National Arts and Humanities Month (NAHM) is a celebration of culture from coast to coast. Each October, cities hold events and programs to mark the month in different ways – from arts center open houses, to mayoral proclamations, to banners and media blitzes, communities across the nation join together to recognize the importance of arts and culture in our daily lives.
Paint at the Art Depot gallery.
As October is NAHM, the City of Fontana invites you to participate in some of the quality arts and culture programs offered to you and your family through Community Services. Children ages toddler to ten years of age can attend free Art Classes at the Lewis Library and Technology Center every Wednesday from 4 to 5 pm, and all ages are welcome to visit the Art Depot every Friday from 2 to 3:30 pm or 4 to 5:30 pm to sharpen art skills and learn about the history of art forms ($3.00 per person).
Participating in Performing Arts programs are a great way to improve your stage confidence while having a good time with your peers. Children ages six and up can attend the four week Improv Theater class or the Family Improv Theater class where all family members can work together to grow on stage in a positive class environment.
Acting is fun for all ages.
If acting is your passion, then taking the Acting 101 class will offer you the foundation to enhance your social skills, introduce you to basic on stage roles, and teach you how the backstage operates prior to a show. Once you have sharpened your acting skills, you can apply them by registering for programs such as the Youth Theater Camp or trying out to perform in a live show at Center Stage Theater in downtown Fontana.
Center Stage Theater is a great venue to visit to enjoy watching a live show or watch Sci Fi Movies on the big screen. If you enjoy watching more than being a part of the show, come relax outside in the Lewis Library Courtyard while enjoying live music performances or catch a movie at the Steelworkers’ Auditorium every Thursday at 6:00pm.
In addition to getting involved in the myriad of arts and culture programs offered through the City, there are a number of ways parents can help celebrate NAHM at home with their children. Americans for the Arts, the organization responsible for helping to coordinate and promote NAHM events, suggests parents and children:
Come experience the Art Depot gallery.
- Sing, play music, read a book, dance, or draw together.
- Explore the library and read “the classics” together—from Mother Goose to Walt Whitman.
- Read local newspapers to find out about local arts events like museum exhibits, local plays, festivals, or outdoor concerts.
To find out more about the arts and cultural programs currently offered through the Fontana Arts, please contact Courtney Hodnick, community services coordinator at (909) 356-7185.
