspiration from a wide range of influences, from America's golden age of animation to the visual traditions of Chicano tattooing. In addition to being a tattoo apprentice, Jaxon is a Community Teaching Artist with Arts Avenue, a program of Arts Connection – The Arts Council of San Bernardino County. They also volunteer with organizations throughout the Inland Empire, using workshops and collaborative projects to connect people through art.
During their residency, Jaxon will develop Bodies of Berdoo, an autobiographical mixed-media exhibition exploring how growing up in San Bernardino has shaped their identity, artistic practice, and understanding of home. Through animation, tattooing, sculpture, drawing, and installation, the project transforms personal memories and everyday experiences into visual storytelling, culminating in an exhibition centered around a triple self-portrait.
Throughout August and September, the public is invited to engage with Jaxon's creative process through open studio hours, a hands-on animation workshop, and the culminating exhibition celebrating their residency.
Welcoming Our 2026–2027 Community Teaching Artists
Wow! Is it already the start of the new school year? Arts Avenue is thrilled to introduce our 2026–2027 cohort of Community Teaching Artists, who will inspire and empower students throughout the San Bernardino City Unified School District with engaging, hands-on arts and cultural experiences.
This year also marks an exciting milestone as Arts Avenue expands to several new school sites. We look forward to building meaningful partnerships with new school communities while continuing to nurture creativity, confidence, and artistic expression in every classroom we serve.
To another year of crafting, creating, and blossoming together. We can't wait to see the incredible artwork, ideas, and connections that will blossom throughout the year!
Photo by Malik Laing (From left to right Edward Ruiz, Makayla Foster, Aniza Villacorta)
Meet Our Summer 2026 Interns
With support from the JUST SB Purposeful Pathways Internship Program, Arts Connection welcomed three interns to our team this July. Throughout the month, they contributed their skills and ideas across several of our programs.
(From Left to Right) Edward Ruiz supported our communications work. As a fiction writer, he hopes to become a teacher, continue writing, and become more involved in community work.
Makayla Foster supported curriculum development. A current student at Cal State San Bernardino, Makayla plans to pursue a career in teaching.
Aniza Villacorta supported our design projects. They are currently studying at Cal State San Bernardino and hope to build a career in design while becoming more active in their community.
We are grateful for the time, creativity, and care Edward, Aniza, and Makayla shared with our team. Please join us in celebrating their work and wishing them continued success as they pursue their goals!
Celebration Park North | 4980 S Celebration Ave., Ontario, CA 91762
Through the City of Ontario Artist Microgrant Program, recipient Jose Ledezma invites the community to explore a variety of instruments and music from around the world. Participants of all ages are welcome to play, learn, and connect through music during this pre-celebration for the Summer Concert Series.
Ovitt Family Community Library | 215 E C St, Ontario, CA 91764
Through the City of Ontario Artist Microgrant Program, recipient Malik Laing invites the community to the launch of an ongoing photography workshop series. Participants will explore creative workflows, learn about film and digital cameras, join open discussions, and take part in group portfolio reviews. This interactive and educational experience welcomes photographers of all ages and skill levels.
Bloomington Arts & Music Concert Series Continues at Ayala Park
Wednesday Nights in August | 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
17909 Marygold Ave, Bloomington, CA 92316
Bloomington Recreation and Parks District and Arts Connection invite you to enjoy two evenings of live music, food, drinks, local art vendors, and community connection at Ayala Park.
On Wednesday, August 19, enjoy Country and Americana Night featuring the soulful Americana blues of Zarpo Bounce & The Bad Checks, followed by folk and country music from Jonny Miller Jr. & The Suns.
On Wednesday, August 26, with Salsa and Cumbia Night. Riverside Salsa Orchestra will bring lively salsa music to the park before Open Late closes the evening with its cultural and experimental take on rocking cumbia.
Come enjoy the music, support local artists and vendors, and connect with the Bloomington community!
Celebration Park North | 4980 S Celebration Ave., Ontario, CA 91762
Through the City of Ontario Artist Microgrant Program, recipient Michael Kotzen, a member of The Groove Collective, invites the community to enjoy a lively percussion performance featuring David Leach, Nikki Campbell, and Hector Torres.
Together, they will share rhythms and instruments inspired by musical traditions from around the world. Through live music, brief introductions to the instruments, and audience participation, guests of all ages can discover new sounds, join the rhythm, and have fun making music together.
