July starts off with a BANG. First we have ArtHop tonight with perfect weather for strolling through Downtown and the Tower district and visiting some favorite art venues.

Then we roll right into the July 4th weekend and events along with an extra day off of work for most of us. Fireworks, food, beverages, friends and family, and relaxation – what a way to start the month! Let us not forget the purpose of the holiday – Independence Day. For a brief history lesson on the Independence Day and America’s Birthday, visit www.holidays.net/independence/story.htm.

Community Enrichment Program Grants

The grant application for the Fresno Arts Council’s Community Enrichment Program can now be accessed on our website. As a reminder, the deadline for arts and cultural organizations to submit their Community Enrichment Program grant applications to the Fresno Arts Council is July 16, 2010 before 4:30 pm. Don’t be late – the doors lock at 4:30 and applications will not be accepted if late.

We encourage applicants to review the criteria and stay within the guidelines as they develop programs and services for the community enjoy.

Arts Card powered by FresnoLive Discount

The Fresno Arts Council has partnered with FresnoLive to bring the ARTS CARD into the arts community. The FresnoLive Discount Card has many discounts available from local retailers with more being added each month.

The ARTS CARD discount card can be picked up from the FAC office for $10.00 in cash or check. It can also be purchased on our website with a credit card for an additional $2 convenience fee and the ARTS CARD will be mailed to your address.

Better yet, when you become a paying member of the Fresno Arts Council, you are automatically given an ARTS CARD as a benefit.

Fresno Arts Council Festival of Art & Wine

Mark your calendars for a fabulous upcoming event in the fall. We are hosting the Festival of Art & Wine at the San Joaquin River Parkway Hallowell Center for River Studies on October 16 from 6:00 to 10:00 pm. Food, wine, entertainment, art, and a great location. This will be one of the events you don’t want to miss this year.

Artists' Exhibiting on the Fresno County Website

Artists may still submit applications and artwork samples for exhibit on the Fresno County website. This website has visitors from all over the world, so you have not only local audiences seeing your work, but also statewide, nationally and internationally. The bio that you provide will let them know about you and how to reach you. If you have questions, please contact Maria at the Fresno Arts Council at 237-9734.

Featured Business: Fresno Design Alliance

The Fresno Design Alliance (FDA) operates under the fiscal receivership of the Fresno Arts Council, and is a collaboration of professional and student designers devoted to developing Fresno’s design awareness. Through community involvement and education the FDA aims to inspire and motivate local businesses and non-profits in their pursuit of quality graphic design.

FDA was created in January, 2005 by a few local design professionals. It was formed as away for graphic design professionals to network, increase their knowledge, and improve their businesses through collaboration. FDA seeks to give back to the community by allying with educators, design students, businesses and non-profits. Please visit their website at www.fresnodesignalliance.org to see what they do and how it may be in line with your needs.

ART LOVER License Plate

We encourage you to consider purchasing the ART LOVER license plate (designed by Wayne Thiebold) for vehicles as the benefits come back into our community through funding of the Fresno Arts Council as well as other arts councils throughout the state. The ART LOVER license plate sales fund arts programs, arts education and entertainment. The price of the ART LOVER license plate is also tax deductible.

Computer Workstation with Internet

Just a reminder – the Fresno Arts Council has a designated computer with wireless access for artists to use at our office. Bring a memory stick to save your work as printing is not available.

Youth Employment

The economic downturn is having a devastating impact upon businesses, employees and job seekers. While it is vitally important that adult job seekers find employment to support their families, it is also highly valuable to provide employment, training and volunteer opportunities to our youth.

There are resources for business to hire youth at no cost, such as through the Fresno County Economic Opportunities Commission (FCEOC) summer youth program, the City of Clovis Workforce program for youth and the Fresno County Workforce Investment Board. The arts community is a great place for youth to work and learn.

Active ArtHop Venues

Please support our Downtown Fresno and Tower District Arthop Venues; come by and meet the local artists and enjoy the artwork, receptions, wine and music on Thursday, July 1st, from 5-8 pm. For more details about each event, go to the Fresno Arts Council Arts Calendar at FresnoArts.net

