The Rancho Cucamonga Community and Art Foundation is humming with excitement as it shines a well-deserved spotlight on its incredible arts organization grantees for 2024/2025. These grantees are the heartbeat of our local creative community, and among them are the dynamic Associated Artists of the Inland Empire (AAIE), an organization with a storied legacy dating back to 1964. With an unwavering commitment to cultivating local talent, AAIE breathes life into the arts through various programs, including juried shows, art sales, engaging workshops, and community exhibitions. Its goal is to celebrate and elevate the work of local artists, ensuring that the creative energy of Rancho Cucamonga and its neighboring cities continues to thrive and inspire.
In 2024/2025, the Associated Artists of the Inland Empire is stepping up its game thanks to funding from the Rancho Cucamonga Community and Art Foundation. This support will power a lineup of initiatives, including monthly art demonstrations, multiple art shows, and the provision of art supplies for youth activities during the highly anticipated Annual Community Arts Festival at the Rancho Cucamonga’s Central Park and Community Center. These efforts will continue to enrich local culture, inspire creativity, and provide endless opportunities for artistic expression throughout Rancho Cucamonga and the surrounding cities.
One of the standout moments this year was the Pet Portraits art show, which AAIE hosted in collaboration with the City of Rancho Cucamonga. Held in February at the Rancho Cucamonga Community Center, this heartwarming exhibition beautifully captured the deep bond between pets and their owners. The show featured an impressive collection of unique and touching artwork. The winners of the Pet Portraits show at Central Park Community Center were First Place – Pechez Sepehri for Three Puppies in a Basket, Second Place – Katherine Stabb for Lana, and Third Place – Mike Adamson for Ziggy’s Happy Place. This joyful event celebrated artistic talent and the special connection between people and their beloved pets.
Looking ahead, AAIE is gearing up for another exciting summer exhibition at the Rancho Cucamonga Community Center, titled Summer Love. Early submissions open June 1, with entry fees as low as eight dollars. These affordable entry fees allow artists of all backgrounds to participate. The Summer Love art show provides a platform for artists at all levels to showcase their work, connect with other creatives, and engage with art supporters—further enriching the vibrant creative landscape of Rancho Cucamonga and beyond.
And that’s not all! The AAIE will also have a vibrant presence at the 4th Annual Community Arts Festival on Saturday, April 12. Member artists will be on hand, demonstrating their craft and leading art activities for youth, ensuring that creativity continues to flourish across generations.
To learn more about the Associate of Artists and their upcoming programming, visit their website at associatedartistsinlandempire.org.
About the Associate Artists of the Inland Empire.
Associated Artists of the Inland Empire (AAIE), a non-profit organization, was established in 1964. The purpose of AAIE, outlined in its bylaws, “shall be to encourage the creation and appreciation of art through a cooperative fellowship between AAIE and the public.”
