YOSEMITE SIERRA ARTISTS

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Building a resilient future for California’s creative economy.

California Cultural Districts

Highlighting some of the thriving cultural diversity and unique artistic identities within local communities across the state. www.caculturaldistricts.org

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Igniting student potential through the power of poetry. An initiative of the National Endowment for the Arts, administered statewide by the California Arts Council. www.capoetryoutloud.org

California Poet Laureate

The Governor’s advocate for the art of poetry. Visit www.capoetlaureate.org.

California Teen Poet Laureate

COMING SOON: State legislation supports the development of the state’s first Youth Poet Laureate program.

Individual Artists Fellowship

Through a network of regionally based Administering Organizations, the Individual Artists Fellowship program will continue to recognize, uplift, and celebrate the excellence of California artists practicing any art form.
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Grantee Database

Grant Year

2026-27

Grant Program

General Operating Support

Award Amount

$18,000.00

Project Description

With support from the California Arts Council,Yosemite Sierra Artists will expand and strengthen current arts and cultural programming in the Tri County Area of Madera, Mariposa, and Fresno Counties. Programming includes monthly plein air outings, portrait group with models, photo group meetings, demonstrations, and community events, such as Mariposa Paint Out, Au Naturale Exhibit, Oakhurst Art & Wine Hop, and Up Close with Wildlife at the Nature of Wildworks wildlife rescue and sanctuary. Also highlighted is our new gallery space with the work of 32 local artists who also staff the gallery twice a month and interact with visitors, walking them through exhibits, answering questions, and celebrating our interactive gallery space. All events, outings, and exhibits are welcoming and accessible and accommodate visitors with mobility and other issues.

Organization Summary

Activities include:
• Plein Air Outings
Outings are scheduled for the 4th Wednesday of each month. Currently, these are free to all YSA members. Guests may attend but after the first visit we request they join YSA. To stay informed of YSA meetings, outings, exhibits, and special events follow YSA on Facebook.
• Photography Group
Monthly theme is suggested via our Facebook Group. Meetings are held once a month.
• Live Model Sessions
All are welcome to paint/draw/photograph/sculpt from hired models. Meets in at the Oakhurst Community College. Check the CALENDAR for upcoming dates. Cost is $10.00 for YSA members, and $15.00 for guests.
• Quarterly Art Demonstrations
10:00 am General Meeting
10:30 Art Demonstration
Yosemite Sierra Artists currently gather monthly via ZOOM and/or in person at the Community College in Oakhurst.
• YSA Anniversary Competition and Exhibit
• Au Natural Exhibit of the Human Form
• As a member of the Fresno Arts Council YSA will share artist opportunities with the Fresno area and share FAC info in our newsletter
• Visions of Self, an international exhibit of works by women artists, now in its sixth year.
• YSA Gallery targets:
• Local community members
• People who enjoy visiting galleries, learning about art, and discussing creative works as well as those who enjoy being part of the cultural scene.
• Individuals aged 20-40 who are starting their careers and may have disposable income for buying art or attending art-related events.
• Tourists and visitors traveling to the Yosemite National Park area and may want to buy souvenirs or art pieces from their trip.
• Artists and creatives who are looking for exposure, opportunities for networking, and a chance to gain recognition.
• Businesses looking for art to decorate their offices

Currently, YSA has 157 paying members ($40 per year) and serves another 1500 visitors each year across all program areas.

Organization