Saratoga News
News
Bigger, better Rotary Art Show returns to West Valley campus
By Shannon Burkey
It came from humble beginnings, but 50 years later the Saratoga Rotary Art Show is bigger and better, and raising more money than ever.
The first show took place in a parking lot in the Village 49 years ago with 13 artists and raised $1,600. Today the show, which outgrew the Village and moved to West Valley College in 1989, showcases 175 artists and raises an average of $100,000 each year for various charitable organizations.
"The show started because the club was always looking for a way to raise funds," said show committee member Nann Miller. "And at that time the art show was one of a kind. It became a very important part of the community."
The show, set for May 6, is the biggest fundraiser the club takes on each year, and a lot of planning goes into making sure it is done just right.
"We start planning for the next show in June. We literally finish one show, and the next chairperson is handed over the reins to start again. It's a fairly extensive process," said Bryan Knysh, this year's show chairman.
A key part of the process is to find the artists who will display their works at the show. Roughly 175 artists are chosen from a "tryout" a few months in advance of the event, and the organizers are careful to make sure a wide spectrum of art, such as photography, painting, sculpture, jewelry and crafts, is represented.
"Not just anybody can be in the art show because we want to keep a certain quality," Miller said.
As in the past, the main focus of the show is the art, but organizers are looking to add a different touch this year.
"Every year we try to add something to give it a different flavor," Miller said. "This year the theme is going to be the big band."
For the first year, the show will include a dance floor and music saluting the big band era from five different area big bands. The festivities will kick off at 9 a.m. with the Woodside Village Marching Band, and throughout the day A Touch of Brass, Dave Crimmen, Swing Fever, No Contest Barbershop Quartet and The Jammers Traditional Jazz Group will entertain the crowd.
"What most people don't realize is that we have a tremendous amount of great entertainment at the show, and we want to try and focus on that this year," Knysh said. "There are a lot of subtle changes that we hope will make what we're doing more visible to the community."
In addition to the bands, the show will feature the first "Saratoga Idol" contest, the city's own version of the popular television singing competition show.
The 13 Idol contestants competing at the show were whittled down from 100 at a previous audition. Each contestant will perform for the crowd, and the winner will walk away with $1,000 donated by the Conrado Company.
With the contest, Miller said the show is trying to attract a new and younger audience.
But this year, the show is also really trying to get back to its roots.
"This year we tried to reach out to a broader demographic of Saratoga so it could be viewed as a little more of a community event," Knysh said. "Overall, our goal is to try to make this not only a great fundraiser, but a community focal event."
Nearly 200 members will volunteer their time alongside the 125 members of the club to make the event a success.
In addition to the art and entertainment, the show will feature food booths with specialties from the local area and a Kids Korner to keep the children occupied.
The Saratoga Rotary Art Show will take place on May 6 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at West Valley College, 14000 Fruitvale Ave. Admission and parking are free.