• City Hall, 2600 Fresno, 237-9734; artists Ma Ly on 2nd floor & Naomi Hendrix on 1st floor; receptions on 1st floor
• Gallery 25, 660 Van Ness, 264-4092; Centralism 2, Competitive Juried Exhibition, Jurors: Linda & Tom Walsh; reception
• Fig Tree Gallery, 644 Van Ness, 485-0460; artist Iris J. Duarte, paintings & mixed media; reception
• Silva/Salazar Studio/Gallery, 654 Van Ness, 486-1307
• Robert Ogata Studio, 701 L St., 237-1678; reception
• Iron Bird Café, 1915 Fulton.440-8315; Artists Market featuring various artists & artwork; reception
• The Loft Gallery, 852 E. Divisadero #102; artist Heather Arney; reception
• African American Museum, 1857 Fulton, 268-7102
• Arte Americas, 1630 Van Ness, 266-2623
• Glen Delpit, 1753 Van Ness, 227-1529
• K-Jewel Art Gallery, 1415 Fulton, 497-5118; artist Dale Oftedal; music by Acoustic Highway; reception
• All Things Fresno Gallery & Store, 1424 Fulton, next to Warnors Theatre, 321-1924; music by Blake Jones & the Trike Shop; reception
• Mullins Studio, 1416 Broadway #D, 444-0395; reception
• DCAC, 754 P St. 284-1474; artist Richard Silva; reception
• Potters Studio, 905 R St., 266-5508
• ACA Window Gallery, 2120 Kern, 877-384-7852
• Broadway Studios, 1416 Broadway, 869-8659; reception
• Gorgon Isle Gallery, 665 Fulton, 288-4753; Off the Wall Urban/ Graffiti Art Show; music; reception
• Chinatown Youth Center, 901 F St., 492-8254; amazing art; reception
• Chris Sorensen Studio/Gallery, 2223 S. Van Ness, 237-4934; reception
• Art By Hand, 732 N. Van Ness, 237-3101; reception
• Studio 74, 1274 N. Van Ness, 908-0658; artist Diane L. Johnson-Mendes; reception
• Law Office of Dean B. Gordon, 1220 E. Olive, 221-7777; artist Elaine Callahan; reception
• Tower Tattoos, 716 E. Olive Ave., 233-7656
• Spectrum Art Gallery, 608 E. Olive, 266-0691
• Free Bird Company, 506 E. Olive, 312-6174
• The Brass Unicorn, 845 E. Fern, 441-7107; artist Jenny Martinez; reception
• The Voice Shop, 1296 N. Wishon, 222-7464; artists Avigdar Adams & Benjamin F. Locke; reception
• The Brick Wall @ JA Photography, 2003 N. Van Ness Blvd, 307-3610; artist Linda Foster; music by Corky; reception
• Echo Street Coffee & Café, 1940 N. Echo, 233-8995
• Art Alley, 616 E. Weldon, 264-3812
• Fulton’s Folly Antique Collective, 920 E. Olive, 268-3856; artist David Lopez Jr; reception
• Twee Boutique & Gallery, 1302 N. Wishon, 441-0427
• Adornos Art & Dance, 2977 N. Maroa, 222-6565; artists Marilyn Torchin, Nancy Stegall & Michelle Bussey; the group ArtQuest; reception
• Margaret Hudson Gallery, 1936 E. Swift, 226-0431; artists Margaret Hudson & Linda Lloyds Pitts; live music; reception
• Clay Mix, 1003 N. Abby, 485-0065; artist Susanne French; reception

Happy Arthopping!

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The summer arts events are upon us – ArtHops, outdoor concerts and performances, extensive entertainment, fabulous art – and the weather is cooperating.

Community Enrichment Program Grants

The grant application for the Fresno Arts Council’s Community Enrichment Program can now be accessed on our website. Deadline for submission is July 16 at 4:30 pm. Plan to submit your application at the Fresno Arts Council office (FAC) at 1245 Van Ness no later than 4:00 pm to allow for any last minute gliches, such as parking.

We look forward to another year of great community arts and capital development projects that make the arts sector so exciting.

Arts Card powered by FresnoLive Discount

The Fresno Arts Council has partnered with FresnoLive to bring the ARTS CARD into the arts community. The FresnoLive Discount Card has many discounts available from local retailers with more being added each month.

The ARTS CARD discount card can be picked up from the FAC office for $10.00 in cash or check. It can also be purchased on our website with a credit card for an additional $2 convenience fee and the ARTS CARD will be mailed to your address.

Better yet, when you become a paying member of the Fresno Arts Council, you are automatically given an ARTS CARD as a benefit.

Fresno Acura, Valley Business Bank and Realty Concepts are Doing it Again for ArtHop!

The three businesses have teamed up again with their Passport to Art event with amazing art, entertainment and food. The evening also includes an after party at the Daily Grill with free appetizers. This is definitely a local favorite venue for ArtHop lovers.

Woodward Shakespeare Festival Opens June 24

The Woodward Shakespeare Festival has expanded for 2010. The Merchant of Venice opens the festival on June 24 with free performances on Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings at 8:00 pm with preshows at 7:30 pm. Performances are in the North East Section of Woodward Park, and seating is somewhat limited. Options include purchasing a reserved seat for $10, or $20 (includes the season’s t-shirt and a snack), or bring a blanket or chairs. An added feature to this new location at the park is the 13 Acre Market from 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm with live music and entertainment, over 30 vendors with food, arts and crafts, boutiques, local artist exhibits, face painting and a bounce house.

Selma’s First Historic Mural

Longtime muralist Ernesto Palomino designed the mural that reflects a historical perspective of Selma and its strength as an agricultural center in the Central Valley. The mural is on the wall of the Robertson-Guerra Insurance Agency in the center of Selma’s downtown. Mural painters, Francisco Vargas and Ramiro Martinez, are well known in the area for their murals. For more information contact Vicki Filgas at 974-3454.

China Chop Suey Comedy Show and Dinner

Emerging Health, a non-profit organization that promotes health and wellness through humor is presenting the China Chop Suey Comedy Show and an eight course Chinese banquet on June 26 at 2345 N. Blackstone (Clinton and Blackstone). Dinner starts at 6:30 pm and the comedy show is from 8:00 – 9:00 pm. Contact Dan at 259-7782 to purchase tickets. This event is more than comedy and food – I am not joking!

Sudie Douglas Tribute

The tribute event for Sudie Douglas has been changed from the African American Museum to the Cecil B. Hinton Center and will be held July 10. Contact Angela at the Fresno Arts Council at 237-9734 for ticket information.

