The Arts are Heating Up Downtown Modesto
By Jim Christiansen
Summertime heats up this month. The art scene weathered the May Day alerts that the local Art Scene is transitioning, with iconic gallery closings and new art walk maps still needing a tune-up. Maybe extended hours are needed to get everywhere to see the art, meet the artists, take advantage of the drink specials, and add attractions.
I missed the Darth Vader-themed Murals and Music at Never Boring Designs, sponsored by the Stanislaus Arts Council with a full-page ad in last month’s Modesto View. Third Thursday Art Walk is becoming the main event this summer. The new format reflects the addition of other art forms, different venues, and more community interaction. The goal is to build an audience and incorporate the arts as a more visible part of our creative 209 area. Springhill Suites by Marriott touting a video suggesting photo walking tours of more than 100 murals, taking a cue from VisitModesto’s effort to make Modesto a tourist destination in the Arts.
I started my Third Thursday trek at the Prospect Theater Project Art Lab. I love that space, as it is used for classes, music, theater, poetry, and art. Artists Sarah Aronson and James Horning of the Orange Door Artists Collaborative are on display. I got to visit with the artists, see their work up close, and have one-on-one conversations with the artists. This is what the Art Walk format brings to the table: a more intimate experience than you get in a group show with the larger crowds of the galleries. Icons, Mistlin Gallery, and Chartreuse Muse will be missed, but in the next few months, until the Arts Council opens the new location, take a slower stroll, spend some time with any location, and not rush to make the circuit.
I picked up my map from lofi, and got to meet Heartland Grant recipient Marissa Segovia and her Prints for Progress grant project. Look for her next event at 1010 Tenth Plaza on June 8th, printmaking with community interaction. From there, I stopped at many locations and met artists whom I had not had time to spend in past art walks. Papachino’s, Chinn’s International, Tresettis, Magiq Studios, all interesting art and artists on display. David Nunes art at Preservation Coffee and Tea. A great view, and I could smell the coffee
After working at an event in Livingston on Third Thursday, I came across Livingston High School artists at the Beyond and Company Barbershop during the Art Walk. That is a big space to show in, and the students plan to return and add more artists to fill the spot. Across the alley is the new location for the Stanislaus Arts Council gallery. More art in community spaces is part of the exhibition continuity plan. The library is one such site. Summer class workshops are available at Dragonfly Art for Life. Hidden Beauty on McHenry, Peer Recovery Art Project on Tenth, and Carnegie Arts Center in Turlock will offer classes.
Look to see more pop-up Art Shows. I have applied to show art at Lucca Winery with the Red-Tie Arts summer concert series and at the Grateful Dead-themed concert at Congregation Beth Shalom on June 9.
