Fallbrook Art Association celebrates 50 years of supporting artists

The residents of the Fallbrook area have many interests, pursuits and hobbies that include horses, vintage cars, wineries, gems and minerals, gardening and art. The many artists here specialize in a variety of mediums as varied as watercolor and printmaking to sculpture and photography. For inspiration, support and education, the artists get together in clubs, groups and associations.

Fallbrook Art Association, a nonprofit organization, was launched in 1962, then incorporated in 1969, so it is celebrating its 50th year of incorporation this year. The association has supported art in the community in many ways, by sponsoring demonstrations, workshops, festivals, exhibit opportunities, scholarships and both open judged and juried shows.

Some of its early programs, including art experiences for elementary school students through "Art Assist," are still offered today. Support of artists of all ages has grown to include college scholarship awards and San Diego Fair Fine Art competition donor awards.

For artists of all abilities, well-known guest artists provide critiques, demonstrations and workshops at the association's monthly meetings, the third Saturday of each month, at the Fallbrook Women's Club.

In its early days, FAA began holding art shows in the Fallbrook High School band room, cafeteria, local bank offices, and outdoor venues and later graduated to exhibiting in the Fallbrook Art Center and Brandon Gallery. Its open judged and/or juried shows are held twice each year, with cash award winners chosen by renowned international and national award-winning artists.

Now, 50 years later, FAA recently opened a new space to showcase the artwork of members as well as non-members. The displayed art is judged by a different experienced artist each month and winners are awarded ribbons in several categories. Classes in various media and techniques are also offered throughout the month.

The gallery is staffed by FAA members. Many of these volunteers have a long history with FAA, such as current co-presidents Julie Compton and Ruth Parker who are co-directors of the gallery and past presidents Susan Frommer, Patricia Hartman, Karen Langer Baker, Carol Reardon and Anne Youngblood, who have each served in many capacities before and after they served as president.

FAA members are dedicated to the arts and supporting their community. One such artist is Ray Fedorchak, a Fallbrook resident since 1977 and former co-owner of El Jardin Restaurant, who currently exhibits his work at The Gallery. The Gallery offers monthly shows of emerging and established well-known artists including Shirley Calvert, Jack Ragland and Lynn Gertenbach.

Calvert was the member on duty at The Gallery April 5. She grew up in Fallbrook and raised her family here. She has also been an artist her whole life and an FAA member almost since it started. She has three watercolor paintings on display this month, one of which was awarded a second place ribbon. She remembers when the association met at the high school and has taken art classes all over San Diego County.

Besides the art of adult artists, The Gallery is displaying the Jr. Art of the Avocado entries. Visitors can vote for their favorite entry; winners will be announced April 25. The Gallery is located at 127 North Main Street in Fallbrook and is open Tuesday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sundays, noon to 3 p.m. For more information, call The Gallery at (760) 645-0491.

Annual FAA membership for artists and non-artists is offered to individuals, families and students. FAA has won many awards and certificates of appreciation for art demonstrations and art exhibits over the decades. A monthly newsletter is mailed out and can also be found, along with newsletters from past years, photos and information about the shows and their winners at http://www.fallbrookartasn.org.