Active ArtHop Venues

Please support our Metropolitan Area Arthop Venues; come by and meet the local artists and enjoy the artwork, receptions, wine and music on Thursday, June 17 from 5-8 pm. For more details about each event, go to the Fresno Arts Council Arts Calendar at FresnoArts.net

• Fresno Acura, 7250 N. Palm; “Passport to Art” featuring artists Sandy Kowallis, Connie Avila, Bebe Long, Valerie Runningwolf; reception; next to Realty Concepts, Valley Business Bank & ending at Daily Grill; reception.
• Realty Concepts, 740 W. Alluvial; featuring Linda Lloyd Pitts, Sharon Alexander; reception; next Valley Business Bank.
• Valley Business Bank, 7391 N. Palm; featured artists Aileen Imperatrice, Jean Preston, Matt Shumaker, Valerie Greene; ending at the Daily Grill for complimentary appetizers; drawing for a fabulous gift basket; reception
• North Pointe-Strands Salon & Gallery & Samba's & By The Sea Restaurant, 6741 N. Palm (& Herndon); featuring top local artists; reception; music in the patio. Fifteen percent of the art sales from ArtHop goes to local charities.
• Diamond Gallery, 1091 E. Champlain (& Perrin), 708-606-4777; featuring artist Dixie Salazar, oil paintings; Chris Sorensen, metal sculptures; a live-demonstration; photographer Franka Gabler; enjoy live music by Peter Moerdyk; reception
• The Center Bridging Body, Mind & Spirit, 1233 W. Shaw (& Palm) #105, 577-2256; featured artist Shirley Passarella; reception
• Strands North Point, 6741 N. Palm (& Herndon), 432-9296;
• Citibank, 2270 W. Shaw (at Van Ness); featuring acrylic paintings by Brenda Allison; photography by Jane Delany; reception
• Citibank, 20 W. Shaw (at Minnewawa), Clovis; featuring photography by Tim A. Fleming; oil paintings by artists Ma Ly and Sally Seago; reception
• Citibank, 7025 N. Marks; featuring sculptor Peter Radojkovich; painter Lea McAndrews; photographer Martin Nunez; live music; reception
• Shaver Lake Art Gallery, 42136 Tollhouse Road, Shaver Lake, 841-SLAG; featuring a live demonstration by water-colorist Mary Street; reception
• Art Stand Gallery (corner of Hwy. 180 & Frankwood) Sanger, 786-2773; featuring basket weaver Toni Best; photography of member Jeri Burzin,; reception

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I hope all is well.

It's the beginning of the month and that means we have Fresno's Downtown and Tower District ArtHop. Check out the list at the bottom of this newsletter or go to FresnoArtHop.org for a complete list of participating art venues and link to our region's arts calendar.

Fresno featured in U.S. Airways Magazine

This month’s U.S. Airways Magazine features the County of Fresno in 17 pages of some of Fresno’s finest attractions, including ArtHop. The U.S. Airways staff came to Fresno two months ago to take photos and talk to many local people to gather information for the article. The dynamic article and vibrant photos capture the value of Fresno as a destination as travelers read the magazine that is tucked in the back of seats on airplanes.

Downtown Neighborhoods Community Advisory

The Downtown Neighborhoods Community Advisory Committee is hosting two public meetings on June 8 at The Grand, 1401 Fulton Street, Fresno. The first meeting is at 4:00pm – 5:00pm and the second is at 5:15pm – 8:00 pm. The purpose of the meetings are to get input on policies that promote the economic and urban development of downtown and the surrounding neighborhoods.

Local Musicians Rock!

Congratulations to Patrick Contreras, Omar Nare, Jason Williams, and Bronson Garza for competing in Las Vegas on May 21 at Hard Rock Café with their own original music. Patrick and Omar wrote “Cotillion”, and the whole band wrote “Dark Sun”. Judging was based on originality, stage presence, musicianship and crowd reaction. They scored highest out of the 20 outstanding bands invited from across the United States and have been invited to compete in the semifinals in August. The event was a profound chance to meet and be seen by talent agents from across the nation.

The comments included the usual “I didn’t know a violin could sound like that!” along with amazement that Fresno had this kind of talent. The organizer was shocked that they totally flipped the advantage during the competition and said that Patrick is doing for the violin what Jimmy Page did for the guitar. Jimmy Page founded Led Zeppelin after playing for the Yardbirds in the 1960’s. Page is described by Rolling Stone Magazine as “the pontiff of power riffing and probably the most digitally sampled artist in pop today after James Brown”.

Plans are forming now for a bus to Las Vegas in August to support our local musicians. Interested? Contact Angela Storey at the Fresno Arts Council at 237-9734 to get on the list.

Museum Updates

On June 26 the African American Museum will be hosting a recognition and fund raising event for Sudie Douglas, the founder of Fresno’s Meals on Wheels program for senior citizens and other programs. All contributions are tax deductible, and checks for tickets and donations are to be made out to the Fresno Arts Council, fiscal receiver for the event.

This past week Greg Melancon, who operates the boutique in the African American Museum, hosted the Black Business & Professional Network mixer on May 27. Tables were set up in the art gallery and soul food was served – the atmosphere and food created a fabulous ambiance with Will Portis and Steven Talbot art on exhibit.

Arte Americas has its outdoor concert series starting on Friday, June 4 and running all summer. Don’t forget to check out their art exhibits on a regular basis. More fun in beautiful downtown Fresno!

Fresno Art Museum

Congratulations to Linda Cano of California State University Fresno, who has been hired as the new Executive Director of the museum. Special thanks to Eva Torres for her dedication to the museum as its Interim Executive Director.

The Fresno Art Museum’s not to be missed “Men Who Cook” event is this Friday, June 4 from 6:00pm to 9:00pm.

