ARTS RWC: SAG Celebrates 50th Anniversary of the RWC Art Show

YO Redwood City!

Join me in wishing the Sequoia Art Group (SAG) a very happy anniversary - 50 years of the Redwood City Art Show - WOW!

The "really big show" is happening next Saturday...don't you wanna submit some art, or go see this great event?  Here are the details for submissions:

The Sequoia Art Group 50th Annual RC Spring Art Show is Saturday, May 18th at the Community Activities Bldg, 1400 Roosevelt., 12--5 PM.  Entry forms are now available at the CAB Bldg, downtown RC Library or can be obtained on-line from  www.sequoiaartgroup.com under the SHOW menu button. Entrants must reside within the Sequoia Union School District boundaries.  Students enter for free, while adults have a $15 entry fee per painting or photography entry.  Entries will be received from 3 to 7 PM on Thursday, May 17th at the CAB Building, 1400 Roosevelt Ave., RC.  

This annual cultural event is presented by the Sequoia Art Group of RC and is
sponsored by the RC Civic Cultural Commission, with additional support from
the Port of RC, the San Mateo County Credit Union, Redwood City Nursery, and The Canyon Inn. 

Now, from SAG's Catherine Delfs, we learn all about the History of this event, a true local treasure. Fifty four years ago the Redwood City Women's Club in conjunction with the RC Parks and Recreation Department and several local garden clubs started an Annual Flower Show to advertise Redwood City's floral industry.

Fifty years ago, in 1963, the RC Women's Club invited the newly formed Sequoia Art Group of Redwood City to join their 4 year old RC Flower Show, making it the first annual RC Spring Flower and Art Show.  A bar-b-cue luncheon kicked off this two day show with the Mayor and Miss Redwood City always in attendance.  This collaboration lasted for 25 years, then the local garden clubs discontinued the flower portion of this show because so many commercial Redwood City flower growers were leaving the area due to increased heating costs.

The Sequoia Art Group continued the Art Show adding crafts with continuing support from the RC Parks and Recreation Department and the RC Women's Club, plus new partners the Peninsula Quilters and the Sequoia Gem and Mineral Society.  This collaboration lasted from 1985 through 1990 and thereafter the show has continued under the sole leadership of the Sequoia Art Group exhibiting only adult and student artworks.   In 1998 middle school art work was added to this show and the RC Civic Cultural Commission began providing financial support for this annual cultural event.  Five years ago adult photography was added to this juried show.  Any resident living within the Sequoia Union High School boundaries is eligible to enter this annual show where ribbon awards and approximately $1,000 in cash awards are won by participants. Admission to the show is free and painting demonstrations are always held during the show.  Four years ago this 2 day art show had to be cut to one day (Saturday) because of financial concerns.

So, now you know.  Thanks, Catherine, for all the history and information. Artists: do support this Redwood City tradition!

And remember, to always follow your h'art!