We are honored to announce the launch of the Joan Barsotti Gallery and Reading Room at 525 Main Street, home of Arts and Culture El Dorado. Many of you will remember Joan, a beloved local author and matriarch of the Barsotti Family. Joan’s books continue to delight and inspire new generations of kids, and in early 2027 our Gallery will launch a program series for young people, to include storytelling, writing, bookmaking, and illustrating. We cannot think of a more appropriate way to honor Joan and her family, who have contributed to our community beyond measure.

We will continue to offer rotating curated exhibitions and use of the space for cultural events such as Day of the Dead, our arts and agriculture programming, creative writing workshops for veterans, literary events, awards programs, and all the other programs and services that bring culture and creativity to life in El Dorado County.

Today, we are asking for your support in making the Joan Barsotti Gallery a reality. Please consider a donation to Arts and Culture El Dorado that will allow us to establish and sustain this tribute to a wonderful woman—a cherished author, storyteller, and deeply active community member, known for creating lasting friendships and nurturing her family. Her life was marked by a passion for writing, community involvement, and a vibrant, engaging personality. Programs at the Barsotti Gallery will inspire and ignite the minds of our most precious resource—our young people—who need the creative arts in their lives now more than ever.

We invite you to support this important new initiative by becoming a 2026 Patron of the Gallery. All supporters will be invited to a Patron Reception, and this year promises to be especially fun. On Saturday, October 3, we will host you and your friends at the Placerville Airport in the VIP Hangar, where we’ll serve hors d’oeuvres by North Fork Feast, outstanding local wines, and a special performance by classic rock & blues band Bad Cat.

        In addition, some Patron levels include the opportunity to congratulate the Barsotti Family and celebrate the arts              in the tribute pages of our event program.

Patron reception on Saturday, October 3, 5:00 pm, at the Placerville Airport.

Our Patron tiers are below.

LEVELS OF SUPPORT FOR PATRON GIVING