Vanguard Art Gallery Successfully Exhibits Local Talent

It was a busy but fun day for the Vanguard Art Gallery on Eucalyptus Avenue in Moreno Valley on May 16. The gallery and town circle were filled with a myriad of community members and local talented artists as the night kicked off at 5 p.m. and went until about 10 that night. The night didn’t only consist of an Art Expo and Farmer’s Market put on by the Vanguard, but the night was also filled with eight local music groups that put on a show for the large audience. While listening to the local talent, attendees also had the opportunity to browse through various art pieces and the Farmer’s Market. According to President/CEO of the Moreno Valley Cultural Arts Foundation (MVCAF) and Director of the Vanguard Art Gallery Richard Archer, the eight music groups that intrigued a large audience were students from Valley View High School (VVHS). He added, “I have several volunteers from VVHS and they asked if their friends could perform and I thought it was a great idea. They were absolutely great and very professional.” Artist Tony Lavall is currently on exhibition at the Vanguard through June 14, so attendees were able to visit him and view his artwork while listening to the music by local talent and roaming around the art expo and market. “The courtyard was filled with people and you can tell everyone was really into it,” Archer shared. “We don’t only want to make certain that people are aware of where we are but also build awareness of the other businesses here too. We want to make sure it’s working for everybody; that has been our philosophy from the get-go.” According to Archer, Councilwoman LaDonna Jempson was even able to attend and has been an instrumental supporter of the many projects done by Vanguard Art Gallery and the MVCAF, including her purchases of several artworks that have helped local artists in Moreno Valley. He shared that they have been trying to put on a Farmer’s Market and have been experimenting the best time to do one. With the great turn out from Saturday night’s events, Archer shared that the eight vendors for the market did great that night. Archer shared, “I’m pretty excited about the way things are going. The response we’re getting is just incredible and people have been immensely appreciative of what we’re doing here.”