Meet David Tellyer, Our New Poetry Out Loud Ambassador

Arts Connection is excited to welcome David Silas Tellyer as our new San Bernardino County Poetry Out Loud Education Ambassador, a role created to strengthen educator connections and expand the program across the county.

David will advocate for poetry, educators, and the role teachers play in developing young creative voices. He will introduce schools to Poetry Out Loud, host virtual information sessions, and support educators in implementing the program.

David will also help extend Poetry Out Loud beyond the classroom through community Open Mics. These gatherings will invite participating Poetry Out Loud students to practice their recitations ahead of the county competition while also welcoming poets and community members to share their work.

About David

David is a poet, educator, writer, and advocate for student voice with more than 20 years of experience in public secondary education. Born and raised in Redlands, he has served students and educators throughout San Bernardino City and County as an English teacher, department chair, instructional leader, and mentor.

His work focuses on expanding access to literature and helping young people discover the power of their stories and voices. In this new role, he will support teachers, engage schools, and connect more young people with poetry throughout San Bernardino County.

Zoetrope Workshop with AIR Jaxon Lopez

Thursday, Sept. 3 | 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Estudio Aire | 468 W. 5th St., San Bernardino, CA 92401

Join Estudio Aire Artist in Residence Jaxon Lopez for a hands-on animation workshop exploring the art of the zoetrope, one of the earliest forms of animation.

This spinning cylindrical device creates the illusion of movement through a sequence of hand drawn images, offering a simple yet captivating introduction to animation. Using paper, cardboard, and wooden dowels, participants will build their own zoetropes and create short animated vignettes inspired by everyday life. The workshop will begin with a live demonstration by Jaxon, who will share their approach to the medium and show how ordinary moments, such as preparing a morning cup of tea, can be transformed into something extraordinary through animation. Participants will be encouraged to reflect on the moments that shape their daily lives and capture them in a 10 to 12 frame animation. Artists of all skill levels are welcome.

Those who would like their zoetropes to be considered for inclusion in Jaxon’s final residency exhibition may leave their completed work with the artist, while all other participants may take their creations home.

2026 IFF Nominee Reveal & Mixer

Friday, Sept. 4 | 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM

KVCR Public Media | 450 N. E St., San Bernardino, CA 92401

Kick off the 2026 Inland Film Festival season with an evening of connection, resources, and celebration!

The evening will begin with a networking mixer for filmmakers, artists, industry professionals, and community members. Attendees can also meet industry partners and explore resources and opportunities available at their information tables.

Following the mixer, be among the first to hear the 2026 Inland Film Festival nominees announced across nine award categories.

Filmmakers, film enthusiasts, and supporters of the region’s creative community are invited to celebrate the talent and storytelling emerging from the Inland Empire and beyond.

Beading Through Community: Summer Beading Circles

Saturday, Sept. 12 | 1:00 PM - 4:30 PM

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.

Arts Connection Partners on the 2026 Stagecraft Symposium

Friday, Sept 18 | 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM

Crafton Hills College | 11711 San Canyon Rd. Yucaipa, CA 92399
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Arts Connection is proud to partner with the San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools, the event’s lead organizer, for the 2026 Stagecraft Symposium. Alongside Crafton Hills College, Cal State San Bernardino, and Mountain Desert Career Pathways, we’ll help approximately 120 students explore the creative and technical careers that bring live productions to life.
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Through hands-on workshops, students will gain exposure to different areas of technical theatre and learn directly from professionals working in the field. The symposium will also feature a keynote from Garner Holt, offering students an opportunity to hear firsthand about pathways into the entertainment and themed-attraction industries.
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Through this partnership, Arts Connection is excited to help connect young people with creative career pathways, industry professionals, and opportunities to imagine where their interests in the arts can take them.

Bodies of Berdoo: A Pop-Up Exhibition with AIR Jaxon Lopez

Thursday, Sept. 24 | 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Estudio Aire | 468 W. 5th St., San Bernardino, CA 92401
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Bodies of Berdoo takes its title from “Berdoo,” a longtime local nickname for San Bernardino. Through animation, tattooing, sculpture, drawing, and installation, Estudio Aire Artist in Residence Jaxon P. Lopez explores how growing up in the city has shaped their identity, artistic practice, and understanding of home. Centered around a triple self portrait, the exhibition invites visitors into the artist’s inner world, where personal memories and everyday experiences are transformed through visual storytelling. Each work reflects on the people, places, and moments that continue to shape Jaxon’s relationship with San Bernardino and themself. Bodies of Berdoo is an intimate exploration of place, identity, and becoming that considers how creativity can transform the complexities of lived experience into something meaningful while inviting viewers to reflect on the places and experiences that have shaped their own lives.

DTSB Art Walk: Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month

Friday, Sept. 25 | 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM

Breezeway + Sole Alley | 479 W 4th St, San Bernardino, CA
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This Hispanic Heritage Month, the Downtown San Bernardino Art Walk returns with a special focus on uplifting and celebrating the ongoing contributions of Hispanic and Latino artists and communities. Taking place throughout the Breezeway and Sole Alley, the evening will bring downtown to life with local art, creative vendors, food, music, and engaging live experiences that center culture, community, and creative expression. Visitors are invited to explore artwork from local and regional artists, support small businesses and independent makers, connect with neighbors, and experience the traditions and contemporary voices that continue to shape San Bernardino’s cultural identity. Join us for an evening of art, connection, and celebration that honors the creativity, stories, and lasting impact of Hispanic and Latino communities across the region.

Art & Food Vendor Call for DTSB Art Walk

Friday, September 25, 2026 | 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM

Breezeway + Sole Alley | 479 W 4th St, San Bernardino, CA

We’re 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.

Now Hiring Community Teaching Artists

Hiring on a rolling basis

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.

Office: 468 W. 5th St.. Unit 218, San Bernardino, CA 92401

Mailing: P.O. Box 1181, San Bernardino, CA 92402

P: 909.381.1900

E: info@artsconnectionnetwork.org