Past Projects
Artoberfest
Was an annual county-wide celebration of arts and culture held in the month of October. It features more than 100 events and served as a driving force for creating greater economic activity and development for the arts, the city of Chico, and the County of Butte. The kick-off event was 'Chico Palio'.
Chico Palio
Held the first weekend of October, Chico Palio was an arts style take-off on the Palio Horse Race in Sienna, Italy. Instead of racing horses, we had artists, schools, organizations and community members create 'sculptures and they were raced to the delight of the crowd. Started in 2006, Chico Palio became a wonderful showcase for emerging and existing arts and culture organizations, local schools, community groups, and more.
Chico Silent Film Festival
Starting in 2011, the Chico Silent Film Festival was held at the Chico Women's Club, where we would convert the building into a silent film theater complete with live accompaniment by renowned pianist Fredrick Hodges playing the club's restored Steinway piano. Held in February, films were restored, provided and curated by film historian David Sheppard.
Art of Food and Wine
This event was in partnership with Feather Falls Casino and Hotel to showcase the culinary arts of the region. It was complete with top chef awards, art exhibits, extravagant entertainment, live music and more. Held in an elegant fashion, this event became a wonderful night out for residents of Butte, Yuba, and Colusa counties, which included bandy and cigar tastings.
Oroville Events
For ten years, UCEF held a contract with the City of Oroville to produce and promote five signature events to create economic awareness and development in the area. Events included the Wildflower and Nature Festival, Feather Fiesta Days, the Fourth of July Celebration, the Salmon Festival and the Holiday Parade of Lights. These events help raise the visibility of Oroville by bringing tens of thousands of visitors to the city.
Chico Glass Fest
Chico Glass Fest was a celebration of art glass produced in Chico, which originated from the 'Hot Shop' at Chico State University in the 1970's. The Chico Glass Fest was a two-day event bringing some of the top names in glass art to Chico, which included a lively two-day public component of celebrity glassblowers giving demonstrations (to live music by local musicians) in a mobile hot shop parked in Sierra Nevada Brewery’s hops field.
True North Tour
True North Tour was a three-year project in collaboration with Chcio State University and three other Northern California Arts Councils from Shasta, Trinity and Butte counties. The mission of this project was to bring world-class performers and workshops in the musical genres of classical, Jazz and bluegrass/Americana to the more remote and underserved areas of the region. Performers included Andrew Wang, the Metta Jazz Quintet, and Reckoning. Performances were held in Weaverwille, Redding and Chico. As well as encourage economic expansion by employing musicians, renting venues, and increasing audience, business and arts awareness in Northern California.