Saratoga News
News
Rotary Art Show is turning 50, and it's bigger, better than ever
By Shannon Burkey
The Saratoga Rotary Art Show may be getting up there in age, but it's still going as strong as ever.
And this year, as the show prepares for its 50th birthday on May 6, organizers are planning to step it up a notch and provide more art and entertainment than ever before.
"This has become a very popular Sunday in the city," club historian Warren Heid said. "It started because we wanted to assist local artists. The idea then was to donate all the proceeds to local nonprofit organizations."
The first show was held in the parking lot of the Village Shopping Center 49 years ago with 13 artists and raised $1,600, but it has grown exponentially over the years.
"This year we plan to increase what we've been doing and hopefully we'll have as much attendance if not more so than in the past," Heid said.
Last year, nearly 30,000 people attended the festival, which raises an average of $100,000 each year for various charitable organizations throughout the Bay Area.
Today, the show, which outgrew the Village and moved to West Valley College in 1989, showcases 175 artists, and since its inception has raised more than $1.5 million.
"We try to do as much as we can for the community--that's what it's all about," Heid said.
The artists are chosen from a "tryout" a few months in advance of the event, and the organizers 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," committee member Nann Miller said.
As in the past, the main focus of the show is the art, but organizers are looking to add a new 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.
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, from 3:30 to 4:45 p.m.
The 13 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.
Nearly 200 community 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.