Community Enrichment Program (CEP) Grants

The dates for the Community Enrichment Program workshops are listed on the FAC website. Arts organizations in Fresno are eligible to apply for the funding.

All Things Fresno

Be sure to visit Warnor’s Center All Things Fresno store at 1424 Fulton Avenue across from The Grand and KYNO studio. It is a terrific addition to the ArtHop scene on the first Thursday of each month.

County of Fresno Website Art

The County of Fresno is accepting applications and CD’s of artwork for the County’s website. The documents are to be submitted to the Fresno Arts Council. For more information contact Maria Franco at 237-9734. The website is a great place for artists to gain exposure to local, state, national and international visitors.

Promotion

Thanks to the Fresno Bee and the Business Journal for the excellent articles on the Fresno Arts Council and other arts organizations this past month. We also appreciate KSEE 24, Central Valley Live program, as Alex Delgado interviews one of our artists on Thursday, June 3 at 11:00 am for ArtHop.

Graduation Congratulations!

Congratulation to all of the June graduates from Kindergarten to College. We encourage you to continue to set high goals and reach for your dreams.

Active ArtHop Venues

Please support our Downtown/Tower District ArtHops; come by and meet the local artists and enjoy the artwork, receptions, wine and music on Thursday, June 3 from 5-8 pm. For more details about each event, go to the Fresno Arts Council Arts Calendar at FresnoArts.net

• Iron Bird Lofts, 1911 Fulton (plaza next to Café), 440-8315; Artists Market; featuring & selling local artists’ artwork, crafts, jewelry, etc; local artist & muralist Eric Beltran; reception 4-8pm
• Iron Bird Cafe, 1915 Fulton (& Divisadero)
• The Loft Gallery, 852 E. Divisadero #102; artist Loren Whelan, out with the old; reception
• African American Museum, 1857 Fulton, 268-7102; art & reception
• Mullins Studio, 1416 Broadway #D, 444-0395; artist Jamie Meadows; reception
• Broadway Studios Downtown, 1416 Broadway (& Tuolumne); 869-8659; 5-9pm; artist Mimi Mott-Smith; reception
• K-Jewel Art Gallery, 1415 Fulton, 497-5118; artists Bruno Pegoretti & Peter Radojkovich; music by Rob Cox; reception
• Warnor’s Theater, 1911 Fulton; Open House; music by Ron Titus 6-7pm); reception
• Bill Bruce Studio/Gallery, 1752 Van Ness,970-4581; art & refreshments
• Glen Delpit, 1753 Van Ness, 227-1529
• City Hall, 2600 Fresno St., 2nd floor, 237-9734; artists Pat Hunter, Janice Stevens, Mindy Chakov, Judy Pierre, Jackie Smiley, Janet Tanaka, Lydia Villane, Cherie Wilcox. First floor McLane Students; reception
• ACA Downtown Gallery Window, next to Downtown Club on Kern, 877-384-7852; artwork by the Alliance of California Artists
• Corridor 2122 Studio/Gallery, 2122 Mono, 441-0012; reception
• Gallery 25, 660 Van Ness, 264-4092; artists Kris Kessey & Norma Rogers; reception
• Fig Tree Gallery, 644 Van Ness, 485-0460; artists Paulina Swietliczko & Poppy Scarbrough; reception
• Silva/Salazar Studio/Gallery, 654 Van Ness, 486-1307; reception
• Robert Ogata, 701 L St., 237-1678
• Potters Studio, 905 R St., 266-5508
• DCAC, 754 P St., 284-1474; LGBT show; artist Marcos Dorado; reception
• Gorgon Isle Gallery, 665 Fulton, 288-4753; reception
• Chris Sorensen Studio/Gallery, 2223 S. Van Ness, 237-4934; reception
• Kliszewski Glass, 2746 E. Lorena—also through Sorensen’s Studio
• Chinatown Youth Center, 901 F St.; Graffiti art, live music; reception
• Fulton’s Folly Antique Collective, 920 E. Olive, 268-3856; photography by Kenny & Heather Bain; reception
• Ashtree Studios, 1035 N. Fulton, 213-3724; artist Aileen Imperatrice; reception
• Tower Tattoos, 716 E. Olive, 233-7656; artist Greg Sumii’s, Why I Am What I Am; reception
• The Voice Shop, 1296 N. Wishon, 222-7464; Critical Mass; music by Linda Guerrero, Bill Lehr & Joe Russomano; reception
• Law Office of Dean B. Gordon, 1220 E. Olive, 221-7777; artist Ole Scovill; reception
• Art By Hand, 732 N. Van Ness (between Belmont & Olive), 480-2787; Animal art; guests Valley Animal Center & Exotic Animal Foundation; reception
• The Brick Wall @ JA Photography, 2003 N. Van Ness, 307-3610; artist Ann Lamb; music by The Kathleen Lane band; reception
• The Brass Unicorn, 845 E. Fern, 441-7107/737-3487; artists Tara Barile & Zack Rose; reception
• Studio 74, 1274 N. Van Ness, 908-0658; May 6-22; artists Lisa Lee; J. Lynne Designs & Marilyn Torchin; reception 5-9pm
• Clay Mix, 1003 N. Abby, 485-0065; artist David Hicks; reception
• Margaret Hudson Gallery, 1936 E. Swift, 226-0431; artists Margaret Hudson & Linda Lloyd Pitts; live music; reception

See you at ArtHop on the first and third Thursday each month!

 

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Hello and thank you for taking the time to read this update from your friends at the Fresno Arts Council.

