IDYLLWILD ARTS FOUNDATION . . .
CHANGING LIVES THROUGH THE TRANSFORMATIVE POWER OF ART
By Madeline Zuckerman

Published in the Palm Desert Star . . . April 31, 2016. . . PALM DESERT, CA. -- In 1946, Idyllwild Arts carved out its niche in the world and began fulfilling its mission, “Changing Lives Through the Transformative Power of Art.”   Incorporated as an arts education institution in 1946 by an inspired group of stellar benefactors, Idyllwild Arts was envisioned to provide a secluded place where people of all backgrounds could come together to experience the arts.  The concept was simple – to establish an educational arts institution for the purpose of promoting and advancing artistic and cultural development primarily for the advancement of instruction in music and the arts.  Thus, the Idyllwild Arts Foundation was born and since its inception, Idyllwild Arts has more than fulfilled the legacy of these pioneers.

Today, Idyllwild Arts has become home to generations of global artists who have been inspired to make a difference in the world.         

The community knows well Idyllwild Arts’ nationally-acclaimed ‘JAZZ IN THE PINES,’ which takes place every August on the school’s campus in Idyllwild, California.   But, Idyllwild Arts offers much, much more . . .two dynamic programs consisting of The Idyllwild Arts Academy and The Idyllwild Arts Summer Program.  The Idyllwild Arts Academy is recognized as the country’s premier and internationally-acclaimed residential arts High School, providing pre-professional training in the arts and a comprehensive college preparatory curriculum to a diverse student body of gifted young artists.  Idyllwild Arts Academy’s 300 students come from more than 25 countries, pursuing artistic excellence in Music, Theatre, Dance, Visual Art, Creative Writing, Film & Digital Media, and InterArts/Fashion Design.

Through their world-renowned Summer Program and prestigious Arts Academy, Idyllwild Arts remains at the forefront of arts education by providing artists of all ages, with the skills necessary to be successful in the 21st Century.  Discovery, critical thinking, problem-solving, and art-making continue to be the hallmarks of distinction of an Idyllwild Arts education.

“2016 marks a very exciting time in the school’s history – the 70th Anniversary of Idyllwild Arts,” stated Pamela Jordan, President of Idyllwild Arts Foundation.  “This special milestone will be celebrated at several elegant upcoming events including the exclusive gathering at the Indian Wells home of art collector and philanthropist Donna MacMillan on the evening of February 11, 2016, a Hard Hat event for Idyllwild Arts’ soon-to-open Concert Hall, and the culminating 70th Anniversary Showcase in the LA Live District of Los Angeles on Saturday, April 16, 2016,” Jordan continued.

The 70th Anniversary Student Showcase and VIP Backstage Pass Event will take place in Los Angeles at The Figueroa presented by Microsoft, formerly known as Club Nokia, the venue of choice for such well-known artists as Postmodern Jukebox and The Roots.  The evening will begin with a gallery exhibition featuring student and alumni artwork, performance art, and installations.  This poignant display will be followed by an on-stage performance highlighting the talented dancers, musicians, and actors of Idyllwild Arts Academy.  Attendees will experience first-hand why Arts Schools Network has bestowed Idyllwild Arts Academy with the distinguished 2016 Exemplary School Award.   Nearly 100 students are slated to perform in the 75 minute showcase, with the entire student body present to witness and encourage their classmates’ performance on a world-class stage . . .an experience of a life time and one they will never forget.

The Student Showcase and Performance is free and open to the public, however, reservations are required.  Proceeds from VIP ticket sales and sponsorships support the innovative educational and artistic programs of Idyllwild Arts.  Proceeds will also support nearly 50% of the student body who rely on tuition assistance to attend the school.    

The community is always welcome to attend the other numerous events that take place in the pines of Idyllwild on the school’s 205 acre campus, 6,000 feet in the San Jacinto Mountains.

“Idyllwild Arts is home to tomorrow’s leading global artists,” stated President Pamela Jordan.  “We hope that you will visit us, and become inspired by our young artists who are poised to make a difference in the world,” she continued.

For information on Idyllwild Arts Foundation, please call 951- 659-2171 or visit www.idyllwildarts.org