Art is Modestocana
By Jim Christiansen
Our Modesto View July theme is Modestocana/Americana, celebrating the history of Modesto. 150th Fourth of July Parade, Graffiti Summer, MoBand, and more. Images of Modesto icons on display at the Chartreuse Muse with paintings by Bill Harris and Jonathon Troxler with new ceramics by Don Hall, and bicycle and airplane themes of Dean De Cocker The Muse is expanding classes in ceramics and clay, has other apparel and artists in the mix.
Photographer Rick Raef was featured at the Kruse-Lucas Imports Gallery at 525 Tully Road through August with his Graffiti Car Art Exhibit celebrating Modesto and California Car Culture. All proceeds from sales of his work will be donated to the Graffiti Classic Car Museum nearby.
Artists Laura Stokes and Jimmy Abuan’s show at McHenry Museum will end July 2, but a visit to the Museum features all sorts of art and Modesto historical exhibits.
Modesto’s transformation to the future over at the State Theatre, with a new neon sign facelift with the soon-to-open Intermission bar and gathering spot. The Jewel still playing host to Kristy Moore and other artists during Art Walk where you can peek into the Jewel’s small theater. Art Walk returns on July 20.
Nearby is Dragonfly Art for Life, classes ongoing there all summer, and are a regular gallery and creative studio space to visit during the month. Art Walk at Ralston’s Goat featured artists are hung in the pool table room and bar all month, and permanent photos are on display in the main dining room. The Goat recently hosted some pop-up art events with the music schedule. The regulars at the Tresetti’s/Preservation coffee corner at 11th and J Streets added art demos to the Third Thursday sidewalk scene.
18 Seventy Brewing has art displayed on the back counters during Art Walk and the map includes Lo-Fi Cocktails in case you are looking for more than the galleries open on Third Thursday. Preservation ‘Coffee has art on the walls to look at as you wait for your order, as does Papachino’s and Picasso’s Gourmet Deli and Gallery, Cheroots, though not on the Art Walk maps. The Art District continues to add murals to visit anytime. Peer Recovery Art Project on Tenth Street, having an ongoing summer fundraiser with donated art for sale to benefit the program. First Friday Market is July 7
MoBand Thursdays overlap with Third Thursday, but the crowds visiting Mistlin Gallery was a great turnout for the Emerging Artists, Salon des Refuses, and Members open theme show. New artists on the walls, new members in the line up in Gallery B, including youngest CCAA member Charles Sperling, age 12 with 3 works in. The Emergence show is one to see and both displays be up until July 15. New classes at Mistlin Gallery, Dragonfly Art for Life, and Chartreuse Muse will be going all summer. Inquire at the galleries for details.
Don’t just show up for a one-night art experience. You can access art in Modesto year around.
Life Drawing sessions are still ongoing at Mistlin Gallery Wednesday nights from 7 to 9 PM. Knights Ferry Art Studio has a Friday Night, life drawing session including materials for $18.
There is still time to sign up for the Stanislas Artist Open Studio’s, October 21 and 22 weekend. Artists interested can get details by emailing openstudio.stanislaus@gmail.
