Volunteers are needed to help guide visitors, conduct tours

Did you know that more than 900 students and adults came to the Museum as part of 24 tours conducted during this fall?

The Museum welcomes local students and teachers for school tours to engage with our gallery exhibits and collections. All museum tours are led by museum educators who connect our collections and exhibits to classroom curriculums.

Emphasized are close-looking, visual thinking strategies, and inquiry; free-choice learning by exploring and choosing what to learn; the information given affirms and expands on the choices made; making connections to ideas, other art forms, other school subjects, and to one’s experience; and cultural relevance by connecting art and local history to diverse communities, cultural traditions, and lived experiences.

Museum tours are based on the California Common Core State Standards in a range of subjects including English language arts, history/social science, science, and visual arts.

Museum tours are offered on Tuesdays through Fridays between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. Tour experiences can be scheduled in a variety of tour options from 45 to 90 minutes.

The Museum is in need of volunteers to become docents to conduct these tours to help tell the story of Ontario and the region.
Additionally, we're looking for volunteers to serve on committees or who could work a few hours a week at the Museum store.

Interested? Contact the office at (909) 395-3510.

Museum Programs

EXHIBITIONS

Mission Gráfica:

Reflecting a Community in Print

Jan. 9-March 9

This is a stunning exhibition featuring dozens of screenprints from Mission Gráfica, a community print center of diversity and cultural ferment in San Francisco, found in 1982. The struggles and triumphs of women and Indigenous Americans, international liberation movements and local politics inspired many Gráfica artists, whose works delved into themes that continue to resonate today. The exhibit will include some Southern California artists whose practice in printmaking encapsulates such techniques as monotypes, intaglio, engraving, drypoint, aquatint, etching and mezzotint.

Built on Water

Ongoing

Learn how water shapes our lives! The new permanent exhibition, "Built on Water: Ontario and Inland Southern California" explores the history, present and future of water in Ontario and the surrounding region. Experience our new mobile app, listen to the voices of our community’s water guardians, and see the power of nature through historic photos.

Gem of the Foothills

Ongoing

This shares the story of Ontario's founding,

people and organizations. Explore its roots, beginning with the Tongva and the Californio rancheros to the city’s founding by George Chaffey. Learn why citrus and grapes dominated the landscape or how the airport became a logistical anchor for the Inland Empire. Discover why Ontario is the “Gem of the Foothills.”

EVENTS

Studio Saturdays: Pots of Courage

Jan. 18,

Session 1: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Session 2: 2 to 4 p.m.

Ages 10 and older can celebrate the life and work of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and dive into a creative studio experience to explore themes of resilience, courage, and diversity by transforming flowerpots into vibrant canvases with artist, Krafty Sunflower. Celebrate our community’s strength and beauty as you paint, and let your flowerpots become a colorful testament to the inspiring legacy of Dr. King. As space is limited, registration is advised.

Studio Saturday: Celebrating the

Year of the Serpent with Artist Flora Kao

Jan. 25, 2 to 4 p.m.

Celebrate the Year of the Serpent with artist Flora Kao as we encounter the vibrant traditions of the Lunar New Year. All ages are invited to join us for an event where you will create your own firecrackers and adorn paper lanterns, setting the stage for a joyful Lunar New Year. As space is limited, registration is advised.

Artist Talk: Mission Gráfica:

Printmaking in the Inland Empire

Feb. 1, 2 to 3 p.m.

Join the Museum and talented artists featured in the exhibition "Mission Gráfica" for an engaging discussion on their printmaking techniques, diverse printing methods, and the stories behind their work. Explore the rich history and challenges these artists have faced as they share insights into their creative processes.

Studio Saturdays:

Black History Month Collective

Feb. 8, noon to 3 p.m.

Celebrate Black History Month at the Museum and engage with local artists through interactive activities, creative projects, and inspiring conversations that honor and explore Black heritage and culture.

Ontario Art Walk:

An Evening at the Museum

Feb. 15, 6 to 9 p.m.

Visit the Museum, shop local artisan booths, and participate in a hands-on artmaking experience. Light refreshments provided by the Ontario Museum of History & Art Associates. Interested in participating as a vendor. Contact MuseumInfo@OntarioCA.gov. To learn more about the Ontario Art Walk, visit OntarioArtWalk.org

First Studio Saturdays: Block by Block:

Building Community Through Art

Feb. 22,

Session 1 (Español): noon to 1:30 p.m.

Session 2: (English): 2 to 3:30 p.m.

You are invited to contribute to a community card deck! Join artist cindy “cindita” macias for a community block printing workshop inspired by the exhibition, "Mission Gráfica" Create custom trading cards that reflect you and your community and trade them with others. Supplies and materials provided. As space is limited, registration is advised.

Ontario Art Book Fair

March 29, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The Ontario Art Book Fair is a one-day regional showcase of artists' books, catalogues, monographs, periodicals, and zines hosted at the Museum. At the inaugural Art Book Fair we will highlight exhibitors from around the country with an emphasis on California-based artists and publishers. All publishing houses, independent press collectives, artists, zine-makers, printmakers, and individuals practicing in experimental paper formats are welcome and encouraged to apply.