Arts Council Bringing Culture to the 91301

Agoura Hills’ Cultural Arts Council may still be in its infant stages but that does not stop its ambition. The council was created in the fall of 2010 is to help bring more cultural experiences and opportunities to the community, according to Amy Brink, the city’s director of community services “They are ambassadors of culture,” said Brink.

The city’s annual was the focal point of Thursday night's meeting at City Hall. The council first discussed the musical lineup for the weekend festival with city staff. Reyes Adobe Days will be the weekend of Saturday, Oct. 1, but aside from the Saturday morning parade, the rest of the weekend’s entertainment schedule has yet to be filled.

They are looking at a gallery and an artisan row with about eight booths, according to Brink. “A good, upscale group of artisans,” she said, adding that their handiwork will include baskets, jewelry and pottery.

The three council members present—Steven Bavin, Priscilla Kromnick and Cim Castellon—all put in their two cents about possible artists and entertainers for the weekend.  At one point, Castellon said that there will be oil painting, photography and ceramics on display.

Brink expressed her vision for the future of the weekend festival. “Down the road, I’d like to have a sculptor out there, creating something,” she said. “Possibly a group of people, painting watercolors at the Adobe.”

“After all,” Kromnick added, “they come regularly anyway.”

Also discussed at the meeting were the various activities and music that will be exhibited at the fair as well as the familiar races, to be coordinated by Dole Great Race producer Danny Greenberg.

But Reyes Adobe Day is not the only issue on the Arts Council’s plate. They discussed their “cultural blue print,” which involves what they call the “91301 cultural movement.” This includes choosing a logo, which they had narrowed down to two choices.

Another topic of discussion was the possibility of a film festival, but what that might actually entail—perhaps student films or short films—is still to be determined.

“Maybe a monthly film series,” said Bavin.

The Arts Council made it clear that they still have much work to do, but they are confident that they will continue to enhance culture in Agoura Hills. 

“It’s very engaging,” said Castellon. “There are lots of really great tie-ins. The city already does wonderful programs. [The Arts Council] is a way to connect it, tie it together.”