ArtView: April Showers May Flowers

ArtView: April Showers May Flowers
By Jim Christiansen

April showers bring May Flowers and sunny spring days, gardening and Earth Day. Good month for Plein Air painting, activities in the park. Art Skulk Number 2, the daytime version, takes place April 10, 10 am to 2 pm at 224 and 230 Sycamore across from Graceada Park. I will be one of the artists on-site, with art for sale. Art Skulk is a fun event that came into being as a pop-up answer to missing Art Walk and had a great turnout in November.

New gallery news in Modesto. Barbara Gill Salerno is the featured artists at the Kruse Lucas Gallery 525 Tully Rd, Modesto, through May 21. Kruse Imports owners Chris and Adriana Bandy have incorporated a gallery in their waiting room in collaboration with curator artist Henrietta Sparkman. On display are Barbara’s plein air and on-location watercolor paintings. Hours 9 am to 5 pm Monday to Friday except for holidays.

In the spirit of Earth Day month, “Preserving out Wilderness” and “The Yosemite Tapestries” open at Mistlin Gallery, April 1 to 30 The first show was an open call to regional artists with a wide-ranging theme of wildlife, wilderness, environmentalism and conservation of the National Parks. “The Yosemite Tapestries” were featured in Yosemite Valley for many years and were created by show host Linda Knoll’s Grandmothers. Gallery will be open with masks. Hours are 11:30 to 5 Tuesdays to Friday and noon to 4 pm on Saturdays. Information on classes, activities, check the Facebook and Instagram pages for Central California Art Association/ Mistlin Gallery or email ccaagallery@gmail.com

Stanislaus Art Magazine issue #3 is available for pre-order and should be published and available mid-April just in time for Earth Day. You can find out more at www.LindaKnollArt.com

The Chartreuse Muse located at 918 10th Street is open Saturday’s noon to 4 pm. Classes are available.

MOCON Music, Art and Theater and now merch, is reopening for the season on April 6. Check them out for a multi-art experience they are at 10th and E Street.

At Barkin’ Dog, the paintings of Valentino Alexander are on display until we resume the regular monthly rotation of artists. New artists work will be hanging on the Third Thursday of the month. Pick up and Indoor dining, the food is great and the art on display is for sale. Call me at 209 241-7130 if an artist seeking to show.

The Dragonfly Art for Life has been posting excellent painting tips on their Facebook page. Check in with them for other activities, classes and events on J Street next to Café Deva and Crow Trading. A new landmark to find them is Deva’s new outdoor parklet. Jordi Camps was featured on the “Expose Yourself to Art” the Mistlin Gallery video Livestream program that runs Sundays at 2 pm. Great interview with the artist behind Picasso’s Gourmet Deli and Gallery, including the start of his art career, painting the tables, his move to Modesto and his dedication to art and community Previously streamed programs can be found on the Central California Art Association/Mistlin Gallery Facebook page and YouTube.