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Frequently Asked Questions

About the Art Show
 
When and where is the Saratoga Rotary Art Show this year?
 
Why is the Rotary Art Show unique?
 
Why should we go to the Art Show?
 
Why should we take our children to the show?
 
Will there be food or entertainment at the Art Show?
 
About the artists and art forms
 
How many artists display their work at the show?
 
What forms of art are available at the show?
 
What is the price range for the art pieces?
 
Why is a juried Art Show important?
 
Art Show history
 
When was the first Art Show held?
 
How did the Art Show grow?
 
When did the Art Show move to West Valley College?
 
Why does the Saratoga Rotary Club conduct the Art Show?
 
How large is this project for the Saratoga Rotary Club?
 
Art Show community benefits
 
How does the community benefit from the Rotary Art Show?
 
How much money is distributed to worthy groups?
 
What organizations have benefited from the Art Show?
 
How does the Art Show support the Arts?
 
Artists participation and other questions
 
I am an Artist. How can I participate?
 
I have a question not addressed here. Who should I contact?
 

FAQ Answers
About the Art Show
 
When and where is the Saratoga Rotary Art Show this year?
 
The Rotary Art Show will be held on the campus of West Valley College on Sunday, May 6, 2007 from 9AM to 5PM.
Click here for directions to West Valley College...
 

 
Why is the Rotary Art Show unique?
 
The Rotary Art Show is the largest juried, one day, fine art show in the western United States.
The Rotary Art Show is a family day of art, entertainment, food, and camaraderie held on the beautiful West Valley College Campus. People of all ages enjoy the Art Show.
 
Why should we go to the Art Show?
 
Join the thousands who enjoy the day appreciating the works of 175 artists on the beautiful West Valley campus. The day is filled with art, entertainment, a large food selection, our Kids' Korner, and room to relax. You also will be contributing to worthy causes as all net proceeds are distributed to deserving causes.
Throw in free admission with ample, free parking and you will see why many make this an annual event for their families. Please do not bring your dog.
 
Why should we take our children to the show?
 
A great family day in a beautiful setting is in store for the family. There are ample open areas for play, entertainment for all ages, and plenty of "munchies".
There is a great opportunity for your children to see the works of other children from 30 area schools which will be on display.
Our Kids' Korner offers a designated area for a wide range of children's activities.
Art Bites section of this web site offers an introduction to the various elements of art and should provide some "food for thought" to those beginning (or reviewing) their art fundamentals.
 
Will there be food or entertainment at the Art Show?
 
Heck yes!!! We have great food! Hot Dogs, Hamburgers and the famous Saratoga Pepperbelly. We will also have a booth with the best strawberries you've ever eaten in your life, blended into a cool soothing smoothie or delicately sliced with moist shortcake and fresh whip cream. While eating your tasty Pepperbelly or strawberry treat, you will be just yards from the entertainment stage where a variety of musical acts will perform throughout the day. Children will have their very own entertainment area complete with games, face painting and activities.

 
About the artists and art forms
 
How many artists display their work at the show?
 
The Saratoga Rotary Art Show is now recognized as the "largest single-day, fine art show in the western United States." Last year, over 30,000 attendees viewed and purchased the work of 175 participating artists. Approximately 30% of the artists are new to the Art Show each year.
 
What forms of art are available at the show?
 
A large selection of art is available including oil and acrylic paintings, water colors, photography, sculpture, glass, graphics, jewelry, fiber arts, crafts and ceramics. A balanced offering of art forms is on display.
The Art Show is juried. Less than one half of the artists submitting work for review are selected to display their work at the Art Show.
 
What is the price range for the art pieces?
 
We pride ourselves in offering prices to fit a young person's "allowance budget" up to investment quality art. It's a great place to buy a Mother's Day gift.
 
Why is a juried Art Show important?
 
A juried art show will provide a superior assortment of art as each artist was reviewed and evaluated prior to the Rotary Art Show. Over 350 artists had their work reviewed by our jurors. This year's jurors are Carol Hutchinson, a well known oil painter; Charles Escott, jewelry designer; and Lissa Jones, local corporate art consultant specializing in photography. By the end of February, 175 artists are selected to display their works at the Rotary Art Show.
 
