Emma Yogan
Staff Writer
Mid-Valley Arts League is celebrating their 71st annual members exhibit until Oct. 3.
Located at the Millard Sheets Art Center and Gallery at the Fairplex in Pomona with free admission, the exhibit is open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Thursdays to Sundays.
Visitors of the Mid-Valley Arts League viewed pieces of art from their “Where Imagination Meets Creativity” exhibition.
The exhibit consists of works from San Gabriel Valley local artists working in various media from water color, oil and pastels.
After exhibiting there in 2025, the Mid-Valley Arts League returns to Millard Gallery this year and displays works from its members. Memberships are open to all levels of artists and art lovers. Some benefits include monthly demonstrations of technique, scholarship opportunities, art exposure and more.
To become a member of the MVAL, one can follow a simple process of filling out a new membership application form and pay the $40 fee for an individual annual membership and $50 for a couple membership. The MVAL membership begins on July 1 of the current year, but memberships can extend beyond that date for people interested in joining later in the year.
Roger Luebs and his wife Peggy shared their experience on visiting the exhibit, which they found through the Claremont Courier.
“I enjoyed the Millard Sheets collection in the lobby,” Roger Luebs said.
“That might even be the reason we came here,” Peggy Luebs said.
In 1994, The Millard Sheets Art Center was named in dedication to Millard Sheets to honor the well-known and acclaimed local artist, educator and architect.
“You have to look for new things to do and appreciate in your community,” Peggy Luebs said when explaining why the exhibit is appealing for people in the community. “There’s so much talent here, and instead of watching TV, just go out and look at the world.”
The exhibit room was lined with unique pieces of art from local artists as approximately 10 visitors walked around to enjoy and observe the artwork. Each piece was guided with a listing label which included the artist’s name, title and the art materials used.
“I don’t know the artists personally, but when I look at their work, I feel like I know them a little bit and I can feel their energy,” Roger Luebs said.
“The award ceremony happened yesterday, Saturday the 19, and all the artists who were awarded got to put their ribbons up next to their artwork,” Pam McGuern, member and artist said.
McGuern herself had two art pieces displayed in the exhibit: one called “Beautiful Banff” and the other titled “Along the 17-mile Drive,” both of which used watercolor.
Michelle Brusseau shared that her and her family were inspired by her husband’s aunt to come visit the museum.
“I think it’s amazing that they’re offering something like this completely free; I feel like I hit the goldmine,” Brusseau said.
“I would definitely encourage people I know to come here because it’s an opportunity to be exposed to art, and there are all kinds of art here, things that are unexpected,” Brusseau said.
For more information, visit midvalleyartsleague.org.
Emma Yogan can be reached at emma.yogan@laverne.edu.
Emma Yogan is a senior communications major with a concentration in public relations. She is a member of the University of La Verne’s women’s volleyball team and a staff writer for the Campus Times.
Joseph Nocero is a senior photography major at the University of La Verne and a staff photographer for the Campus Times and photography editor for La Verne Magazine. His work can also be found at Joseph Nocero Photography.
