ArtView: Cars and the Arts
By Jim Christiansen
As we approach the 50th anniversary of American Graffiti’s release, Cars, and the Arts will begin June at Kruse-Lucas Imports Gallery on Tully Road. From June through August, photographer Rick Raef will showcase his Graffiti Car Art Exhibit, celebrating Modesto and California Car Culture. All proceeds from the sales of his work will be donated to the Graffiti Classic Car Museum nearby.
Kruse Lucas is located across the street from the Modesto Junior College art department and art gallery at MJC East campus, and is also close to The Silos, artistically rearranged concrete structures of the former Grange Company granary. On June 3, “Props to You,” a Prospect Theater Project fundraiser, will be held at The Silos with a ticket donation. The event includes dinner, an open bar, an auction, and live music to support local community theater. Last month, I was invited to paint an artist apron for the recent production of “Sight Unseen,” a play themed on art, artists, and art interpretation. I loved seeing my prop in the last scene. I missed a couple of events, including karaoke and live music at PTP’s new artist lab annex, which is now open for events next door. Teen Theater Camp is also offered. http://ProspectTheaterProject.
On a tip from Mistlin Gallery, I visited the Great Valley Museum at MJC West Campus, where you can see the influence of artists’ presentation in the museum field, from the digital photography on display to the stagecraft in displays and detailed ink drawings. Drop in and get familiar with The West Campus. A poster on the museum door reminds visitors that the Graffiti Summer Festival Car Show is set up nearby on June 10 and 11.
The downtown Car Parade will take place on June 9. It’s an excellent opportunity to admire the many murals downtown as you stroll along the parade route. At 14th and I Street, the McHenry Museum is hosting the “Image Innovation Exhibit,” sponsored by the Modesto Peace/Life Center and KCBP 95.5 FM. The exhibit features paintings by artists Laura Stokes and Jimmy Abuan and is free to view during the Museum’s weekend hours. The McHenry Museum is also available to rent for meetings, gatherings, and events. Historic paintings are also featured in museum displays, and the front gallery frequently hosts shows of local photographers, as well as this display of innovative contemporary paintings.
Art Walk will take place on June 15. In May, I started at the State Theater to view the five artists showing there and received a tour of the new Intermission event, bar, and gathering spot addition to the State. Nikki West has kept with Art Deco features in a new setting, which is a crowd-pleaser when space opens. I also had a look at the Jewel little film theatre. Artists are back for Art Walk this month in all the venues. Ralston’s Goat, 18Seventy Brewing Company, and the corner at Tresetti’s are good stops. Artists looking for a spot to display and sell their work can contact JB or Kerry at the Peer Recovery Art Project gallery on Tenth Street.
Dragonfly Art for Life has classes and membership spots available for kids and adults, as do Mistlin Gallery and the Chartreuse Muse. After the Mistlin Trash to Treasures show, the “Salon de Refuse” Emerging Artist show will take place, along with a companion open members’ display. A trip to Turlock is a must to stop in for the Carnegie Arts Center Annual juried Showcase.
