Community Update - Fallbrook Village Association

Fallbrook Village Association (FVA) celebrated 15 years of revitalization programs and projects in 2007. It was a year of recognition and change.

The opportunities offered by FVA’s arts organizations and arts programming suggested to a national marketing consulting firm that Fallbrook should focus on becoming an arts destination.

Arts consultant and author John Villani was so impressed by the wealth of cultural activities in Fallbrook that he included Fallbrook in his next edition of “100 Best Arts Town in America,” scheduled for release this September.

As part of FVA’s strategic plan and expansion, an umbrella organization was created to grow FVA’s arts programs. Fallbrook Center for the Arts, the name of the new umbrella organization, includes the Fallbrook Art Alliance, Fallbrook Art Center (formerly Art Center at Fallbrook), Fallbrook Art in Public Places, Fallbrook School of the Arts (formerly Art Campus at Fallbrook) and Brandon Gallery.

Longtime regional arts advocate Martha Minkler was hired as chief executive officer for Fallbrook Center for the Arts. Minkler’s theme for 2008-2009 is “Laying a Foundation to Insure Future Success.”

2008 goals include insuring all the divisions have adequate staff and volunteer bases for efficient operation; developing new branding and marketing tools, including a new Web site and arts master calendar; devising and implementing fund development strategies to ensure organizational stability and sustainability; increasing local and regional arts partnerships; increasing arts-based programs for disadvantaged and at-risk youth; and developing vocational arts programs.

Minkler can be reached at (760) 731-9584.

Fallbrook Art Alliance meets every other month as a networking resource for all arts-related entities. The next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, May 20, at 12:30 p.m. at Fallbrook School of the Arts, 310 East Alvarado Street. Contact Marlene Rantanen, chair, for information at (760) 728-0031.

Fallbrook Art Center has a full schedule of exciting shows lined up for 2008. Added to the roster of annual favorites is the new “Decades of Conflict” show, scheduled for October 18-November 16. The show features North County Times photographer Waldo Nilo’s collection of Vietnam photographs as well as photos by San Diego County Supervisor Bill Horn taken during his tour of duty in Vietnam.

Collaborative partners include USMC Camp Pendleton, Fallbrook’s VFW Post 1924, Fallbrook Chamber of Commerce, San Diego County Library, Fallbrook Chorale and Fallbrook Music Society. Contact Mary Perhacs, executive director, at (760) 728-1414.

Fallbrook Art in Public Places is preparing to launch its new Art on Loan program with the unveiling of a sculpture May 16 at 1:30 p.m. Nationally renowned sculptor Barrett DeBusk’s whimsical “Fat Happies” will be installed at the Mike Choate Early Childhood Education Center at 407 South Mission Road in Fallbrook. For information contact Larry Miller, chair, at [email protected].

Fallbrook School of the Arts has myriad exciting art classes scheduled throughout 2008. The school has partnerships with Palomar Community College and Scottsdale School of the Arts that enhance its arts programs. For class schedules and other information, contact Brigitte Schlemmer, executive director, at [email protected].

Projects for other Fallbrook Village Association entities in the coming year include:

• Village Square: Increase the number of local produce vendors in the Friday craft and farmers market, encourage more weekend events, add new benches and tables

• Beech Street Park: Continue to partner with the Fallbrook Beautification Alliance to refurbish the landscaping and add new children’s play equipment

• Gateways and Wayfinding Master Plan: Achieve final approval of this project funded by a County Grant supported by Supervisor Bill Horn

• Town Center Plan: Work with the County Library Department and the County General Services Department to adopt a parking design including infrastructure for special events, to support the needs of the new library and town center plans, support efforts to create restroom facilities available to the public, work with County staff to create programs that protect the pedestrian-friendly environment of our downtown

• Tourism: Continue to support and fund programs that attract customers locally and regionally that contribute to the economic health of our business and cultural organizations