For the past several years, the Fontana City Council has been promoting and celebrating the cultural arts. As a result of the increased awareness of programs, hundreds of residents have started to take part in some of the relatively new local educational and entertainment opportunities through the Art Depot, located at 16822 Spring Street.

The Artist Showcase is a quarterly event that allows citizens to view artwork in the Foyer in City Hall, (8353 Sierra Avenue). Many enjoy the artist receptions, and participate in a Family Fun Day which focuses on giving families a way to connect with

artists. Recently, on July 28, the Family Fun Day celebration introduced children and parents to music, a mobile tide pool, the Mobile Recreation Unit, fish printing and most importantly, the featured showcase artist, Lucien Van Oosten who performed demonstrations to the crowds.

The public is still welcome to view Mr. Van Oosten's Underwater Seascape images that are open to the public and on display in the Foyer at City Hall until September 28. Van Oosten creates art in pen and ink, mixed media drawings, as well as acrylic and oil paint.

The collection of inspirational images has certainly caught the eye of City Councilmember Acquanetta Warren, "His work is outstanding," she said, "I love it. It is so different and pleasing to the eye."

The colors and images have an incredible attention to detail that must be seen in person. Inspired citizens who visit the exhibit may choose to try their own talents at the Open Studio at Art Depot.

The Open Studio is a hands-on experience for citizens to learn a particular art style and then apply it with the help of guided instruction. Some of the featured Open Studio themes in July included "Abstraction Reaction," "Pollock's Painting," "Warhol's Pop Art," and "Optical Illusions." Participants learn how to create works of art just like the masters.

The Open Studio is held every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday (call the Depot for hours at 909-428-8360). The activities are free and are open to the public.

While the Art Depot has quickly caught the attention of individuals and families alike, the building is also a host to other artistic venues such as the Concerts in the Park.

In the summer, the Art Depot serves as a meeting point for musicians and dancers. Every Thursday throughout the summer, beginning at 6:30 p.m., crowds gather to listen to live bands at the Concert in the Park series. From the 1950s hit band, the Diamonds, to the eclectic sounds of Southern California Rock band, Nitro Express, people have been noticing the added benefit a Concert in the Park Series offers. The last 2007 summer concert is the Gospel Night featuring local choirs on August 16 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. A listing of upcoming feature acts is available through the Community Services Department.

To find out more about the Cultural Arts Program, the Artist Showcase and Family Fun Days, the Open Studio at the Art Depot, or the summer concert series, please contact the program coordinator at (909) 428-8360.

The public is welcome to view Mr. Van Oosten's art in the City Hall foyer located at 8353 Sierra Ave., Fontana, CA 92335 from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday until September 28, 2007.