For anyone who still thinks that there is nothing to do in Fresno, they just need to look to the arts where each month brings new adventures in entertainment. May is packed with art events, holidays, and celebrations.

A few of the website calendars to check for events include FAC’s social network and central art events calendar:

• FresnoArts.net
• Fresno Coalition for Arts, Science and History (FCASH)
• Convention and Visitors Bureau
• Fresno County Library
• City of Fresno
• Fresno Art Museum
• and Arte Americas

The Fresno Bee and the Friday “7” paper provide a wealth of information.

Horizon Awards
May 12 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm

The Fresno Arts Council’s annual Horizon Awards is in the Council Chambers at City Hall. This event honors people in the community that contribute to the arts as artists or as supporters. Tickets are available for sale through our website at www.fresnoartscouncil.org/horizon.

ArtHop Venues to Visit 

May 6 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Echo Avenue Hub

ArtHop on May 6 is filled with many venues in Downtown Fresno and the Tower District. ArtHop brochures are available at the venues and at the Fresno Arts Council. Also, check out our official Fresno Arts Council microsite for ArtHop at www.fresnoarthop.org for a complete database list of ArtHop venues and a link to the ArtHop calendar. Each area has art hubs which make it easy for guests to see a variety of exhibits within close proximity.

The hub of special interest this month is in the Tower District across from Fresno High School on Echo Avenue. Within a two block area you will find Echo Street Coffee and Café with an exhibit of several artists brought by Art by Hand, Art Alley, Fresno Flamenco and Spanish Arts Society, the Brick Wall (entertainment), JA Photography, the Folkloric Society, New to You, and a large wall mural. Within a few minutes drive to 14 68 N. Van Ness Avenue, Patrick Contreras’ Tower Violin Studio offers art and music, and next to it is KP’s Acting Gym, another unique place.

City Hall
Varaz Samuelian “The Circus Show” and Marcos Dorado’s “Wetback” exhibits.

Cinco de Mayo – May 5 – 9
Marcos Dorado is hosting a Cinco de Mayo reception for the opening of his “Wetback” Exhibit at City Hall on May 5. Fresno City College, CSUF and other area colleges host a multitude of activities and entertainment for Cinco de Mayo. Arte Americas hosts the Reboza Awards on Mothers Day, May 9, at the museum from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm.

Warnors Center
The Warnors Center at 1424 Fulton (across from The Grand and KYNO) is another spot you don’t want to miss this ArtHop. The Cultural Arts District Association and FCASH have partnered with the Warnors to create The Fresno Store – All Things Fresno. Unique concept that will foster the arts in the Cultural Arts District. Other businesses will open soon at the Warnors Center.

Corridor 2122
The “Art by Youth” exhibit was funded by the Fresno Arts Council with Community Enrichment Program (CEP) funds.

Museum of the Hallway – Edison Bethune Charter Academy
This is the first ArtHop venue in West Fresno. They not only have exhibits with artwork by students, but also invite local artists to exhibit. This month they are featuring an enchanting Muralist who will have her work up with parts filled in by the children. The venue includes entertainment. This venue not only brings in unique exhibits such as the African American Heritage Quilters, Doug Hanson, Donna Locatti’s life size multicultural sculpted angels, a celebrated Vietnamese woman water colorist, and the Frida Kahlo exhibit, but the school also fosters and artistic culture for children to integrate art into their lives. This venue is #25 on the ArtHop brochure and is located at 1616 S. Fruit Avenue, two blocks south of Kearney Blvd.

Other May Events

AHA Moment
May 3 and 4
The big silver trailer parked on the Fulton Mall on Monday and Tuesday of this week with “AHA” license plates. The Mutual of Omaha “AHA Moment” tour scheduled Fresno as its first stop for its trek across the United States. Fresnans had a chance to have their “AHA” moment filmed for sharing with the world through Mutual of Omaha’s website. We will let you know when the videos are available on-line.

Poetry Lives Here
May 13 at 8:00 pm
Inner Ear Poetry has a new home at the Iron Bird Lofts. Contact Bryan Medina for the schedule.

Candidate Forum – District 3
May 19 from 5:00 pm to 6:30 pm
The Downtown Association, along with partnering organizations, are hosting a Candidate Forum and reception at the Skyroom in the Holiday Inn for candidates running for District 3 for City Council. District 3 includes downtown Fresno.

Grant Workshops
Foundation Center & James Irvine Foundation
May 20 from 1:00pm to 5:00 pm
Do you want to learn how to write grants or do you need an update on writing grants. The Fresno Arts Council, Fresno Coalition for Arts, Science and History (FCASH), and the Fresno County Library are bringing the Foundation Center and the James Irvine Foundation to present a grant writing workshop at the Fresno Art Museum. To register, go to the Foundation Center website. Free books will be given to arts organizations.

Meet the Grantmakers
May 21 from 10:00 am to 11:30
The following day, May 21, meet grantmakers United Way, Fresno Regional Foundation, AT&T, and the California Endowment at the Woodward Park Library to gain valuable insights about applying for grants from these resources.

Artist Workshop
May 27 from 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
On the Fresno Arts Council will host an artist workshop by the County of Fresno. This workshop is for artists interested in having their artwork displayed on the County’s website.

RSVP to Angela or Maria at (559) 237-9734.

Watch for These!!
ART LOVER License Plate

I recently had the pleasure of attending the California Arts Council conference for all of the Executive Directors of art councils throughout California. What an interesting and energized group!

