ARTISTS of RIVER TOWN
Gallery
1435 Myers Street, Downtown Oroville
530 534-3227
History of Artists of River Town, Oroville, California
by Freda Flint, A.R.T. Immediate Past President
Exciting Times!
After 40 people showed up for the first meeting of a new art group in Oroville, the artists were excited to start planning. They decided to go forward with bylaws, becoming a non-profit organization, developing organizing committees and finding some places to hang our art. We named ourselves Artists of River Town. We formally began in January of 2005 with 35 people joining in the first month, and we have had steady growth ever since--we are presently closing in on 80 members. The artists felt that social and networking opportunities were very important, and this could include informational programs and “just for fun” get-togethers, which we have done in the form of programs, socials and classes.
Our member artists are varied with many offering work in more than one medium. After polling the membership about what they wanted from a group, it was decided to press forward with attention to educating the public, especially children, about art. Also, showing and selling their art was of importance to the membership. Artists of River Town needed a permanent home, one in which lessons and workshops could be given, meetings could be held, open lab would be available. Cooperation with other organizations and agencies was important.
To date we have offered multiple workshops in art and the business of art. We have had many programs delivered to our membership at general meetings, have been very active in craft and artisan shows and have been working with theFeather River Recreation and Parks District (Kids Art Day, Wildflower Festival); the City of Oroville (on-going shows in the Oroville State Theater Performing Arts Center Lobby, Centennial Community Center, Summit for the Arts, grants from the Supplemental Benefit Fund); the Chico Art Center (Open Studios Art Tour); Butte County Office of Education (Salmon on the GreenLine Student Art Project); the Oroville Downtown Business Association (various artisans days, Salmon Festival); the Chamber of Commerce (Fiesta Days “Art in the Park," the “Bounty of Oroville” and “Wine Tasting”) and the Butte County Historical Society “Art, Oil, & Wine” event. We also provide an art show every other month at the Bank of America.
We continue to grow and participate in a healthy art environment for our community and at present are developing a “Summit for the Arts." We hope this will bring the arts of all kinds to the forefront in our community and develop a growing group of people and organizations interested in the cultural element of our beautiful city, Oroville.
For some, the best part of the Artists of River Town mission is to offer to the community art at it's best and most local. More reasons: The excitement of a child with his first chance to paint with a "real artist," the smile on the face of an adult who has an "aha moment," the involvement of the group as a whole in the development of a strong artist community, and the development of the individual artist while he becomes active with other organizations. The resulting impact for the betterment of a community adds excitement and new avenues for culture in this small city. Adding art venues cannot be overrated for its impact on the entire community, and Artists of River Town has been busy with that new adventure.
Artists of River Town offers an opportunity for local artists to gather and enjoy each others' company. The group offers the support and encouragement of other artists, places to display art, opportunities to share the artistic experience with others through lessons, workshops, special activities and events, new friendships. There are also selling opportunities, a schedule of events prepared and implemented by experienced planners, publicity, events that offer artists activities and the opportunities to advance their offerings and skills with other organizations and people.
Artists of River Town, while still a young organization, has developed into a group which has excellent recognition and credibility within this community. The membership is closing in on 80 members at this time and is one of the busiest groups in Oroville. While no one is required to participate in every activity, the choices are wide ranging and an artist can be busy or not--their choice.
Fun is an invaluable benefit of membership in Artists of River Town. Face to face, by newsletter, phone, group or one-to-one, email or activity versus simply sitting and staring at the surrounding beauty, painting together, plein aire or in the garage or studio, hands in the clay, squeezing tubes of pain onto a pallet or canvas, tree branches becoming another shape for self expression...It's all art, from the first color crayon to the last work, it's a fantastic way to live.
Board of Directors
Machelle Conn, President
Jill Farris, Vice President
Bob Thomaston, Treasurer
Sandra Carpenter, Secretary
Freda Flint, Past President
Michelle DeLaney, Director
Walton Walker, Director
John Peel, Alternate Director