Art View By Jim Christiansen
Roger Hanner sent me a note on my facebook page, to let me know we had an Emmy Award winning, Navy Veteran visual artist living in Modesto. That artist is Bob Davidson, who has shown work at the Smithsonian and Cooperstown in relation to his sports figure portraits, and who in a 45 year career as an artist did such iconic images as paintings of the Campbell Soup kids, and the A and W Bears. Bob was the focus of the story for an Emmy awarded to journalist Brandi Hitt, then of KOVR Channel 13 in 2007 for his “Portraits of Fallen Heroes of the the Iraqi War” done of local veterans killed in Iraq and Afghanistan. The aired episode was titled “A Soldiers Portrait” and featured Bob painting the portraits on air. Bob recently put up a facebook page, and has a youtube sampler of his 8 CD and bonus DVD audible edition of his book, “A Life Through a Canvas. “ Bob Davidson Productions on Facebook.
July seems to be the month for art related fundraisers. Mistlin Gallery will host “Light up the Night” in an effort to bankroll new lighting for the Central California Art Association run gallery. July 26, 6 to 10 pm, with live music by Tim Allen, silent auction at the Gallery. All proceeds got to the CCAA. Tickets are $25. Murals in Motown has their Off the Wall Pop Up Art & Fashion July 11th, for their next mural. Takes place at Bella Vagos, 521 McHenry Avenue. Classic Community Murals will be adding their 7th mural very soon in an exciting location. See the other 6 locations at facebook.com/classiccommunitymurals
McHenry Museum will host a free public discussion sponsored by the James Irvine Foundation, July 10. MoBand conductor and director George Gardner, singer-guitarist Patty Castillo Davis, and Modesto street performer Dellanora Green visit the McHenry Museum to discuss “How Should We Balance Access and Excellence in the Arts?” One way, add a visual artist to the mix.
Chartreuse Muse will be ending the run of “Cats and Dogs” with their annual Emergent Artists show. Mistlin Gallery will replace its American Graffiti, Faces of Clay and CCAA members show mid-month with a Sixties Theme show. Into guitars and rock memorabilia. Catch the Rock the Carnegie show in Turlock. Some art events you can attend free this month, every Wednesday 5 to 8:30 Oakdale Farmers Market Artists Corner. Merced Art Hop comes up July 19. Second Saturday Art Night in Sonora, and Sacramento. And Downtown Modesto Third Thursday Art Walk July 17. For those of you buying art, remember most visual artist have some expense beyond creating the painting, like frames and mats, but also variables like booth fees, show entry fees, investment in pop ups and tables, easels, to get that bargain you can’t live without. Visual artists often have investment, even in shows free to them, in time spent to get a sale. My favorite Art Walk spot last month, the Artists in the alley on J Street.
