Chico's Artoberfest celebration is a labor of love for Debra Lucero. Her marketing skills and passion for the arts drive the festival, and she actively promotes cultural tourism year-round.
Lucero is a native Chicoan who says her appreciation for local arts and culture was sparked when she lived in Seattle...and saw how the arts were such an integral part of that community.
She's married to an artist...her mother, sister, and grandfather are artists... and Lucero herself is a writer,"What a beautiful way, what a beautiful language to create connection. What's more beautiful than a piece of art, a piece of music, or a play?"
Lucero is director of the month long Artoberfest celebration, which kicks off with the Chico Palio horse sculpture race. Art studio tours, music, theatre, and even quilt and fashion shows are part of the festivites. Lucero also serves as the Executive Director of Friends of the Arts Butte County, and she's Butte County's Director of Cultural Tourism.
"This town is so blessed, this area is so blessed, because its such a beautiful area. All over the world, wherever you find great beauty, there is great art."
Lucero believes investing in the arts is investing in the community. pointing to europe as an example of the power of art,"It's kind of like adorning a person with the final touches.The finishing touches, and it creates value to the people who live there."
As far as what's next? Lucero believes the next frontier lies in art and agriculture, "I would like to see art on haystacks, art on farms, more sculpture...because i think we could create an art tour along with an ag tour that would be very enjoyable."
There are plenty of artoberfest activities remaining. You can find out more at www.artoberfest.org. We have a link on our website, where you can also nominate someone for recognition on "Action News Applauds You.####