Prior to a budget reduction of $25 million in 2003, the California Arts Council (CAC) generously funded art councils throughout the state for programs and services to promote the arts, and support artists and arts organizations. The CAC was approved to sell the ART LOVER license plate (designed by Wayne Thiebold) to raise funds for grants for art councils. This year the CAC will be kicking off a campaign to sell 1,000,000 ART LOVER license plates.

The Fresno Arts Council encourages the community to consider the benefits of purchasing this license plate as the rewards come back to the community. While a regular license plate merely is a requirement to keep from getting a ticket (simplified version), the ART LOVER license plate funds arts programs, arts education and entertainment. The price of the ART LOVER license plate is also tax deductible. Watch for the campaign.

Summer Youth Program

Federal stimulus funds are providing employment for youth this again this summer. The Fresno County Economic Opportunities Commission (FCEOC) is seeking employers that will hire youth (age 16-18) for eight weeks from June 1 to September 30. FCEOC pays all wages, workman’s compensation, and expenses while the employer teaches youth job skills and mentors them on the soft skills needed to be successful in a job.

The arts community is a great place for youth to work, so I encourage you to register to hire youth through the program and get some of the tasks done that you don’t have time for, or let the youth assist in getting programs off the ground for which you lack staff. Go to www.youthfresno.com to register.

Community Enrichment Program (CEP) Grants

The grant writing workshops for the CEP grants is coming up soon. If you received this eNewsletter, then you will be notified of the 2010 workshops information. If you received eNewsletter from a friend, then head on over to: www.fresnoartscouncil.org/cepgrant/2010cepgrant and subscribe to our mailing list to get notified.

Finally, congratulations to all of the graduates in Fresno City and County in May and June. As life weaves a new path for you, remember to engage in the arts to feed your soul.

Happy ArtHopping!

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The Third Thursday ArtHop on April 15 offers another evening of adventure in the arts in Fresno’s Metropolitan Area. Preplanning an ArtHop route using the FAC ArtHop brochure will allow time to venture to new sites, sounds and tastes. Plus, the First Thursday ArtHop on May 6 in Downtown Fresno and the Tower District is only three weeks away!

Horizon Awards

Mark your calendars for the Horizon Awards on May 12 at 5:30 pm at Fresno City Hall. Cory Ballis, glass artist, is designing the awards this year. He can be seen at the Bob Kliss Studio performing glass blowing shows at the first Thursday ArtHops.

Horizon Honorees are:

• Artist: Agustin Lira & Patricia Wells-Solorzano
• Artist: Edna Garabedian, California Opera Association
• Business: Jackie Doumanian, CSUFresno, Summer Arts
• Citizen: Catherine Rehart
• Educator: Dr. Corrinne Hales
• Special: Stephanie Pearl, Downtown Community Arts Collective (dcac)
• Youth: Anne Rempel, Edison High School

Grant Writing Workshops

The Fresno Arts Council, FCASH and the Fresno County Library are sponsoring the upcoming grant writing workshop presented by the Foundation Center and the James Irvine Foundation at the Fresno Art Museum on May 20 from 1-5 pm. Grant writing books will be distributed at no cost to registered attendees. To register: www.foundationcenter.org and find the link to event in Fresno. Refreshments will be provided.

Fresno Arts Council Sponsored Events

The arts and cultural organizations that were awarded the FAC 2009-2010 Community Enrichment Program (CEP) grants are providing quality performances, exhibits and events. Some organizations used their grant for capital development projects that improved their infrastructure and ability to better-serve the community. Watch for the FAC logo on all arts promotional materials to see what it supports with these funds. The 2010-2011 CEP grant application will be available next month. Please go to the Fresno Arts Council 2010 CEP Grant web page to be added to the e-mail list to receive information on the CEP grant.

Warning: Too much fun ahead! Some of the April Events

Films for Everyone! Fri-Sun., April 16-18; various times
Fresno Filmworks: 2010 Fresno Film Festival, Tower Theater; www.fresnofilmworks.org

Did you know that Fresno has a network of fashion designers? Did you know that the Visual and Performing Arts Standards in the California schools include fashion and interior design? The following are two upcoming artistic fashion events that you shouldn’t miss.

Literature exhibited through fashion. Saturday, April 17 at 6 pm
Adam Eddie Albrecht “Dreamt of Poe” fashion show.
Albrecht Farms, 12400 Adams Avenue, Del Rey.
This unique event features Edgar Allen Poe’s dreams of outer space. Call Cindy Dunn at 816-726 or Adam at 300-0000 to reserve tickets. Promoted by the Fashion Design Incubator.

Wanting more fashion and pizzazz? Thursday, April 22 at 6 p.m.
Attend Falina Marihart’s Fashion Style Lounge at the Tower Theater.

Youth and Arts Education

Arne Duncan, Secretary of the U.S. Department of Education, recently released his remarks from the Arts Education Partnership (AEP) National Forum, entitled “The Well Rounded Curriculum.” He acknowledges that high-quality arts and humanities instruction are almost uniquely suited to stimulate imagination, creativity, and the ability to find adaptive solutions. Creativity, as Sandra Ruppoert, AEP’s Director notes, is a “precursor to innovation and the cornerstone of entrepreneurship.” Knowledge without imagination is not good enough for students in today’s fluid job market. “Imagination is more important than knowledge because knowledge is limited whereas imagination embraces the entire world.” As the First Lady sums it up, she and the president both believe “strongly that arts education is essential for building innovative thinkers who will be our nation’s leaders for tomorrow.”

