Art View October 2017
By Jim Christiansen
Trick or Treat! I haven’t got a lot of ghoulish or zombie apocalypse to add to our Modesto View, except to suggest some theme like that for October Art Walk. So far, the new format has included Clue Mystery, Pirates, and Rockabilly, so stop in to find out what happens this month on October 19. And in case some Art Walk spot seems dark, dank, even though on your route, check and see if you have the new semi-annual map. www.modestoartwalk.com Look up for Extempore, the pop up Artist Alley bar.
Mistlin Gallery continues its juried Autumn Art Festival show this month. Art Work is for sale, but you can see half a bicycle in mid-air, or Eva Haas’ portrait of Steve Bannon, and more in this big fundraiser show of the year. And check out fall workshops and classes. You don’t need a costume, nor the model either to attend the weekly Wednesday night life drawing group in the Mistlin studio area, 7 to 9 pm. Fee is $10 a session. Bring treats at your peril, or contact Jack Morris for more information for joining the model schedule or letting you in the door to draw, paint, or sketch to a live model.
The Cake Walk shoe still up at Chartreuse Muse with some Fall expected changes celebrating of 15 years in business. The Muse also has fall classes, located down on Tenth Street. Over at Barking Dog, Dawn Wagner “Hollywood” art will replace the continuing show by Margaret Ritchey, changing over at October Art Walk. At Carolyn Huff Photography, George Balliet is the featured artist. George describes his art as “pareidolia” which he defines “the mind perceiving a familiar pattern of something, where none actually exists.” That seems spooky enough to visit. And if it isn’t, Brian Swander has art up at Preservation Coffee. Trick or Treat, collect some drink and goodies while you’re out.
The Harvest Festival shows up Friday, October 14, downtown Modesto. This annual event features local artists, many of Modesto Artist Salon, crafters, vendors, food, and fun. That one is a full day event. That same weekend I am holding my annual Birthday Open Studio at my house on Bodem Street, where Bodem and Sunrise split, with some sale pricing as there is a lot, and I’d like to see my art get home. And I’m just past deadline today, as I just finished hanging my latest large Sharpie Mural, titled Sixties Party, out in the Wycliffe area, for Jennifer and Steven Ward. It’s similar to my mural in the bar at Tresetti’s, and if you an urge for your own sharpie mural, I have the pens. First Friday usually done by the time Modesto View comes out, so remember and make it a habit, to go downtown. First Friday Craft Grab, DOMO market, Queen Bean, all have something going.
