Fallbrook Arts, Inc.

February 2009

Watching things grow has held our fascination from childhood.  It is the essence of spring; it renews us and allows us to see the fruit of our past labor.  And so it is with the seeds sown nearly 20 years ago by Bill Ross and Vince Ross that the Fallbrook Village Association transitions into the next phase of its economic revitalization program.

At a luncheon held last month, Marlene Rantanen and Vince Ross explained to civic and community leaders that the Fallbrook Village Association has undergone a ‘metamorphosis’, as a natural process of growth and maturation, born of its own success, transforming from one organization into two.  The newly formed entity Fallbrook Arts, Inc. will focus exclusively on the Arts and their critical role in the economic vitality of Fallbrook.  Board members include Marlene Rantanen, President; Jerri Patchett, Vice President; Jim Claborn, Treasurer; Robin Erickson, Secretary; Colleen Aichle, Assistant Secretary; Vince Ross, Past President, Jim Helms, Connie Fish and Helene Ross.

“Identifying and isolating the significant success of Fallbrook’s five arts organizations that fall under the umbrella of Fallbrook Arts, Inc. is visionary during this period of economic uncertainty” said Marlene.  The caliber of instruction available at Fallbrook School of the Arts assures that classes continue to swell with students from our region and beyond, bringing much needed discretionary dollars to local businesses. The Fallbrook Art Center’s reputation for excellence and sophistication with exhibits such as last fall’s “Decades of Conflict” gained notable attention with its intensity and conversation-worthy content. The Brandon Gallery and Fallbrook Art in Public Places, in concert with the Fallbrook Arts Alliance continue to generate excitement and energy about the enormous variety of arts promoted and supported by our community.

Rantanen believes that as Fallbrook continues to attract new residents and visitors because of our reputation and commitment to the arts, we will gain valuable energy and momentum to our programs and we will continue to renew and refresh our community.