Santa Maria Back from Hiatus

Due to a number of issues including the elimination / restructuring of staff positions and tight budgets, the City of Santa Maria was forced to cancel their 2011 exhibit. However, venue coordinator Deborah Hildinger was determined to bring the program back.  By partnering with the City Recreation and Parks Department, she was able to combine the efforts of both departments to make this happen.  In addition to this new partnership, Deborah also moved the exhibition dates, previously held in August, to October.  This change was made to correspond with National Arts and Humanities month and the Annual Autumn Arts Grapes and Grain Festival, making it a month long celebration of the arts for Santa Maria.

 

The celebration continued during the awards reception for their 2nd Annual NAP show held on October 17th.  Artists and their families were recognized by Councilmember Alice Patino, City Librarian Mary Housel and Exhibit Judge Marilyn Hoback Cronk, all of whom stayed to pose for pictures with the artists.

 

While participation was slightly down from their 2010 exhibit, most likely due to the year long hiatus, Deborah has already been brainstorming ways in which participation numbers can be improved for 2013. The NAP is excited to have Santa Maria back as an active venue and looks forward to an increase in participation next year!