Sierra Art Trails Awards

The Keeper of the Flame Award

Sierra Art Trails seeks to increase public awareness of the positive value of the arts in society.  We believe that the arts benefit our lives, our communities, and our culture on a fundamental level.  An understanding of the creative process has a resounding influence on all aspects of human activity.  

In the spirit of these ideals, each year Sierra Art Trails selects a local business or organization as recipient of the Keeper of the Flame Award.  The award is presented annually in recognition of outstanding support for the arts.   The keeper of the flame is not a cash award.  The “Flame” a welded steel sculpture donated by Fresno artist Chris Sorenson in 2004, is passed on year to year as a symbol of commitment and dedication to supporting the arts in our area.  

2011 recipient – Golden Chain Theatre - The Golden Chain’s traditional 19^th century melodrama is an Oakhurst institution. appealing to visitors and locals alike. Since 1968 this non-profit, all volunteer organization has served the community in a variety of ways benefitting the arts and surrounding communities. The Golden Chain’s encourages both new and seasoned actors, performers, dancers, theater groups and set designers to enhance and grow their skills. Additionally, the theater supports local organizations by providing a setting for fundraisers and performances.

2010 recipient – Madera County Arts Council - for long-standing service to the arts in our area. MCAC was established in 1982 by the Madera County Board of Supervisors. Since then, they have provided Madera County residents and visitors access to art and culture through diverse programs and services.  The council promotes art education by offering teaching opportunities to area artists that enrich school curricula in a time when public funding for the arts has become increasingly scarce.  The Arts Council regularly seeks grant opportunities to support art related community and marketing opportunities that enrich our area as a cultural destination.

2009 recipient – Timberline Gallery - Timberline Gallery is the oldest established fine arts gallery in Madera County.  In 1985 thirty members founded “The Guild of Mountain Artists”.  At first they displayed their work in local offices, banks, restaurants, and Yosemite Western Artist exhibits.  The gallery opened its doors in 1989, and over the past 20 years, has offered innumerable exhibits, workshops, special events, and student artist programs.  We are proud to offer the Keeper of the Flame Award to Timberline Gallery for their dedication to the arts, and for enriching, educating, and enhancing the quality of life in our community.

2008 recipient – Yosemite Western Artists – YWA was founded in 1969 by a group of artists and art enthusiasts interested in sharing their work and experience, and learning more about the arts.  The organization continues to this day as a community sponsored enterprise dedicated to the development of the visual arts in the area.

Learn more about YWA at www.yosemitewesternartists.org

2007 recipient – Sixth Street Cinema in Mariposa – Awarded for presenting avante guard, independent, educational, and controversial films in an environment that encourages community involvement.

Learn more about Sixth Street Cinema at www.sixthstreetcinema.org

If you have questions about Sierra Art Trails, please phone 559-658-8844 or email admin@sierraarttrails.org