Art View
By Jim Christiansen
October was a great month for art in the community with the second round of Downtown International Mural competition. Take a walk down Art Alley and see the new work, up against the murals that appeared last year, and you get a whole new environment to enjoy in our downtown Arts Block. I was down at various times to watch the artists at work, and the reception of onlookers during DoMo market was outstanding. When out for Third Thursday or pub crawl, check it out, as this will continue.
Art Walk itself will be November 21, and there will be Art on the sidewalks on 11th and be sure to stop in on Blades and Bottles, Dragonfly Art for Life, Carolyn Huff Gallery, Tri-Chromatic Gallery, Preservation Gallery and the other venues on the map. Check out the Shire Community on H Street for new events too. Barkin Dog Grill has changed to mostly daytime hours, but open late Third Thursday for Art Walk. Aashonte Mercer is current featured artist. Nicklaus Hunt going up November 20.
My month starts with the Pick and Gather Fall Festival in Livingston November 2. I’ll have some art, and there will be music Saturday, hay rides and more. Then I get to support Crickets House with 51 other local artists and the Art Restores Kids program, November 8. Good event, art for sale supports the effort.
The expanding art scene now includes a new venue at Tenth and E Streets. The Modesto Conservatory of Music, Art, Theater or MoConMAT as seen on Facebook is the brainchild of organizer Kaila Kindley. This unique new space, seeking artists, memberships, actors, poets, musicians and other opportunities for artists and community alike. Not far from Moon and Sixpence, extending the Arts into another sector downtown. Check it out at www.modestoconservatory.com<www.modestoconservatory.com>
The Annual exhibition by the Memorial Hospital complementary therapy program runs through November 15. “Pink, Pearls and Denim” is the theme of this year’s show by cancer survivors and caregivers. Every year this show of poetry, single artist work and collaborative efforts projects hope, gratitude, and life affirming spirit. Interesting large piece in the main gallery, is a Life is a Mosaic pathway. Many of the works are for sale, and the display often accompanied by poetry. Each year the program holds a class at Mistlin Gallery, culminating in this display of work as part of the process in healing.
“The Passion of Flamenco” takes place November 23 in the Mistlin Gallery, the fourth in its series of cabaret performance. A night of music, dance and desserts in an Art setting, featuring the guitar of David Chapman. Tickets available at the gallery or through Eventbrite.com
Home for the Holidays goes on display November 19, geared to the season and in this CCAA members show is geared for sales and holiday themes. Check out the gift store as well in your holiday shopping. Chartreuse Muse also a good spot for gift shopping, and nice show by founders Sandra Veneman and Ellen Roehne now showing, “Things we Carry”, worth a look, and admit a few items I’d like to have at home.
It’s that time of Thanksgiving, and ModShop comes up at the end of the month, November 30. Come on out and check out the annual great buys from local artisans, artists and crafters up and down J Street.
Photo Captions: TV Tray by Aashonte Mercer, S. Souza Art at MoConMAT, and the Memorial Collaborative Show
