The dA Center for the Arts, located in the heart of the Pomona Arts Colony will celebrate its 25th anniversary in 2009. For a non-profit arts organization focusing on community arts, this is a milestone to be proud of. The dA first took shape in the late 1970’s when four artists, including dA president Chris Toovey, were hired to create a community arts program for the City of Pomona through the Comprehensive Educational Training Act. One of the ideas to emerge from that program, which ran from 1977 to 1979, was to create a place that could serve as a spot of cultural exchange. The imagined place did not take physical form until the spring of 1984, when a gallery was set up inside an abandoned dance studio on Garey Avenue (the dA officially dates itself from that opening.)

One of the most frequently asked questions is, Where did the name “dA” come from? The original dA location had been the Arthur Murray dance studio on Garey Ave, and the “nce” had fallen off the sign. The small “d” and capitol “A”, keeps us from being confused with the district attorney. In 1997 The dA Gallery moved to a much larger location on Main St., and as our services expanded our name did too, as we are now The dA Center for the Arts.

We keep very busy presenting a new art exhibit every month in the main gallery. At least six of the shows are open to our community of artists which grows each day. The other six slots are either curated with specific artists in mind, or saved for special shows such as the High School Senior show produced in conjunction with a local high school. In addition we host a preview opening for the press and community the Thursday before the opening reception, an opening reception during the Second Saturday Artwalk, and a closing reception on the last Saturday of the month. The Joan Weldon Memorial space (formerly known as the dA dA Space) is used as a classroom for our after-school art programs and rented out to individuals or groups of artists when available.

OTHER POPULAR PROGRAMS AT THE dA

• Every Thursday night, Jack Edwards facilitates a life drawing class.
• To keep the community up-to-date we publish a quarterly newsletter, with a calendar of current events and a call for artists.
• New programs are in development for youth, and adult art instruction.

MISSION STATEMENT

The dA Center for the Arts enhances the quality of life for the greater community by providing opportunities to experience, appreciate and support the arts.
We believe that:
• Imagination is essential and should be encouraged and celebrated.
• Shared information increases understanding.
• Art is vital to empowering, transforming, healing and building communities.
• Art enhances the quality of life.
• Art should be accessible to everyone.

Board of Directors
President/Co-Founder: Chris Toovey
Secretary: Cher Ofstedahl
Treasurer: Phillip Graffham

Executive Director
Marcella Swett

Assistant Director
Delaine Ureno

Members
Ron Alexander
Rolo Castillo
Jack Edwards
Mark Lindley
Joy McAllister
Dina Romero
David Scherer
Joey Seward