D.E.I. Through Art!

The 2026 Beacon Art Show ended on Sunday, March 22, 2026. It concluded a run of 18 shows that began in 2008 as part of the celebration of the Grand Opening of the San Luis Obispo United Methodist Church’s (SLOUMC) newly rebuilt structure. (History leading up to this inaugural event began on Easter Sunday 2001 when an arsonist fire consumed the former church building.) The church’s bell tower rising at the top of Fredericks Street stands as a beacon to the entire San Luis Obispo community and thus inspired the name for the show.

This unique art show has been SLOUMC’s gift to the community.  A juried show, it attracted visual artists from the Central Coast and beyond – showcasing their drawings, paintings and fabric art as well as three-dimensional crafts and sculpture. Over the past 18 years, jurors have honored winning artists for their creativity and excellence with financial awards totaling over $25,000. Many pieces were purchased by the church and are displayed throughout the building. Because of the church’s commitment to the artistic community, artists received many benefits for a nominal entry fee including: 1) a bright, airy space in which to display the artwork for an average of 4 weeks; 2) docents to greet and interact with visitors, as well as to safeguard the artwork; 3) a variety of events designed to draw visitors to see the show including vocal and handbell concerts and poetry writing/reading sessions; and 4) inclusion in the Beacon Art Show website. Purchasers of artwork wrote checks made out directly to the artists with the church receiving absolutely no gallery commission.

The Beacon Art Show committee wants to announce that a Purchase Award of the photograph entitled “It’s Christmastime in SLO” by Kathleen Bosch. This photograph won the “Best in Show” award at the opening of this year’s show.

The committee also wants to announce that no future Beacon Art Shows are currently being planned. The committee wishes to express their sincere gratitude to Kathy Friend, David Limrite, Rita Saliklis, Bob Burridge, Margaret Korishelli, Robert Rosenthal and Guy Kinnear who served at times as jurors of the show. For many, many years Beth Mott served as the committee’s coordinator and Dave Rau served as the show’s curator. Without their commitment and vision, the show could not have happened. The committee wishes to recognize them and express to them our deepest gratitude. Also working hard on the committee were Janie Holland Takagi, Paul Takagi, Ernie Lawrence, Kevin Dunlap and Ginny Rodgers. These folks plus numerous other individuals working behind the scenes helped to pull it all together. The committee appreciates each and every one of you and all your efforts,

Sincerely,

The Beacon Art Show Committee