SIERRA COUNTY — The Sierra County Arts Council (SCAC) has again been dedicated as the Local Partner of the California Arts Council for another year. In an annual review sent to members, the SCAC outlined the following highlights of their work in 2024.
The SCAC partnered with Sierra-Plumas Joint Unified School District, Sierra Schools Foundation, and Musica Sierra to provide music and arts education in schools, including Performance Music Assemblies. The organization also supported senior projects and funded field trips.
Local poet and Poetry Out Loud coordinator Paul Guffin brought back the national poetry recitation competition in Sierra County Schools. The 2024 Sierra County Poetry Out Loud Champion was Isaac Andaluz of Loyalton High School, who attended the State competition in Sacramento.
Executive Director BJ Jordan advocated for a rise in arts funding, including the recent passage of California Proposition 28, which funds arts education. Her advocacy led to the hiring of a full-time music teacher, Owen McIntosh, at Loyalton schools.
The Sierra Valley Art & Ag Trail returned in 2024 with new and returning venues and artists. The Sierra Valley Barn Quilt Trail is always available for a driving tour, with a map on the SCAC’s website.
The Yuba Theatre hosted several events, including student performances, music, film, and theatrical productions.
Many events were held in the North Yuba River Hall, including the annual Ice Cream Social. The Downieville Library also continues to utilize the building.
The Banff Mountain Film Festival returned, bringing visitors and films from around the world to the Yuba Theatre in Downieville.
The SCAC was the local administrator of the Upstate Creative Corps grant program. Recipients included Marjorie Voorhees’ stained-glass window project for the new Musica Sierra performing arts center, the Sierra County Land Trust’s book Sierra Buttes and the Lakes Basin (made in collaboration with several artists), and Rita Hosking’s “Climate Country Radio.”
The Yuba Gallery, featuring arts and crafts made in Sierra County, was kept open with the help of local artists and volunteers. Building owners Bibi Green and Jeff Champlin allowed the use of the retail space at a minimal cost.
The Art and Music Sponsorship Program now includes individual artists’ projects and supports local non-profits and civic organizations.
The Sierra County Arts Council has existed for over 40 years, working towards its mission to “bring together community and art.” More information is available on their website, sierracountyartscouncil.org.