Art, for Heaven’s Sake!
Art, for Heaven’s Sake! is a three-day annual art festival held in historic Redlands, California on the grounds and gardens of the Redlands United Church of Christ. The Redlands United Church of Christ holds this event to support the arts and the community.
This premiere art festival of the Inland Empire features 60-70 artists and crafters representing a wide variety of media, including acrylics, photography, watercolor, oils, stained glass, jewelry, pottery, and metal sculpture.
In addition to original art, the festival offers a craft boutique, a food truck experience, fabulous music, and artist demonstrations. A gala “Meet the Artists” reception open to the public is held on Friday evening to open the show.
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History of Art, for Heaven’s Sake!
1979
The first Art, for Heaven’s Sake! Show took place in the living room of Redlands United Church of Christ members in 1979. Dr. Gordon and Polly Reynolds hosted the show to raise funds for a church building for the newly formed congregation. Dorothy Landeros, a founding church member, coined the name Art, for Heaven’s Sake! She meant it to be a pun.
1980 – 1991
In 1991, the medical facility was sold. This meant the show had to move. The newly built Redlands United Church of Christ was just down the street. The area where the church sanctuary sits today was vacant, so the show committee borrowed a huge tent from the City of Redlands and put it up on the large east lawn. The show also used the hall, the patio and the area where the church office is as well. Church on art show Sunday was held in the garden
2001- 2018
When the church completed the sanctuary and church office in 2001, the art show had to regroup again. It was then that the show took on its present layout. In recent years, members of the church grounds committee enlarged the garden to hold even more artists
2019
Upon the completion of Mosaic Hall in 2019, the show included a craft boutique in the new building.
2020
2020 brought a new challenge to the show. This year due to the Covid pandemic, the show was held virtually. Thankfully, the show resumed in person October of 2021.
2021-Present
In 2021, the show was back in person but reduced in size in order to keep everyone as safe as possible from Covid. The addition of food trucks provided a fun dining experience just outside the show.
Over the years, the show has become a major event in Redlands. Both exhibitors and guests come from all over Southern California to experience the beautiful art and music. Proceeds from the show help to fund such organizations at Food for All, the Redlands Christian Counseling Service, Angel’s Closet, Get on the Bus and Music Changing Lives, Assistance League Operation School bell and more. Past shows have also helped to fund Hurricane Katrina Relief, and relief in Haiti.