Dominque Johnson
Stanislaus Arts Council
By Chris Murphy
A thriving arts community is often the hallmark of a truly great city, transforming a good place into a vibrant, dynamic hub of culture and creativity. The belief that “creative cities win” rings true now more than ever, and Modesto is poised to shine brighter with the revitalized efforts of the Stanislaus Arts Council.
Since the opening of 10th Street Place, the Mistlin Gallery on the ground floor became a cultural cornerstone for our community, hosting countless exhibitions, events and fostering artistic expression. However, with significant rent increases and the loss of sponsorship following Mr. Mistlin’s passing, the gallery faced challenges that necessitated a new direction.
Amid these changes, opportunity knocked. The Stanislaus Arts Council seized the moment to reimagine its future, relocating to a new home at 1315 J Street. Sharing the neighborhood with the iconic State Theatre, the gallery now occupies a space brimming with potential. While change can be complex, it also brings fresh beginnings, and with a new executive director at the helm, the stage is set for a renaissance.
Dominique Johnson, an artist and degrees from both Modesto Junior College and CSU Stanislaus, a seasoned event planner, fashion stylist and multifaceted creative, was brought on board to lead this new chapter., Dominique has been an active member of the local arts scene in our community. Her passion, vision, and energy are matched by the unwavering support of her husband Joe and their children, who have played a key role in the gallery’s transition.
With the doors now open, the work of rebuilding and reimagining this vital cultural institution begins. Under Dominique’s leadership, the Stanislaus Arts Council aims to unite the community, foster creativity, and elevate Modesto’s art scene to new heights. Let’s get to know Dominique Johnson.
ModestoView: When did you first realize you wanted to be an artist?
Dominque Johnson: I’ve always known I wanted to be an artist. My first “stage” was the fireplace at home, where I would perform for anyone willing to watch. Not long after, my parents put me in dance classes to channel that energy. I have been creating visual art since I was a toddler, over the years it became a lifelong passion and practice. Throughout junior high, high school, and in college, I immersed myself in as many art classes as possible—drawing, woodworking, ceramics, color, and design—my creativity never felt limited. Every step of my journey has reinforced that being an artist isn’t just something I have wanted to do; it is who I am.
MV: Who were your key influences?
DJ: My influences are as multifaceted as my own creative endeavors. Fashion designer Gilbert Adrian’s work from the 1930s inspires my appreciation for bold, elegant forms. Maija Isola’s prints speak to my love for graphic patterns and storytelling through design. Contemporary influences include Daniel Roseberry’s innovative couture creations at Schiaparelli, and his sister Liz Roseberry Fox, whose jewelry design resonates with my love of color and texture. Artist Meg Lionel Murphy’s vibrant, emotive works spark my imagination. And of course, Taylor Swift’s music has profoundly influenced my life, my art, my creativity, and my perspective on resilience. Her storytelling, poetic lyricism and reinvention are endlessly inspiring for me.
MV: Describe the current condition of Modesto’s art community.
DJ: Modesto’s art community is experiencing a truly inspiring renaissance. There’s a tangible energy and excitement as local artists and organizations come together to collaborate and innovate in ways that uplift and connect us all. While we’re building stronger bonds within the community, we’re also laying the groundwork to fully support and showcase the incredible talent that calls Modesto home.
From grassroots initiatives to long-standing institutions, there’s a growing recognition of the arts as an essential element of our city’s cultural and economic vitality. As the State Local Partner of the California Arts Council, we are honored and excited to be at the forefront of initiatives like the creation of a local Arts District and preparing for meaningful advocacy at both state and local levels.
The conclusion of 2024 marked a significant milestone for the Stanislaus Arts Council: the completion of a transformative two-year grant through the Creative Corps, Heartland Grant Program. This program infused over $1.6 million into our community, allowing us to subgrant funds to 16 impactful projects across Stanislaus County. This achievement underscores what sets the Stanislaus Arts Council apart—our ability to provide opportunities by directly funding artists and creative projects.
MV: What has excited you the most in this recent transition to 1315 J?
DJ: The opportunity for the Stanislaus Arts Council to find its identity in the community by bringing our vision to life in a dedicated space. Knowing that our resources are being used to expand our reach into the community and not primarily to pay rent, has been the most exciting part of this transition. It’s thrilling to see artists and community members walk through our doors and engage with the arts. Having a central location in downtown Modesto allows us to create meaningful connections, showcasing local talent, while also being able to get out into the community to establish the Stanislaus Arts Council as a cultural cornerstone for our community is a constant driver for us.
MV: What do you think the biggest misconception is about local art?
