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SOLERA DIAMOND VALLEY | AUGUST 2018 17 By Vicki Moran, Resident There is a special place in historic downtown Hemet that is worth a visit. The Hemet Valley Art Association was established in 1963. Its purpose is to develop the appreciation and practice of the visual fine arts for adults and youth through a students' arts scholarship program. The first gallery was in San Jacinto and later moved to east Hemet. Today the gallery is on the north end of the historic block of Harvard Street, between the Harvard Street Bakery and the Bridal Museum. It is staffed by members and open Tuesday through Saturday, 11 am -3 pm (summer hours); closed the second Wednesday of each month. The gallery features members' work in fine art, photography, and crafts. Other categories include creative wood carvings, steam-punk sculptures, and painted gourds. Artists sell hand-made jewelry, greeting cards, locally published books, fabric art, and more. It's a great place to shop for a special original artwork for your home or for a gift. Tip: Look in the bins against the wall for inexpensive, high- quality original fine art by some of the best local-area artists and art instructors. The art is matted but not framed, and the pieces run from about $15 to $60. The Association houses a large classroom and offers numerous classes, workshops, and open studios for everyone from beginning to advanced levels. On the second Wednesday of each month the Association has its General Meeting at the Simpson Center near the Hemet Library. The meetings feature a painting demonstration by a professional artist, opportunity drawings and refreshments. Visitors are welcome. The Association hosts an art contest four times a year that is open to members as well as to the public. All fine art and photography entries follow a preannounced theme and cash prizes are awarded for the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners. One visit won't be enough! The art on display in the gallery is completely changed the first Tuesday of every month so there is always something new to see. Plan an outing to check out the gallery and stop by the bakery for lunch or a sweet treat! Personal Note: I am an SDV resident who has been involved with the Hemet Valley Art Association for about three years. I started with a pencil sketching/drawing class, and then moved to watercolor classes and workshops. HVAA is a welcoming place to bring out your inner artist or continue your artwork studies. Both men and women make up the membership. It is a place to connect with like-minded people interested in art. Hemet Valley Art Association: 144 N. Harvard; (951) 652-4592. Visit Hemet Valley Art Association on Facebook. Editor's Note: In May, Vicki's "Sunflowers" art work (this month's cover photo, won First Place, Special Theme category at the Art Association, and her painting of "Rusty and Reilly" (her much loved, much missed, pups) won Best of Show, Fine Art. Not resting on her laurels, she just won Best in Show, Fine Art, for July as well! A Local Hidden Gem: Hemet Valley Art Association SHOWTIME IX Sponsored by the Performing Arts Society Performances are October 12 & 13 PERFORMERS WANTED! Seeking unique acts, including comedy, 4-5 minutes in length. The more residents you include, the better. Participants responsible for costumes and rehearsals. See sign-up sheet in the binder at the front desk. Info., Joyce Leal at leals@roadrunner.com or (760) 450-7704.

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