Arts in Education Model

Susan Hansen, FAC board member and Art Education Project Manager, AEMDD, Fresno Unified School District, has provided the results of the outcomes from the National Arts in Education funded Arts in Education Model Development and Dissemination grantees. The study evaluated the comparison of students enrolled in Arts Education to those who are not, and their ability to reach established academic goals in Mathematics and Language Arts/Reading. The study confirmed that 12% of the students also enrolled in Arts Education exceeded the Mathematics goals, while 54% exceeded the Language Arts/Reading goals.

Current Youth Art

The Muralistics, Edison High School art students, recently unveiled their newest mural at Edison High School featuring the “bright” ideas and talents of the award winning schools students. Appreciation goes to Brian Wall, Principal, for supporting the mural project. Accolades to Ellie Honordoost and Samantha Canales for continuing the Muralistics project from Fresno High to Edison High School. The ladies that rock!

Go Green Contest

On Friday, April 16 we will be judging the Go Green Contest sponsored by Fresno County Supervisor Henry Perea and the Fresno Arts Council to promote recycling and Earth Day. Three winners will be selected from the 200 artwork entries by K-12 students from throughout the County with awards of $500, $1,000 and $1,500. This shows that there is money in recycling!

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The Fresno Arts Council’s first and third Thursday ArtHop venues are continuously growing. The first Thursday ArtHop in Downtown and the Tower District is booming. The Metropolitan area ArtHop locations on the third Thursday are expanding as art hubs are created throughout the City and some are joining together and creating “passports” to the partnering venues. Special thanks to Fresno Acura and Hannah DeGroot of Realty Concepts and her friends for putting that together.

The Horizon Awards to honor the arts community is scheduled for May 12 at Fresno City Hall at 5:00 pm. The deadline for nominations has been extended to March 21. To nominate someone, either complete the form that was in the mail, or go on-line to www.fresnoartscouncil.org/horizon.

Many thanks to Victor Ramayrat, a board member and President of Socient, a local website design and inbound marketing agency for community benefit organizations, for his excellent work on the website. Our new FAC website is now powered by a content management system that allows our staff to add and edit contents, send eNewsletter, write a blog, post photos in a gallery, announce news and events, accept donations and buy event tickets online via credit card, fulfill and manage online membership sign-ups, and allow members (including board members) to access secure web pages. And what’s more, we now have an online Arts Database --- we invite all Fresno County artists, arts organizations, business and consultants, to register for FREE.

Congratulations to Nonny Okwelogu, a sophomore at Clovis West High School, for winning the annual Fresno County Poetry Out Loud competition. She advanced to the state finals on March 15 when 27 county winners performed poems in the Senate Chamber of the State Capital. This is a program of the California Arts Council (CAC) to promote literacy in education. Funding for the program is provided by the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) and the event was sponsored by Target Corporation. With only seven high schools in Fresno County participating, FAC is encouraging school administrators and teachers to consider the value of this competition and its value as a supplement to classroom education. The students become more engaged in literacy, improve their presentation skills, and find that they can express themselves. The competition validates the students’ interest or passion in poetry as having importance in the arts.

The FAC has a live interview spot on KSEE –TV Channel 24 at 4:00 pm on the Wednesday before the first Thursday ArtHop. We bring local artists and arts organizations so they can promote their shows and events. If you are interested in being scheduled, please contact me at (559) 237-9734. The next guest is Adam Eddie Albrecht, a fashion designer, who is promoting his second fashion line at a fashion show at Albrecht Farms, Del Rey, on Saturday, April 17. Contact FAC at 237-9734 for ticket information.

Thanks to the generosity of Sally Weisse Ho and Marc Gendron, the Fresno Arts Council is the recipient of two flat screen monitors. We greatly appreciate your donation. FAC is also seeking a good desktop computer as we have added an Office Assistant, Angela Story, to our staff. Angela came to us through the 80/20 program, and she had previously volunteered at FAC.

Happy ArtHopping!

Cindy Dunn
Executive Director
Fresno Arts Council

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The Fresno Arts Council welcomes Angela Storey, Office Assistant, as the newest staff member. Angela previously volunteered with us, and we are fortunate to have hired her through the County of Fresno’s 80/20 program. Please join us in welcoming Angela as we enrich people’s lives through the arts.

The Fresno Arts Council has much to be grateful for during this time when arts organizations struggle to maintain and sustain their level of operation. We first give thanks to our board member, Victor Ramayrat of Socient, for all of the work and dedication he put into redesigning our website, www.fresnoartscouncil.org. We hope that you will take time to browse through it as it is quite dynamic. And don’t forget to check out www.fresnoarts.net which is our social network and website for announcements about ArtHop and other events.

We are the proud recipients of new lighting through the Energy Watch Program, a light replacement program of RHA, Inc. The energy efficient lights add visual enhancement to the exhibits in our window display and improve the lighting throughout the facility. RHA, Inc. is a leader in energy efficiency, as well as design, implementation and administration of small- and large-scale energy efficiency programs throughout the state of California and into Nevada to commercial and residential customers. Congratulations to Joe Williams, President of RHA, Inc. for being awarded the Leon S. Peters Award, which will be presented at the Valley Business Conference on February 18, 2010.

A special thank you goes out to Denise Cruz and Kimberly Mendoza, students from the Fashion Design Incubator, for interning with the Fresno Arts Council during the past month while Maria Franco, Administrative Assistant, was on medical leave. We appreciate the other volunteers who contributed time during this period as well – Coke Hallowell, Julie Linxwiler, Brenda Carrasco, and Anne McGowen. Maria will return to the office on Tuesday, February 16, just in time for the Third Thursday ArtHop.

