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American Canyon Arts Foundation

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Welcome to the American Canyon Arts Foundation!

The Arts Foundation was first established in 1992, shortly after the City of American Canyon was incorporated. In 1996, we became a 501 (c ) 3 non-profit corporation.

In the early years, the Foundation put on an annual Arts & Crafts Show. Eventually, the two programs were split, with the Arts Extravaganza held in June and the Craft Show in late October or early November. Over time, additional programs were added, such as the Open Studio program in August, a Chalk Art Contest at Easter, and the Foundation's primary fund raiser, the Little Mr. & Miss American Canyon pageant. Download the full history here.

In addition to supporting the arts through programs and fund raising, the Foundation also gives scholarships to graduating high school students that are going to pursue a career in the arts. We are also expanding our support of arts in the schools by providing grants to elementary and middle schools for art and music supplies.

We also provide regular field trips and art demonstrations for our members and the general public.

Fifth Annual Jazz in the Park

September 12 - October 17

The Arts Foundation is co-sponsoring Brenda Knight's Fifth Annual "Jazz in the Park" program. The concerts will be held Sunday afternoons, from 4 -6 p.m. The first show is Sunday, September 12 and the last show is Sunday, October 17.

This is a FREE event for everyone. We will have a variety of music, including Jazz, Blues, Retro Rock, Latin Jazz and much more. Click here for the Flyer.

Sponsors can contact Brenda Knight or pay online using PayPal.

A New Strategic Plan for the Arts Foundation

Near the end of the year, the Board met to discuss a new strategic plan for the Foundation. With most of the founding members retired or gone, it was a good time to rethink our Mission and Goals.

The Board agreed that we need to expand our perspective on Art and include Music and the Performing Arts, in addition to the Visual Arts of painting, photography and sculpture. The Board also acknowledged that we have two distinct customers: existing artists and future artists--that is, our artistic students in our City's schools. Specific programs were considered for both groups.

One major theme that emerged was the need for our own home: a place where we could meet, hold receptions for local artists, conduct art classes and maintain an ongoing gallery of artwork. Now that there is more office space in town, and some of it vacant, the thought was to contact the building owners and see if any of them are willing to offer the Foundation a discounted rental rate to allow us to move in.

In terms of fund raising, the Board agreed to focus on two major events: the Arts Extravaganza with Silent Auction; and the Music Festival with a craft show. We also agreed to explore the feasibility of a judged Dog Show.

We also talked about the role and duties of Board Members. We decided to use a Committee System to expedite the monthly Board meetings (for example, an Art Show Committee would work out the details and provide a brief report to the Board, rahter than discuss the details at the Board meeting). This could shorten the Board meetings and allow more time for Art Demonstrations or other programs for our members.

Read the full report by clicking here.

Donate to the Lorraine LaVoie Memorial Fund

As a Non-Profit Organization, donations to the Arts Foundation are tax-exempt. We have set up a fund in memory of Lorraine LaVoie, one of the founding members of the Foundation. Any contributions made will go towards Scholarships for High School Seniors who want to pursue a career in the Arts, or to help support Art programs in our Schools.

Click on the Donate button below and support a very worthy cause!

Click here to download the Foundation's IRS Confirmation Letter.