Our History

The organizational meeting of the Associates of the Idyllwild School of Music and the Arts (ISOMATA), now Idyllwild Arts, took place in January, 1968 with the purpose of supporting the school, volunteering, donating scholarship funds for students, and providing cultural activities for the Idyllwild community. ISOMATA was owned and operated by the University of Southern California at that time. ISOMATA began offering summer art classes in 1950.

In the early years the Associates contributed many hours of volunteer time to help meet the school’s needs. In addition to raising scholarship funds, they assisted with office tasks such as mailings, Summer registration, and helped the maintenance department with raking pine needles, shoveling snow, painting and repairing buildings, as well as many other tasks. In addition, the Associates gave support and volunteer hours to a successful Elderhostel program which took place on campus during the 1970’s and 1980s.

Associates’ meetings were held weekly and cultural events for the community were organized. Besides concerts and performances, the Associates hosted the popular McElderry Speakers Series featuring artists, professors, movie critics, educators, and more.

ISOMATA gained independence from USC in 1983. In preparation for the start of the residential high school, Idyllwild Arts Academy & Summer Program, in 1986, volunteers from the Associates created a new library. Tutoring of students in English, math, science, and literature followed. Housing students who are far away from home over holidays continues to be another important contribution, when needed.

With the advent of Idyllwild Arts Academy, the need for scholarships expanded.  The Associates responded by focusing on fundraisers. The idea of a Jazz festival came from long time members in 1992; Jazz in the Pines was inaugurated in 1993. From a small one day event held on campus each August, Jazz in the Pines grew to a renowned three day festival featuring world class musicians. After the 21st Jazz Festival, the Associates turned over the management of the festival to the Idyllwild Arts Foundation. The Associates continued to volunteer and organize significant areas of the Festival including the production of the opening night Patrons’ Party. More than 300 volunteers and countless hours of work each year, created a successful Jazz Festival through 2018, the 25th, and final, Jazz in the Pines.

Currently, The Associates continue to volunteer and to produce fundraisers including Musicales, Auctions, Art Events, outdoor activities, and many more events.

The Associates established an Endowment Fund in 1988 to support scholarships for the arts in perpetuity. The fund has grown from a few thousand dollars to over $320,000. Our Endowment Fund grows from the generosity of our members and friends. Interest income from the Fund goes directly to Scholarship Funds at Idyllwild Arts Academy and Summer Program.

The Associates, continue to contribute countless volunteer hours and has donated more than $3,000,000. to support Idyllwild Arts.

Individual Membership remains at $100 per year.  We welcome guests and non-members.

Associates of Idyllwild Arts Foundation is a 501(c)3 organization

Tax ID # 33-003544
For more information please visit our website at www.associatesofiaf.org