🌡️Arts in Pomona - August🌡️

Hope everyone's been able to stay cool and hydrated in this heat. See below for some exciting Art in Public Places updates and a plethora of artist opportunities this month!

️Art in Public Places Updates

1. Kids World Opening - Seeking Sculpture Ideas

AIPP Staff tabled at the Kids World Opening on 7/25, celebrating our new all-abilities playground and the restoration of our historic fountain. We are now looking for ideas on what the community would like to see for a public sculpture at Civic Center to support wayfinding. We will be continuing to table and solicit feedback at the August Art Walk this Saturday at the Black Book Session event at OverSpray Art Supply & Gallery (161 E 2^nd St.). Come out and share your ideas with us!

Get your art in front of an audience! We are calling for artists to apply at our newly revamped form to be on the 2027-2029 City of Pomona Artist Registry.

The intent is to direct those interested in public artwork such as nonprofits, developers, and business owners to local and regional artists who exhibit the ability to execute high-quality public artwork. Emerging and mid-career artists are encouraged to apply.

The application includes a video tutorial of how to fill out the application, including examples of artist statements, resumes, portfolios, and more. Check it out at the link above!

3. Watercolor Exhibition at City Hall

The winners of this year's Watercolor Contest are up on the 2^nd floor of City Hall. Stop by and read up on the inspiration behind these high schoolers' pieces whenever City Hall is open, Monday-Thursday from 7:30 AM - 6 PM.

On 7/27, Cultural Arts Commission approved the installation of three public art components at the Prisma Loft Apartments on 501 E. Mission Blvd, including a tactile reclaimed wood sculpture by Jorge Moawad, a mural on functional seating painted by Elizabeth Jones, and a mural by Oscar Magallanes. These will be at an affordable residential property with ground floor live/work lofts and a 800-square-foot community gallery space. Learn more about the apartments and sign up for their mailing list to be notified of when the application process begins.

Commission also approved the installation of a painted mural by artist Joe Ded to be installed along the fencing at 395 S. Thomas St., as well as funding for the 2026 Chalk Art Festival on November 14.

Staff shared that future conservation projects include the wooden sculptures at Ganesha Park, the Pomona Envisions the Future mural, and the Iglesia de Pensamiento mural. Other current active projects include the Civic Center mural by Gary Lett, transfer of For All Seasons by Nyx at Kellogg Park, a redesign of the Public Art GIS Map, and the outdoor sculpture at the Siemens Manufacturing Plant (1237 E County Road).

The next Commission meeting is on 8/24 at 5:30 PM in Council Chambers (505 S Garey Ave) and, as always, is open to the public.

Artist Resources

San Bernardino Valley College is enrolling now for Introduction to Arts Administration and the Gallery Management Certificate Program!

Opportunities

Black Book Sessions in collaboration with OverSpray and Urban Rising Los Angeles is hosting a free community art celebration during Pomona ArtWalk on Saturday August 8^th from 5 PM - 10 PM. There will be a live graffiti battle and youth art contest, alongside illustration and zine-making workshops, DIY screen-printing experience, family-friendly arts and crafts, live DJs and music, and community resource booths with regional organizations.

Whether you're an aspiring artist, a creative professional, or simply looking for a fun and inspiring evening, Black Book Sessions offers something for everyone. Meet local artists, discover creative opportunities, learn new skills, and celebrate Southern California's vibrant arts community.

Above Ground Art House is looking for artists, artist vendors, and live music to fill the night of August 22 with creativity, good energy, and great people.

Looking for an opportunity to submit your art and have it showcased and win prize money? The Garcia Center for the Arts is opening their 2026 exhibition to submissions!

Are you an artist, organizer, educator, collective, or other creative organization interested in collaborating on workshops or programs at Memories of El Monte Community Arts Space/People's Café? Fill out the interest form to be contacted.

Artists with three public art/mural installations who are passionate about community engagement are invited to submit a Statement of Qualification to the Los Angeles Unified School District. Help LAUSD amplify student voice, celebrate culture, and beautify schools. Deadline is September 25.

LA County's Parks and Recreation Department is looking for instructors for their classes, including for arts and culture, performance arts, music, and dance. Submit your Fall/Winter 2026 Application by 9/25.

ESMoA and hope you have a good time (hyhagt) invite emerging artists across all mediums to apply for a group residency exploring the theme Substance the things that shape us, intrigue us, and that we couldn't live without. Open to twelve Los Angeles County-based artists (18+) from every discipline, the residency pairs studio time at ESMoA with workshops, mentorship, and a culminating group exhibition. More info to be announced soon, stay updated via the ESMoA newsletter.

The City of Newport Beach announces a Call for Entries for Phase XI of its Sculpture Exhibition. The sculptures transform Civic Center Park into a "museum without walls" with a rotation of new, bold contemporary works from world-class artists.

Artists, private collectors, galleries, and museums/non-profit institutions are invited to submit artworks! Up to 10 art works may be selected.

Submitted works must be complete, installation-ready, and physically located in the United States at the time of submission. Deadline is September 18, 2026 at 10:59 pm PST.

9. Ongoing Pomona Opportunities

Become a vendor at Downtown Pomona's monthly Art Walk.

Fox Community Culture Fund for artists, nonprofits, and community groups to host events at the Fox Theater for no rental fees.

Share Your Work at METRO Art Gallery

️Events & Exhibitions in Pomona

8/7 First Fridays: Pay What You Wish | AMOCA

8/8 Second Saturday Art Walk | 197 W 2nd St.

8/8 Black Book Sessions #35: Art Contest & Creative Community Event | Overspray

8/8 Open Mic, Local Artists and Musicians! | Artist in the Alley

8/8 NSRGNTS Gallery Walk Through & Closing Celebration | Institute of Latino Art

8/8 REROOTED Art Show | Alley Gallery

8/8 Alliance Black Marketplace | African American Advisory Alliance

8/15 CLAY PLAY All Ages Workshop | AMOCA

8/15 Roots and Raíces: Trauma-Informed Art Workshops | Institute of Latino Art

8/15 Obsidian Tongues Open Mic | Lopez Urban Farm

8/16 Sally Nicholson Reception | Sasse

8/16 Art Professors Reception | Sasse

8/16 Sasse at 75 | Sasse

8/28 Public Art in Pomona: Making Sure Artists Eat | Cal Poly Pomona Community Innovation Hub

8/29 80's Horror/Fantasy Pop Up | Alley Gallery

^{The links above are provided as a convenience and for informational purposes only; they do not constitute an endorsement or an approval by the City of Pomona. We bear no responsibility for the accuracy, legality, or content of the external site or that of subsequent links. Contact the external site for answers regarding its content.}