Art View by Jim Christiansen May opens with two juried Spring Shows opening May 4. In Modesto, the 60th annual Central California Art Association Spring Show, opens with a Gala artist and award Gala event, with silent auction, raffle and presentations at the Mistlin Gallery. The Spring Show Gala costs $20 and supports the CCAA/Mistlin Gallery. After the Gala, the show is free to view during regular gallery hours and Art Walk until June 13.The other juried Spring Show, is the Annual Carnegie Arts Center exhibition in Turlock, that also opens May 4. That show will be open through June 30.
The following day, drop in at Congregation Beth Shalom for great food, music and art for Café Shalom event. My friend Eli Lester talked me into this fun event again this year. Cinco de Mayo event undoubtedly happening that day, but I don’t have information on that for the visual arts. Shout out to my friend, artist Greg Carrillo that his health improving. The Family Justice Center has partnered the past couple years with local artists to raise awareness and fundraising for the Center’s mission through its “Art of Justice” program. Several pieces of art are still available for exhibit and for sale. 100% of the proceed from the sale of the art helps support the Stanislaus Family Justice Center’s, “Art Restores Kids” program and today we are 100% privately funded and staffed by all volunteers. For more information about these programs, to purchase art or make a donation, or find out how you can get involved, please contact Cindy on (209) 525-5134 or cschneider@stanislausfamilyjustice.org.
May 16 is the date for Downtown Modesto Third Thursday Art Walk this month. I got caught up in the City Hall interactive event in 1010 Tenth street for April, so spent most of my time at Mistlin Gallery, Chartreuse Muse, Barkin Dog Grill. Chartreuse Muse is featuring Dean Decocker and James Deitz sculptures, drawings and paintings through May, and has an open call for artisans and crafters to submit works to be featured at the Muse. Bring in about 20 pieces of your work/creations to Chartreuse Muse or drop in for more information. They are seeking unique items. The Muse is also holding classes, for children and adults, including life drawing every other Saturday.
I spent some time talking to MJC faculty member and Artist Deborah Barr Brayman and viewing her featured Clowns at Barkin Dog Grill. Her works also featured this art walk at Building Imagination Center. I tried to go by the Gallery 909 student gallery for the BFA student Painting exhibition, but closed a bit early.
June 1 and 2, join me at the Pick and Gather at Riverdance Farms in Livingston, at 123330 Livingston-Cressey Road. This agricultural festival is unique, with U-Pick organic cherries and blueberries, the Merced River Fair on Saturday. Music and art and dance by many familiar local musicians and artists, along with educational workshops. Call Cindy @ 209 761 0081, web at riverdancefarms.com for more information, or email me at mercenary_graphics@yahoo.com
Keep the date, July 27, for “The Romance of Old Habana/ Havana Focus Exhibit” gala at Martin G. Petersen auditorium on H Street. Photographers David Schroeder and Jon Souza show is “Focus on Cuba,” and the gala benefit event July 27 for Mistlin Gallery, features Cuban Food, Cuban rum, cigars, music, dancing, and more. Look for the flier for information on tickets and table reservations.
