Two-day festival recognizes Crafton Hills College arts community
Publish Date: Dec. 6, 2025
In the months since Crafton Hills College opened its new Finkelstein Performing Arts Center, the building has hosted graduates, musicians, and much more. But a two-day arts festival on Dec. 5 and 6, focused exclusively on the Yucaipa-based college’s arts community during a special housewarming celebration.
Hot coco and cider, music by the Crafton Jazz Band, and performances of John Cariani’s Almost, Maine were event highlights for attending friends, family, and theatre supporters.
“This is the beginning of Crafton reestablishing its performing arts community,” said Anna McNaughton, director of Almost, Maine and a theatre arts adjunct professor. “The idea of creating it as a ‘housewarming’ and inviting everyone on campus is because this ‘house’ belongs to everyone.
“The hope is that poets will bring their poetry here and artists will bring their art here, and it will be a place of community and creativity and collaboration and celebration for all the voices of our entire community,” she continued.
The new performance center was years in the making, officially opening its doors in September. The state-of-the-art facility replaces the college’s old gymnasium complex and now serves as a hub for music, theater and dance programming, all under one roof.
With a mission to foster creativity and community engagement, the PAC is host to a new performing arts stage, multiple practice rooms, and additional space to display artwork of various mediums.
For musicians like Sunny Gunn, the arts festival was a chance for the former Roadrunner and now Cal State San Bernardino student to practice her vocal and piano skills in time for Crafton’s Jazz Band to host its holiday concert. It also served as an opportunity to share her passion for music with the community.
“It’s an honor to be able to participate in a festival that gathers all sorts of arts across the campus, especially with music because a lot of times our music department goes unnoticed,” said the 24-year-old Yucaipa resident. “An event like this gives us the opportunity to perform and showcase their talent, but also shows that people can come to Crafton to explore their skills or watch whatever they want.”
More performances and showcases are planned for the PAC in the coming days and beyond. To find out about upcoming shows or to learn more about Crafton’s theater arts and music programs, go to www.craftonhills.edu.