Lewis Family Library | 3850 E Riverside Dr., Ontario, CA 91761
Through the City of Ontario Artist Microgrant Program, recipient Blanca (Tierra) Martinez invites the community to discover the tradition and artistry of beadwork through a hands-on workshop series running from June through September. Designed for participants of all experience levels, each session introduces a variety of beading techniques and styles while guiding attendees through a unique monthly project. Along the way, participants will gain a deeper appreciation for beadwork as a living artistic tradition rooted in ancestral craftsmanship and cultural connection. The series is open to ages 6 and up.
Inland Film Festival Presents: Films in Conversation
Friday, Aug. 28 | 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
KVCR Public Media | 450 N. E St., San Bernardino, CA 92401
Join us for an evening of film and conversation featuring the work of Sofia Figueroa and Phillip E. Walker.
Through screenings of selected films, audiences will experience two distinct approaches to storytelling that examine history, place, and the social and political issues that shape our communities. Following the screenings, both filmmakers will discuss their research processes and artistic approaches before coming together for a facilitated conversation that brings their works into dialogue. The evening concludes with an audience Q&A.
Films in Conversation is part of the Inland Film Festival's year-round programming, creating opportunities for filmmakers and audiences to engage in thoughtful discussions about cinema, storytelling, and the issues that matter most. Free and open to the public.
KVCR Public Media | 450 N. E St., San Bernardino, CA 92401
Join us for the first public announcement of the 2026 Inland Film Festival nominees. During this special evening, we will recognize outstanding filmmakers across nine award categories and celebrate the creativity and storytelling that define our region's growing film community.
Following the announcement, stay for a networking mixer where filmmakers, artists, industry professionals, and community members can connect, exchange ideas, and celebrate together as we kick off this year's festival season.
Whether you're a filmmaker, film enthusiast, or simply curious about the incredible talent emerging from the Inland Empire and beyond, we invite you to be part of this exciting milestone leading up to the 2026 Inland Film Festival.
Breezeway + Sole Alley | 479 W 4th St, San Bernardino, CA
This Hispanic Heritage Month, the Downtown San Bernardino Art Walk returns with a focus on uplifting and celebrating the ongoing contributions of Hispanic and Latino artists and communities. Taking place in the Breezeway and Sole Alley, the evening will feature local art, creative vendors, food, and live experiences that center culture, community, and expression.
We’re now inviting artists, makers, and food vendors to apply and be part of the event. Whether you’re showcasing work, selling goods, or sharing your craft, this is a space to connect, celebrate, and show up for the community.
We are seeking passionate and experienced Community Teaching Artists to join the Arts Avenue afterschool program. Teaching Artists will lead arts-based classes for elementary and middle school students, creating spaces where young people can build confidence, develop new skills, and explore creative problem solving. This role includes designing and implementing lesson plans that align with VAPA standards, support diverse learning styles, and help students create meaningful work rooted in their own voices and experiences. This is an ongoing recruitment and applications will be reviewed as they are submitted.
We're dedicated to fostering a vibrant creative community, supporting arts education, and advocating for cultural equity across our region. Join us in shaping a county where everyone has access to inspiring cultural experiences. Subscribe to our newsletters and stay connected!
Hey Reader! The calendar may say fall is approaching, but San Bernardino County is nowhere near slowing down! This month is packed with live music, art exhibitions, cultural celebrations, theater, film, festivals, workshops, markets, and plenty of unexpected fun. Dance in the desert, explore art in the valley, soak up mountain culture, or follow the music somewhere new. There is something creative waiting around nearly every corner. Grab your calendar and possibly your dancing shoes because...
Dear Artists, Culture Bearers, and Friends of AC, September is full of reasons to get out, make something, and spend time with our creative community! Create your own animation at the Zoetrope Workshop with Jaxon Lopez, be among the first to hear who the 2026 Inland Film Festival nominees are, explore beadwork through Beading Through Community, and experience Jaxon’s final residency exhibition, Bodies of Berdoo. We’re also celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month at the Downtown San Bernardino Art...
Hey Reader! Midsummer has come and went, unfortunately for some, with high winds and overcast skies…but don’t let that stop you from experiencing the CULTURE San Bernardino has on the rise! Even if the season may be winding down, there is still plenty on the horizon when it comes to building community through connection and discovering what this space has to offer. From explosive music tributes to winding down with woodcarving, there is an extensive range of events for August. Keep reading to...