Art Show history
 
When was the first Art Show held?
 
The first Art Show was held in September of 1959, with 20 artists and total sales of $560. Its purpose was to assist local artists and craftsmen and to raise funds for donation to local organizations. All of the funds received were given to the Montalvo Association and the Crippled Children's Camp.
 
How did the Art Show grow?
 
The first twenty-two shows were held in the Village of Saratoga, using parking lots, the Plaza, and the sidewalks of Big Basin Way. Each year members rallied to produce "a bigger and better show." By its 10th show in 1967 sales reached over $10,000.
 
When did the Art Show move to West Valley College?
 
Since those early years, the scope of the Show has steadily grown. By 1981 the decision was made to move the Show from its traditional site in Saratoga Village to the campus of West Valley College. There, in a more spacious setting, the Show has continued to flourish and expand.
 
Why does the Saratoga Rotary Club conduct the Art Show?
 
We believe the Art Show embodies and advances all of the Rotary ideals.
 
How large is this project for the Saratoga Rotary Club?
 
Each year's show is the product of a full year of planning by the Club's Art Show Chairperson. A dozen or more committees involving the entire Club membership of approximately 125 men and women, and the Artist Coordinator are also part of the team.
In addition, other groups have provided assistance, including Montalvo Association, Interact, Boy Scouts, and many seniors in the community. Their goal is to refine and improve this major South Bay event.
 
Art Show community benefits
 
How does the community benefit from the Rotary Art Show?
 
In addition to financial grants provided to worthy groups, the Rotary Art Show provides recognition for the following:
  • display of children's art from local schools
  • distribution of awards by the Olympiad of Arts
  • display and sale of student art from West Valley College
     
  • How much money is distributed to worthy groups?
     
    The Saratoga Rotary Club recently turned over $100,000 in net proceeds to the Saratoga Rotary Charitable Foundation to be granted to worthy groups and organizations throughout the community as well as national and international causes.
    Information about applying for a grant can be received by emailing the Saratoga Rotary Charitable Foundation at charitablefoundation@saratogarotary.org
     
    What organizations have benefited from the Art Show?
     
    Examples of the organizations benefiting from The Art Show:
    Approved Grants
  • Eastfield Ming Quong (EMQ)
  • Hope Services
  • Santa Clara County Fire Safe Council
  • San Jose State University
  • Kairos - San Quentin
  • PTA Congress of Parents - Foothill School
  • PTA Congress of Parents - Saratoga School
  • Rolast
  • Inner Wheel USA Foundation
  • Lucile Salter Packard Hospital
  • The Legacy Foundation
  • Saratoga Chamber of Commerce
  • Easter Seals
  • Saratoga Parent Nursery School
  • Rotary International Project
  • Child Advocates of Santa Clara and San Mateo Counties
  • Prospect High School Grad Night 2000
  • Santa Clara County Diabetes Society
  • Mid Peninsular Pathways Hospice Foundation
  • Saratoga Community Parade
  • Family Education Foundation
  • KSAR Community Access TV
  • West Valley College
  • Rotary Scholarship Program
  • Rotary Exchange Scholars
  • Breakfast with Santa
  • Speech Contest
  • Rotary Community Outreach Projects
    The money is distributed through the nonprofit Saratoga Rotary Charitable Foundation, which accepts grant applications from worthy nonprofit organizations year-round.
     
  • How does the Art Show support the Arts?
     
    In addition to the 175 professional artists showing their works, there is a display of over 300 pieces of Children's art from over 30 area schools. In addition, an award ceremony for the Olympiad of the Arts (sponsored by West Valley/Mission Colleges Foundation) is conducted.
    Saratoga Rotary demonstrates its support of the arts, at all levels, through monetary support of art programs; by providing incentives for young people to develop an interest in the arts; and through providing a venue for artists of all ages to be involved in this important community undertaking.
     
    Artists participation and other questions
     
    I am an Artist. How can I participate?
     
    Check out the For Artists section of our website for details on how artists can participate at the Art Show.
     
    I have a question not addressed here. Who should I contact?
     
    Don Miller, Publicity Chairman, long time Saratoga Rotary member and veteran of many Rotary Art Shows, will answer question(s) for you by email. Send him email at Dbritton.2@netzero.com
     
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