Art View
By Jim Christiansen
With the limited opening up of Modesto, it’s not quite a June swoon in the art scene, and not yet the summer blast of art openings, open galleries and festivals. Still, there is art news this month, encouraging for the summer months in the age of social distance. Artists around our area have been creating, and more venues will be opening.
Looks like sunny skies ahead. I just finished a collaborative garden art project with Tiffany Bradley, creating a sun image on electrical spool top. She has several friends and artists doing more suns for her garden. She is making donations to local nonprofits for the artists time and effort. Art still helping the community.
I have art up at Barkin Dog Grill, that will hang until our usual middle of the month Wednesday changeover. I left my art on display through the pandemic limited hours, now into patio service, so people are starting to see what’s up on the walls. As we get back to more usual in middle of the month, a new artist goes up at Barkin Dog. As for June art walk, as of deadline for the column, no word on if June will have an art walk. Check www.modestoview.com<www.modestoview.com> online calendar and notices to see if that changes.
Window displays have been noticeable, downtown at Mistlin Gallery, and Preservation Coffee. Jordi Camps at Picasso’s Gourmet Deli and Gallery has been promoting their food business with weekly art giveaways for patrons who order. Jordi also started first of the outdoor art shows to brighten the lonely streets. Good reminder Picasso’s is a great local restaurant and gallery, owned and created by fine artist Jordi Camps.
Mistlin Gallery remains closed but is working on summer classes. June offerings may be postponed, but there will be classes starting in July, virtual or in person. Chartreuse Muse classes have been on hold, but if you follow their Facebook page, you see them offering kits for stained glass, doodles, ceramics and more. Out in Riverbank, a venue I had hoped to visit before the pandemic order, Stuff and Things will be open by appointment, and has classes on the schedule. I’ve enjoyed some of their online offerings. You can find them at 3220 Santa Fe, Suite C. Modesto Conservatory of Music, Art and Theater had drive by show recently, and Dragonfly Art for Life back to business, with classes.
My own gallery studio has opened on the alley at my house. One of my first visitors John Black to let me know Peer Recovery Art Project has a new home at 950 Tenth Street, Suite 16, former home of Mrs. Beckles Candy. As JB says, a sweet deal, will also house JB Presents, Modspot, and new ModestoView space. Gallery Shows will be set by invitation. Office hours Tuesday through Thursday 11 am to 2 pm, and open during scheduled DoMo Markets and Downtown Modesto Art Walk. Theme is still “leading by professional and personal experience.”
To make an appointment to visit my Art Studio on the alley, send me a text or call 209-241-7130. I just painted the coffee table and measured the space for social distancing. May life improve.
