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

The Art of Healing:

Holistic expressions

June 27-Nov. 17

It is part of the biannual joint exhibition with the Museum and the Chaffey Community Museum of Art. It explores the diverse healing opportunities ansd efforts taken by artists, institutions and communities throughout history. It assumes that the healing process leads us through a journey in which we transform our relationship to our body, mind and constructed spaces

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

Studio Saturdays: Paper mâché

with Monica Thaller

Sept. 21, 1 to 4 p.m.
Join us in celebrating Latinx/Hispanic Heritage Month with a paper mâché workshop! Discover the vibrant art of creating pan dulce (conchas) with artist Monica Thaller. Dive into the cultural significance of these traditional Mexican crafts while crafting your own unique work. All materials will be provided and no prior experience is necessary.

First Thursdays: Altar Shadowbox
Oct. 1, 5 to 8 p.m.

All ages can create their own mini altar for the opening of the Dia de los Muertos exhibition. We invite the public to bring a 2” x 3” photograph of an individual who has passed away and create a mini altar in their honor. The Museum will provide supplies and materials to create offerings to be used in your mini altar.

Ontario Arts Festival

Oct. 19, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The city of Ontario’s Department of Museum, Arts, & Culture and the Chaffey Community Museum of Art will hold the sixth annual Ontario Arts Festival. The festival features more than 50 artist booths offering a wide variety of visual arts, as well as other attractions for festival visitors, including free entry to museums, food trucks, a beer and wine garden, art activities, live demonstrations and more.

Dia de los Muertos Gallery Reception
Nov. 1, 3 to 6 p.m.

Join us for a gallery installation and related activities of Dia de los Muertos, highlighting ofrendas and vibrant art. All ages can explore the cultural significance of this tradition through intricate displays and meaningful tributes. Enjoy some light refreshments and live entertainment.

First Thursdays: Paint in the Dark

with Mario Solorzano

Nov. 7, 6 to 8 p.m.
Those 18 and older can experience the magic of painting in the dark at Adult Paint Night with Mario Solorzano. Join us for a unique and colorful evening using neon paints under black lights. Let your creativity glow as you create stunning, luminescent artworks. All materials will be provided and no prior experience is necessary.

Ontario Art Walk:

An Evening at the Museum

Nov. 6, 6 to 9 p.m.
Come celebrate traditional folk art, while you 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, Museum Associates. Interested in participating as a vendor? Contact MuseumInfo@OntarioCA.gov. To learn about the Ontario Art Walk, visit ontarioartwalk.org

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Sharon Austin, "Painted Face"

Museum Programs

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