Arts and Culture El Dorado’s mission to promote, connect, and empower arts and culture throughout the county is achieved by targeted programs and services; a vibrant gallery exhibition series; and a focus on initiatives which support and sustain the cultural life of the region.
Currently at Switchboard Gallery
Pictures and Pages: Illustrators of El Dorado County, celebrates the rich tradition of illustration in El Dorado County, showcasing artists who bring stories to life through line, color, and imagination. From drawings, paintings, and beyond, the exhibition highlights the diverse voices and visual storytelling traditions rooted in our local creative community.
Young Artist Awards 2026
In 2019 and 2020, El Dorado County lost four beloved members of its community: Richard H. Bush, Lanny Langston, Joey Cattone, and Jane Van Camp. In their memory, and as a way of celebrating their impact and their legacies, Arts and Culture El Dorado created the Young Artist Awards, which honor juniors and seniors at El Dorado County high schools in four categories: Music, Theatre, Visual Art, and Nature-inspired Art. The recipients of these awards also receive $500. A reception for the families, students, and nominating teachers was held at Arts and Culture El Dorado’s Switchboard Gallery on Thursday, April 30.
Heavenly Gondola Wrap Public Art Project
Arts and Culture El Dorado, in partnership with Vail Resorts, is currently in the selection phase for the Heavenly Gondola Wrap Public Art Project. The project will commission an artist to create original artwork for a vinyl wrap on a Heavenly gondola cabin, promoting sustainable access to Emerald Bay and stewardship of Lake Tahoe in partnership with the League to Save Lake Tahoe.
The City of Placerville and Arts and Culture El Dorado are growing public art in Placerville. Guided by the Placerville Public Art Master Plan, the Public Art Committee reviews and recommends projects that reflect diverse artistic disciplines and support community involvement.
Arts99 Now Available Digitally
The Fall Issue of ARTS 99 is Here!
Featured in this issue:
El Dorado Irrigation District’s Centennial
Public Art in the Meyers Roundabouts
Chemistry and Alchemy in Cameron Park
Moira Magneson, El Dorado County Poet Laureate
Program Support and Benefit Supporters
Arts and Culture El Dorado, in partnership with El Dorado County and Caltrans, is leading a public art initiative for the roundabouts in Meyers at the gateway to South Lake Tahoe.
Confidence Hall and the Emigrant Jane Stuart Renovation
Renovating for the future...
With the signing of a fundraising agreement between the City of Placerville and Arts and Culture El Dorado, the process of restoring two historic buildings on Placerville’s Main Street has begun
Poet Laureate of El Dorado County 2025-2027
Over the years, Moira Magneson has worked as a river guide, artist's model, truck driver, television writer, editor, and community college writing instructor. A Northern California native, she lives in the Sierra foothills where she has spearheaded many art actions and initiatives, including El Dorado County's Poetry Out Loud Competition, Veterans' Voices, Barbaric Yawp, and Black Lives: An American Overture.
Veterans' Voices Writing Workshop
Arts and Culture El Dorado is pleased to announce that Sue Norman and Lara Gularte will be facilitating new Veteran's Voices Writing Workshop sessions in South Lake Tahoe and Placerville starting in October.
New Incubator Partners
arteSana is dedicated to creating welcoming spaces for the original peoples, residents, and guests of the El Dorado County region to practice diverse contemporary folk art traditions in a nurturing, multilingual context. Click to read more.
The Become the River Literary Festival of Coloma brings together writers and environmental advocates to explore voices shaped by their connection to rivers and watersheds in both written and spoken word. Click here to read more.
Celebrating Shingle Springs heritage by raising funds and installing a "Welcome to Shingle Springs" monument sign. Click to read more.
This live musical performance and historically-based play features sing-along Gold Rush songs, storytelling, and humor. Click to read more.
Artist Anton Nemeth at his ceramics bench
Pine needle basket by artist Nettie Fox
Poetry Out Loud contestant Michaela Yack
Support Arts and Culture El Dorado!
Your tax deductible contribution helps support the arts community in El Dorado County.