Fall Into Art
By Jim Christiansen
September is the month of Labor Day weekend, Oktoberfest season, Fall Festivals, and Fall Art Classes. The Third Thursday Art Walk is on September 14, and as Modesto View often focuses on music and community events, it’s worth noting that the art venues are multi-taskers. The Modesto Conservator, located on Kansas Avenue, is a creative spot for both music and art. The State Theatre hosts Art Walk artists and art films, and during the last event, they held a Paint-A-Long event, complete with a feature movie and a Q&A session with the filmmaker of the Colour of Ink. The Mistlin Gallery hosts the Grace Lieberman Cabaret series and is available for special event rentals, as is the Carnegie Arts Center in Turlock.
Dragonfly Art for Life hosted the Red Pony Trio and often books music guests. The first Friday DoMo market often has Chartreuse Muse artists on the sidewalk, and music plays in the background. The Peer Recovery Art Project is a regular performance spot with a gallery. This brings me to the overlooked Art Walk regular, 18 Seventy Brewing. Dominic Johnson is their featured artist, but they also host concerts in their Beer Garden. The first concert this month is on September 2, to start the Labor Day weekend. If you like metal and beer, with art, check it out.
The Stanislaus Arts Council, aka the Mistlin Gallery, hosts the Grace Lieberman Cabaret series and presents “The Billie Holiday Project.” Stella Heath and an ensemble of Bay Area Jazz Musicians will explore the music of the legend. Art on the walls will be the CCAA Autumn Art Festival and fundraising members show. More music, food, and entertainment will be served up during the Fundraiser Gala on September 23. Tickets for both events are available at the gallery. Artist awards for the juried show will be presented at the Gala. Be sure to enter your People’s Choice selections during Art Walk and visits to the gallery. This show ends on October 18.
I missed the artist reception on August 5 at the Chartreuse Muse for the current exhibition, “The Landscape Through Their Eyes.” Impressive works are on the walls. If you’re looking for classes in ceramics, clay, or even anime filmmaking, check their class schedule on the chalkboard behind the counter.
The plein air work of Vince Walsh is featured for the next three months at Kruse Lucas Gallery at 525 Tully Road. While in the area, check out adult education classes at the MJC Art Department, and the Art Gallery will be hosting a show as the new semester is in session. While over in the area, it’s easy to visit the murals and evolution going on outside the Silos.
Coming up on October 21 and 22 is the Fall 2023 Stanislaus Artist Open Studio weekend. Maps will be out this month, in print and online. Check that out on their Facebook page, or see the website stanislausaos.com. I will be one of the artists on the map, and they will be using a version of my map cover design used for the April Open Studio event.
Musician and friend Mike Allsup is playing a Rad Art Event in Stockton on October 7. Sponsored by Lovotti Pizza, The No Squares Group Art Show features six artists and Mike, from 5 to 10 PM. The address is 946 N Yosemite Street, Stockton. Support your local artists and visit local galleries and art-supporting Art Walk Venues.
