Mountain
communities must draw creative talent: Big Bear is
host to three art galleries,
a local arts council,
a community arts theatre society, and a state-of-the-art
performing theatre. The Arts Council of Big Bear Valley
promotes art and music through service programs such
as the "Magic
of Music" and events, including Art on the Lake
and the Big Bear Lake Film Festival.
The
Community Arts Theatre
Association (C.A.T.S) was established in 1994 as a
non-profit theatrical organization designed
for community participation in bringing inspirational
theater to Big Bear. From stage production and costume
design to
the performance itself, members of the Big Bear community
have an opportunity to be a part of the theater magic.
The
Big Bear Performing Arts Center (PAC) is a 398-seat,
state-of-the-art theater, where the stage is set to
promote and encourage a wide variety of arts, cultural
performances,
community events and programs designed to take advantage
of the full range and flexibility of the Center.
It also develops community outreach and provides opportunities
for
individual performers and community theater presentations.
Literature
is also rich on the mountain. A village bookstore/coffeehouse
often promotes literature through
book readings and signings
and the Big Bear Library gives the community access
to all San Bernardino books and materials through
the County's
networking system. The Library provides services
to children, adults, and seniors and is committed
to being a resource
upon which the public, business, industry, and government
can rely for accurate and timely information, recreational
needs, and cultural enrichment. Through the Library's
Literacy, Information, Technology and Education center
(LITE), programs and resources are offered that assist
today's
young children, parents and caregivers in developing
skills to meet tomorrow's challenges. The workshops,
hands-on projects, and all-around fun, offered to
children up to five
and their parent or guardian, expose them to educational
opportunities and growing experiences that benefit
both child and adult. The program also provides free,
confidential adult
basic literacy assistance, free children's
books for qualified families, English improvement
and GED instruction.
