My husband and I recently attended an event hosted by the Arrowhead Arts Association highlighting its strings program. The high school-aged musicians were remarkably accomplished, and I was astonished to learn that, through hard work, fundraising and sponsorships, several students recently had the opportunity to travel to Italy and perform in 13 high-visibility venues.
Italy has always impressed me with its history and culture. I think many people have an affinity for Italy precisely because its culture isn’t tucked away. It is part of the experience of being there.
That got me thinking about our own mountain.
We have history. We have music. We have art. We have remarkably talented young people and dedicated volunteers. Yet sometimes our cultural life feels almost hidden compared with communities that have made the arts an unmistakable part of their identity.
And that matters – even to property owners who don’t consider themselves particularly “artsy.”
Research has found an association between a stronger presence of art in neighborhoods and greater relative gains in residential property prices. That doesn’t prove attending a concert will increase the value of your house, of course. But it reinforces something that makes intuitive sense: People value places that offer them something beyond four walls and a nice view. Culture helps create a community people want to belong to.
We’ve watched some beloved mountain traditions disappear. Remember the Rotary Art and Wine Festival? Others have changed dramatically or become increasingly commercialized. Lake Arrowhead Brewfest, I remember what you used to be.
There’s nothing inherently wrong with successful commercial events. But nonprofit cultural events do something different. Ticket purchases, sponsorships and donations can flow back into scholarships, instruments, education and opportunities for local young people. They build culture while building community.
We have two excellent opportunities coming up.
On Saturday, Aug. 29 at 4 p.m., the Arrowhead Arts Association presents the Whist Duo at Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church in Lake Arrowhead. The free performance is the final concert in its three-part Summer Chamber Concert Series and features piano and flute.
The 19th annual Blue Jay Jazz Festival, produced by the nonprofit Blue Jay Jazz Foundation, runs Aug. 27-29, with performances at Tavern Bay Beach Club and San Moritz Lodge. Festival proceeds help support instruments, scholarships and music-making opportunities for mountain youth.
Maybe culture contributes to property values. Research suggests there’s a connection. But I’d argue its greater value is harder to put on a spreadsheet.
Culture makes a place memorable. It gives young people opportunities. It brings neighbors together. It gives visitors another reason to return – and residents another reason to be proud of where they live.
So attend the concert. Buy the festival ticket. Donate. Bring your friends.
If we want to live in a community rich in culture, we have to show up for it.
Theresa Grant is a real estate broker and columnist covering Lake Arrowhead, Crestline, Running Springs, and the surrounding mountain communities. Reach her at (909) 442-1345 visit www.HomesInLakeArrowhead.com, and follow her on social media @TheresaGrantRealtor. Theresa is a Broker Associate with REAL Broker Technologies. DRE#01202881.
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