Ontario Museum of
History & Art, Associates
Sharon Austin named winner of
Biennial Open Art Exhibition
Sharon Austin has been selected as the first place winner for the 12th Biennial Open Art exhibition sponsored by the Associates of the Ontario Museum of History & Art.
Her work, “Painted Face,” was selected as the winner among about 60 works entered in the contest.
The other works received awards:
Second place: Hannah Raykhenberg: “I Will Bury You in Flowers #2”
Third Place: Juan Varela: “Our Lady of the Angels”
Honorable mentions: Sarah Arnold: “Echo Park Tree”; Chris Keung: “On the Verge”; Stephen Rybacki: “Unoccupied”; Lisa Tomceszyn: “Salt Marsh Daylight.”
City Council Liaison Awards: Dan Frembling: “Running Free”
Steve Thomas Photography/Conservation Award: Leah Knecht: “Double Exposure.”
This year’s juror was Jennifer Kane, an artist, arts organizer, and teacher from Los Angeles, who currently resides in Joshua Tree. She serves as the Executive Director of Arts Connection, the Arts Council of San Bernardino County.
The Ontario Open Art Exhibition gives regional artists of all ages and skills the opportunity to display their artwork and a chance to win a cash prize.
The Museum Associates is a non-profit organization that actively supports educational programs and community events at the museum through volunteer staffing, fundraising, and membership.
Sharon Austin, "Painted Face"
Museum Programs
EXHIBITIONS
Mission Gráfica:
Reflecting a Community in Print
Jan. 9-March 9
This is a stunning exhibition featuring dozens of screenprints from Mission Gráfica, a community print center of diversity and cultural ferment in San Francisco, found in 1982. The struggles and triumphs of women and Indigenous Americans, international liberation movements and local politics inspired many Gráfica artists, whose works delved into themes that continue to resonate today. The exhibit will include some Southern California artists whose practice in printmaking encapsulates such techniques as monotypes, intaglio, engraving, drypoint, aquatint, etching and mezzotint.
Built on Water
Ongoing
Learn how water shapes our lives! The new permanent exhibition, "Built on Water: Ontario and Inland Southern California" explores the history, present and future of water in Ontario and the surrounding region. Experience our new mobile app, listen to the voices of our community’s water guardians, and see the power of nature through historic photos.
Gem of the Foothills
Ongoing
This shares the story of Ontario's founding,
people and organizations. Explore its roots, beginning with the Tongva and the Californio rancheros to the city’s founding by George Chaffey. Learn why citrus and grapes dominated the landscape or how the airport became a logistical anchor for the Inland Empire. Discover why Ontario is the “Gem of the Foothills.”
EVENTS
First Thursdays:
In the Vault: Crochet 1-2-3
Dec. 5, 5 to 8 p.m.
Let your creativity flow with fiber art and hot cocoa! All ages can join us for an In the Vault session to explore fiber art in the Museum’s collection and crochet a unique holiday gift with a coaster-making workshop hosted by Matthew Jaramillo, founder of Yarntario. Materials will be provided. Space is limited and registration is required.
Studio Saturdays: That’s A Wrap
Dec. 7, noon to 4 p.m.
Deck out your holiday gifts with a personal touch by creating your own custom holiday wrapping paper. Carve your unique linocut print block stamp featuring treasured local icons like the Frankish Fountain, Armstrong roses, and Nugent’s Park horseshoes. Pre-made stamps will also be available.
Reception: Mission Gráfica: Reflecting a Community in Print
Jan. 11, 2 to 4 p.m.
Join the Museum for a community reception with an afternoon of art and printmaking featuring artists in the exhibitions "Mission Gráfica: Reflecting a Community in Print and Centered in Ink: Printmaking in the Inland Empire." Light refreshments will be provided.
Studio Saturdays:
Pots of Courage
Jan. 18,
Session 1: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Session 2: 2 to 4 p.m.
Ages 10 and older can celebrate the life and work of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and dive into a creative studio experience to explore themes of resilience, courage, and diversity by transforming flowerpots into vibrant canvases with artist, Krafty Sunflower. Celebrate our community’s strength and beauty as you paint, and let your flowerpots become a colorful testament to the inspiring legacy of Dr. King. As space is limited, registration is advised.
Studio Saturday: Celebrating the
Year of the Serpent with Artist Flora Kao
Jan. 25, 2 to 4 p.m.
Celebrate the Year of the Serpent with artist Flora Kao as we encounter the vibrant traditions of the Lunar New Year. All ages are invited to join us for an event where you will create your own firecrackers and adorn paper lanterns, setting the stage for a joyful Lunar New Year. As space is limited, registration is advised.
Artist Talk: Mission Gráfica:
Printmaking in the Inland Empire
Feb. 1, 2 to 3 p.m.
Join the Museum and talented artists featured in the exhibition "Mission Gráfica" for an engaging discussion on their printmaking techniques, diverse printing methods, and the stories behind their work. Explore the rich history and challenges these artists have faced as they share insights into their creative processes.
Studio Saturdays:
Black History Month Collective
Feb. 8, noon to 3 p.m.
Celebrate Black History Month at the Museum and engage with local artists through interactive activities, creative projects, and inspiring conversations that honor and explore Black heritage and culture.
Ontario Art Walk:
An Evening at the Museum
Feb. 15, 6 to 9 p.m.
Visit the Museum, shop local artisan booths, and participate in a hands-on artmaking experience. Light refreshments provided by the Ontario Museum of History & Art Associates. Interested in participating as a vendor. Contact MuseumInfo@OntarioCA.gov. To learn more about the Ontario Art Walk, visit OntarioArtWalk.org
First Studio Saturdays: Block by Block:
Building Community Through Art
Feb. 22,
Session 1 (Español): noon to 1:30 p.m.
Session 2: (English): 2 to 3:30 p.m.
You are invited to contribute to a community card deck! Join artist cindy “cindita” macias for a community block printing workshop inspired by the exhibition, "Mission Gráfica" Create custom trading cards that reflect you and your community and trade them with others. Supplies and materials provided. As space is limited, registration is advised.
Ontario Art Book Fair
March 29, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The Ontario Art Book Fair is a one-day regional showcase of artists' books, catalogues, monographs, periodicals, and zines hosted at the Museum. At the inaugural Art Book Fair we will highlight exhibitors from around the country with an emphasis on California-based artists and publishers. All publishing houses, independent press collectives, artists, zine-makers, printmakers, and individuals practicing in experimental paper formats are welcome and encouraged to apply.