Congratulations to the Chookasian Armenian Concert Ensemble for receiving a Grammy Award and Oscar at the Armenian CD Music Awards Night at the 2009 -10th ANNUAL ARMENIAN MUSIC AWARDS on December 13, 2009. Their “Passage to Armenia ” CD was voted as 1st Place Winner as the “Best Traditional Armenian Folk Music” CD album at the 7,000 seat Nokia Theater in Los Angeles, California.

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Welcome to the Fresno Arts Council’s new website!

The Fresno Arts Council considers the challenges of this year’s economy with anticipation as we streamline operations and find more efficient methods of serving the arts and culture community. Our new website provides the vehicle to offer more to the arts community and to reach new audiences.

The arts community is experiencing some serious downsides due to the economy. Although the loss of the Metropolitan Museum after 26 years is a blow the city, we are still flush with other museums, exhibits and performance events. The recent City Council approval of the Downtown and Neighborhood Revitalization contract utilizing federal Stimulus Funds is the boost that the Downtown Cultural Arts district needs. The revitalization will be even more effective as the development of new downtown housing, retail, and services will be in various stages of completion when the revitalization work begins.

Governor Schwarzenegger and Senator Costa’s recent visit to Fresno, along with representatives of the state and federal transportation departments, announced California’s award of $2.3 billion for the first high speed rail system in the United States. This is outstanding news for the arts, culture and tourism sector! The speakers compared the economic impact of this rail system to that of the installation of the interstate freeway system, and the ripple effect of the resulting changes from a well conceived and constructed nation-wide transportation system that also created thousands of jobs, just as this new rail system will. This gives Fresno the opportunity to be the destination of choice for the arts. We have the time to prepare, so what are we waiting for?

As people focus on wiser choices in spending their disposable income, the arts and culture sector remains a good investment. The Buy Local marketing campaign can benefit the local visual and performing artists as long as we continue to impact the public’s knowledge of the local artistic products and events and continue to provide the quality the community has come to expect.

Watch for our upcoming events: Poetry Out Loud in February, Horizon Awards in April and Dining with the Artists in November, City Hall exhibits, and art competitions. We look forward to working with other organizations to make Fresno the destination of choice.

ArtHop brochures are now available at the FAC office and at ArtHop venues.

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May the New Year greet you with renewed inspiration to strive for greatness in all you do. I am invigorated by the potential of what this year will bring and by what has been accomplished during the last year. The Fresno Arts Council will be launching its new www.fresnoartscouncil.org website with more to offer the arts community (launching by our next eNewsletter mid-January).

What can you expect to see in 2010? We have been adding about three ArtHop venues each month last year, and there are now 86 locations listed in the new brochure which will be available this month. Our membership campaign will highlight the value of membership – an online profile on the arts database and a new offering for an associate membership with Fractured Atlas that offers resources on reasonably priced liability and health insurance benefits. We have several other features that will be announced in the near future.

The arts community is experiencing some serious downsides due to the economy. Although the loss of the Metropolitan Museum after 26 years is a blow the city, we are still flush with other museums, exhibits and performance events. There is a renewed vigor in the Downtown Cultural Arts district with the development of new housing, retail, and services.

As people focus on wiser choices in spending their disposable income, the arts and culture sector remains a good investment due to the ripple effect of where those dollars go. We continue to encourage the community at large to support the arts through attending events and buying locally, particularly from the artists.

Have a great year!

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As California celebrates October as Cultural Arts Month, Fresno is kick-starting the month with a plethora of events and exhibits.  Pull out a calendar and start scheduling the month with a variety of visual and performing arts, culture, events, creativity and inspiration.  Indulge your senses!
 
Planning to take a trip to someplace you have never been? People travel HERE to see our outstanding music, dance, and theatrical performances.  The art scene in downtown Fresno is growing by leaps and bounds, and more ArtHop venues are being added across the city.  Remember to check out the exciting art events in the cities throughout Fresno County, and visit cultural events that you have never experienced.
 
The Fresno Arts Council (FAC) is immersed in dynamic change this year, and looking forward to promoting and invigorating Fresno’s vibrant arts community.  As the new Executive Director, I am inspired by the energy and excitement of the Board of Directors, its new officers and board members, and the collaboration with artists and other arts organizations. Through the Community Enrichment Project, we are awarding $200,000 to 29 cultural arts organizations to provide another year of new entertainment to the public.
 
As the designated state and local partner of the California Arts Council, the FAC is serious about making your art experience fun while we continue to cultivate Fresno as a thriving arts epicenter.  In our most recent board retreat, we revisited the Master Cultural Plan, and have started updating and improving it through the help of various partners and organizations.
 
We’re celebrating the first year of our local social network for the arts: FresnoArts.net – which is becoming the hub of local arts information and communication platform between artists and arts enthusiasts.  In such a short time, we have grown to over 8,000 visitors with over 50,000 pageviews per month. As far as we know, FAC is the pioneer in our State to use hyperlocal, interactive social media to nurture and cultivate local arts.  We invite you to learn more about our local arts community by visiting www.FresnoArts.net.
 
Join us for ArtHop on both the first and the third Thursday of each month, and plan to attend the annual Dining with the Artist event in November at the Downtown Club, which features a guest artist at each table.
 
Thank you for your support of the arts.  While the economy is impacting every arts organization, the local artists continue to inspire us with their creativity.  We honor them for the light they give us as they share the riches of their souls.

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