“Shakespeare’s Sonnets are some of the most intimate and imaginative writing in the English language, and I wanted to create an evening that invites audiences to experience them live rather than simply read them,” said Blake Ellis, Artistic Director of Chanticleer Shakespeare Co. “Having Leslie Batty respond to the Sonnets in real time, creating an original work as the evening unfolds, makes the experience particularly exciting. It’s a wonderful opportunity to bring theatre and visual art into the same space.”
Chanticleer Shakespeare Co. is building a new professional theatre tradition in Fresno, bringing Shakespeare and other classical works to the stage with artists of national and international experience. Its 2027 production of Romeo & Juliet will continue that work at the historic Warnors Theatre. For the Fresno Art Museum and CSC, The Art of Love is a chance to bring two of Fresno’s leading arts organizations together to support local artists and invite the community to experience Shakespeare in a new setting.
“This is exactly the kind of collaboration that makes a community’s cultural life stronger,” said Brandon Weis, Executive Director of Chanticleer Shakespeare Co. “The Fresno Art Museum and Chanticleer are two organizations with different artistic traditions, but we share a commitment to bringing exceptional art to the people of the San Joaquin Valley. The painting Leslie creates that evening will become a lasting reminder of that collaboration, while the sale of her painting at the end of the event will directly support both organizations.”
A hosted wine bar and hors d’oeuvres reception will follow the event.
The public is welcome to attend this collaborative fundraising event. All prepaid tickets are $20 and must be purchased no later than noon on Friday, October 23, 2026. Note that there is limited seating in the Bonner Auditorium so purchase your tickets as soon as possible as there may not be any available for purchase at door.