Art View
By Jim Christiansen
Stanislaus Family Justice Center will reprise their Annual “Art of Justice” celebration and fundraiser, featuring a child inspired collaboration with local artists, to facilitate a silent auction, artists reception and wine and appetizer gala, to support their work with victims of Domestic Violence. The Center has art programs and ongoing work with children and families. Tickets for the March 26 event are $20 advance, $25 at the door. More information www.StanislausFamilyJustice.org
Before the Ides of March, let’s get to the opener, March 2, when Stanislaus Artist Open Studio Maps go on sale. I’ve been asked for better explanation of the event, now in its Fifth year, so here’s the scoop. Open Studio is an artistic tradition, where a group of artists coordinate a day, a week, or a weekend to invite the public in to visit the artists in to their studios where they create Art. We show off our work in progress, the old stuff, the tools of the trade, and answer questions. It’s a meet the public, the collectors, the students, type of event to let you know what we do, and how to contact us. Our Open Studio tour is April 25 and 26, and it has a map with directions, and artist contact information and addresses, to get you to the studios. Maps are $10, with Students 18 and under getting in FREE. The map sales help us fund the posters, the map printing the publicity for the event, along with the participating artist sign up fees. We get some additional support in cash or in trade from local sponsors, who advertise in the maps, post our posters, print the maps, sell the maps, or put us on display at the preview shows ahead of the Open Studio Weekend. Similar events take place in the Bay area, Santa Cruz and Napa Counties, and around the country. Ours is an all-volunteer effort by the participating artists. Maps will be sold at The Chartreuse Muse, Mistlin Gallery, Carnegie Art Center, Oakdale Chamber of Commerce, and Modesto Convention and Visitors Bureau, and at the Three Preview Shows. Previews are FREE, at Nasco Arts and Crafts, April 11, and Gallo Center lobby during the April 17 and 18 Modesto Symphony Shows.
It pays to get your map early, as there are 42 stops on the map, and 66 artists. You can plan your route, the type of art, or which artists you want to visit. Many artists will be doing a demonstration, or showing out of their portfolios. You can expect to see all types of art media. Collage, Painting, Sculpture, Art Jewelry, Woodwork, Metal work, Mural and printmaking and more included this year. A sample of each artist’s work and short description included in the map booklet. Modesto View is a sponsor. www.stanislausaos.wordpress.com for more information.
Students are welcome at next month’s Open Studio, but have their own show in March at The Mistlin Gallery, with the Annual Young at Art Show. Area Art Students from the very youngest to seniors in High School are featured. This show usually well attended, and shows off the next generation of local artists.
The Downtown Modesto Art Walk map changes this month, with a new roster of venues for Third Thursday. New out of town trip to consider is a visit to the MADE gallery in Knight’s Ferry. Next to the ice cream shop in the Miller building, MADE features art and crafts hand made in the area.
