Art View
By Jim Christiansen
For the love of Art.
Valentine’s Day month opens with notice from the Stanislaus County Artists Open Studio, there will be 65 Artists in the 2015 Event. Modesto View is a sponsor of the event that features local artists in a variety of media, on display, and working demonstrations in studios around the county. The Map booklet, with artists statements and art sampling will go on sale March 1. Price is $10. This includes admission to all studios in the self-guided tour with map. Students 18 and under get in free if accompanied by map holder. A preview show will be held at Gallo Center April 17 & 18, in conjunction with Modesto Symphony concert events. Open Studio goes beyond the usual gallery show or Art Walk. Many of the sites are the actual work spaces of the artists, with access to full portfolios and works you don’t always see in shows or gallery display. Good day to ask questions, get to know the artists, and pick up some tips on creating art. www.stanislausaos.wordpress.com
January’s Art Walk was chilly, but the action was hot at Mistlin Gallery, as Central West Ballet dancers performed in the environment of the CCAA New Members Show. With the Art Show as a backdrop, the Ballet troupe performed in various dancer combinations, and challenged audience members to come up and learn a few steps. I think this was a great collaboration between arts nonprofits, and hope to see more of this sort out of the mold thinking in future art walks. I attended Merced Art Hop on Saturday, where their signature dance troupe and flash mobs were missing, but DJs and light shows on downtown business walls provided the sort of Arts Action that make their quarterly Art Night a real multimedia exploration. Don Hall’s “Selfies in the style of other artists” show at Chartreuse Muse is up through the month. Chartreuse Muse is still offering life drawing sessions, about every other Saturday, 10 am to 1 pm, $10.
Next Art Walk is February 19. Preservation Coffee and Tea is back in action with art by Ryan Tesluk. Modspot in the Old Camera Center is open, next door to the Peer Recovery Art Project Gallery. Barkin Dog Grill always has art up, and the Thursday Night Jam on Third Thursday. Get a map. I get mine at Crow Trading.
Carnegie Art Center is hosting “Valley View” featuring art educator’s works of the landscape, activities and events of the Valley. Artists are Dan Kasser, photographer of Lodi and UOP, and Chella, well known Modesto painter and art instructor. Show runs to March 22.
Tracy Art League open for entries to its annual “Expressions” show. Entries due and art receiving is February 7 and 8. Drop off at the Tracy Community Center. Artists Reception is February 13, and the public show is Feb 14 to 20.
February 7 is also the Awards and Artists Reception for the Delicato Family Vineyards annual Fine Art Show. Show is up at the Tasting room until then, during regular business hours. I have to go up to the reception, sample some wine, as I have a painting to pick up from the show.
Nothing gets to an artist’s heart like your choice to buy your Valentine an original piece of Art.
