The Ontario Arts Festival is set to color the downtown Ontario Arts District with its annual extravaganza. Slated for Saturday, October 19, 2024, the free event promises a vibrant celebration from 10:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M., according to a press release from the City of Ontario. Boasting its sixth year, the festival stretches its offerings to over 60 artist booths, featuring live art, hands-on activities, and public art installations that highlight the region’s dedication to becoming the Inland Empire's cultural hub.
The streets will brim with creativity as attendees can enjoy live art demonstrations, like painting a landscape with the guidance of artist Joe Oakes or crafting a rose-themed tote bag with Estudio Aire’s Sarah Steelo. Rebecca Ustrell, Event Coordinator of Ontario’s Department of Museum, Arts & Culture, highlighted the event's inclusive spirit: "Art collectors, culture enthusiasts, and everyone in between will surely feel inspired to be amongst the most talented artists across the Inland Empire,” according to OntarioCA.gov.
Not just a feast for the eyes, the festival is a treat for music lovers and foodies alike. Homero Chavez y Una Noche is set to return with their fusion of American and Latin Jazz, resonating through the spirited crowds as they savor culinary delights from local artisan eateries. From the tempting sizzle of smash burgers by The Burger Game to the zesty allure of Tacos Chicanx's Latin cuisine, the festival is a sensory delight.
Alongside the street-level festivities, the Ontario Museum of History & Art (OMHA) and the Chaffey Community Museum of Art (CCMA) will invite visitors to explore "The Art of Healing," a collaborative exhibition delving into art's role in wellness, as included in their press release. The focus on art as a curative force traces back to San Antonio Community Hospital's 1950s initiative to enliven its walls and rooms with inspiring artwork. "Each year the Ontario Arts Festival adds new things to intrigue and delight both returning and new visitors," explained Nancy DeDiemar, CCMA’s Community Liaison.
For more information on the full array of exhibitions, activities, and more, or to plan your visit to this thriving arts showcase, head over to the OMHA website.
