The Santa Maria Arts Council has awarded over $214,600 in scholarships to date to 320 locally trained artists.
The Santa Maria Arts Council is an umbrella organization for local art groups and supporters. The Arts Council continues to initiate, encourage, and expand activities which open new opportunities for all artists, students, and residents of the Santa Maria valley. Council members include artists, arts advocates, educators, city and government leaders, business, and various art groups.
The Council meets monthly on the third Wednesday of the month at noon. Our present meeting location is The Town Center Gallery, in Santa Maria's Town Center West.
The Arts Council encourages and supports emerging artists through the Individual Grants Competition which currently disburses $10,000 annually to first and second place finalists in music, drama, dance, and visual arts.
The Council administers the Lester B. Hayes Grant in support of arts education programs in the valley.
The Council sponsors the annual Student Arts Show, and supports Santa Maria’s Autumn Arts Grapes and Grains Festival including the Chalk Art Expose.
Chalk Art Expose - Autumn Arts Grapes and Grains 2011
Your sponsorships and membership dues support the ongoing efforts of the Arts Council. Donations are gratefully accepted!