DJ: A common misconception is that local art is less sophisticated or impactful than art in major metropolitan areas. In reality, our local artists and arts organizations are creating incredible, thought-provoking work that deserves recognition on a larger scale. We are a community of professionals and visionaries, and the art coming out of Modesto is as compelling as any found in bigger cities.
MV: If you had a much larger budget, what would you implement?
DJ: With a larger budget, our vision for supporting and elevating the arts community in Modesto and Stanislaus County would expand exponentially. We would prioritize sub-granting to local arts organizations, fostering equitability across the community, especially as we acknowledge the significant funding cuts that have impacted so many. Establishing larger and more diverse grant opportunities for local artists, alongside artist residencies, would be a cornerstone of our efforts to empower creative expression and innovation.
Additionally, we’d expand our reach by providing robust educational programming for youth, laying the groundwork for the next generation of artists and cultural advocates. A Youth Arts Council would offer young creatives a platform to lead and contribute to shaping the future of the arts in our region.
To ensure the arts thrive in everyday life, we’d launch a comprehensive marketing campaign to elevate the visibility of local artists and organizations. Partnering with schools and businesses, we’d work to integrate art into everyday spaces, creating a more vibrant and inspiring community.
A rotating public art initiative would add dynamic, evolving visual interest throughout Modesto and Stanislaus County, solidifying our place as the premier arts destination in the Valley.
MV: What changes in the art community have you experienced that make you optimistic?
DJ: I’ve seen a shift towards collaboration and a greater emphasis on supporting one another. There’s a growing recognition that art is essential, art is healing, and being an artist is far more than a hobby. The arts are far more than the visual beautification of our community. The arts have the ability to foster dialogue, inspire creativity, and drive economic development. The increasing involvement of younger generations in the arts also gives me hope for a vibrant future. I believe that creative communities thrive in multiple ways. Seeing the evolution and growth of the arts in the community I grew up in fuels my optimistic view on where we are going as a community that embraces the Arts.
MV: Have you received any key pieces of advice to make this successful?
DJ: The best advice I’ve received is to stay true to our mission and build relationships. Success in the arts is not just about the work itself but about creating trust, engagement, and building community. It’s also essential to be adaptable and open to new ideas while staying grounded in what makes the Stanislaus Arts Council unique as the state’s local partner to the California Arts Council.
MV: How do we get our community to become more art consumers than merely art appreciators?
DW: Education is key—helping people understand the value of purchasing local art, attending local performances, and participating in community arts programming not only supports artists but enriches their own lives. We also need to continue to make the arts accessible and approachable. Hosting events, building creative spaces and places; while also integrating more art into public spaces can all help shift the mindset from appreciation and active support to art being a part of everyday life, the fabric of our local culture, as well as recognizing the arts as an economic driver within our community.
MV: What can our local government do to ensure that Modesto is an art community?
DJ: Our local government can play a pivotal role in solidifying Stanislaus County as a thriving art community by actively investing in public art programs and cultural initiatives. While we deeply appreciate the county’s recognition and designation of our parent organization (Central California Art League, Inc.) as the State Local Partner of the California Arts Council in 2022, fostering a deeper relationship and expanding their support will be critical to realizing the full potential of the arts in our region.
It’s essential for local leaders to champion the arts as an economic driver—showcasing how a vibrant arts scene not only enriches lives but also attracts tourism, stimulates local business, and draws new residents who value cultural vitality. By collaborating with artists, arts organizations, and community leaders to create a forward-thinking cultural plan, Modesto can position itself as a beacon for creativity and innovation.
MV:Describe your perfect Modesto day.
DJ My perfect Modesto day would start with brunch and mimosas with my friends, followed by a visit to the Farmer’s Market for fresh produce. We’d spend the afternoon exploring downtown, strolling by all of the amazing murals, and stopping in to shop at Intrinsic Elements, and Zyanya’s Boutique. I’d stop by Dragonfly Art for Life- Art Studio to meet artists, and discover new works and maybe learn a new technique or art style. In the evening, I’d attend a performance at the Gallo Center for Art with my family, followed by some yummy dinner and a delicious Old Fashioned at Churchkey. After dinner we would either find some live music downtown to enjoy or catch a movie at Brenden Theaters.
MV: Beatles or Stones?
DJ: This might be the toughest question! If I must choose, I’d say the Beatles— as a Taylor Swift Fan aka Swiftie, I find the Beatles have inspired her work, which in turn has inspired my work. The Beatles were groundbreaking in their artistry and innovation, constantly evolving and pushing creative boundaries, which resonates deeply with me as an artist and person.
To learn more, get involved and make a difference, please reach out to Dominque at the Stanislaus Arts Council at www.stanislausartscouncil.org<www.stanislausartscouncil.org>
