The Ninth Annual “Art at the Matador”, May 10 and 11 has been cancelled. 

Since the fire, the ChiVAA Planning Committee had debated over whether the event would be possible this year, but by March had agreed to attempt it. Members believed that a city-wide celebration of the arts would bring communities together and aid the healing process. 

At that time the Matador motel management was sure that the Campfire evacuees it currently houses would move to more permanent housing by May and 14 rooms would be available for the Art at the Matador. However more permanent housing has not materialized. 

Upon learning last week that Campfire evacuees still needed the motel’s rooms, the ChiVAA Planning Committee considered housing displays entirely under tents on the lawn. However, for understandable reasons, artists who had rented rooms in the past were reluctant to move to outdoor tents. In addition to this, participation by individual artists and arts organization thus far is down by a good third from last year as many artists from hill towns who lost homes and studios, and CSUC and Butte Art Faculties are still in recovery or helping traumatized students.  Clearly, another year is necessary before Art at The Matador can thrive.

ChiVAA will plan for the 2020 rebirth of Art at the Matador with the goal of uniting artists, art organizations and the public within a beautiful, historic space. This Festival fosters an awareness that a strong arts community makes Chico a better place in which to live.

Thank you for your interest and support! The ChiVAA Planning Committee