Mission

Creating Community through Art.

Vision

Enhancing our Community through creativity, art education, exhibition and artistic excellence.

Our Values

Community - We promote the positive impact the Arts have on the emotional well being in our Society.

Inclusiveness - We embrace all forms of the Arts and encourage participation by all.

Dedication - We wish to see Idyllwild become a nationally recognized Center for the Arts.

Artistic Excellence - We provide the tools and inspiration that help Artists learn, develop new skills, experiment and find support through collaborative endeavors.

Transparency - We are open and honest about everything we do.

To learn about various membership levels and their corresponding benefits, click Join or Renew Membership!

Let's help maintain Idyllwild's status as "One of the 100 Best Art Towns in America" by continuing our generous support for the Arts in this beautiful town.*

Bylaws

Click AAI Bylaws Effective 3-17-20.pdf

Attorney General Guide for Charities

About the Founders

Chris Trout came to Idyllwild in 1998 to open a fine craft gallery. She was motivated by the presence of Idyllwild Arts Academy and had been visiting since 1980. Upon arrival she found that there were only four galleries, no art events or art walks and no formal group to support the arts. With Grace Songolo, an artist and gallery owner, Chris set out to make Idyllwild known as an art town, and a destination for cultural tourists. By the time she received the Essence of Idyllwild award, there were eighteen galleries, eight art events and Idyllwild had been included as one of the 100 Best Art Towns in America in John Villani's publication.

The Idyllwild Gallery of Fine Art also continued to grow and be recognized as one of America's leading Fine Craft galleries. First, it was named one of the top 100 and then one of the top 25 in the nation. A national award as the Best Merchandised followed.

Now retired, Chris continues to be an avid proponent of the arts, the Art Alliance and Idyllwild. She is actively involved in the Associates of Idyllwild Arts Foundation, Jazz in the Pines, the Idyllwild Community Fund and serves on the Leadership Team of the Idyllwild Community Center.