Art. Most think of art in regards to paintings hung of naked people or canvases covered in splashes of paint that one can’t make sense of.
However, Art consists of many other mediums, such as music, dance, theatre, sculpture and of course, paintings. Although some may not think of Fresno as artistically advanced, there are many places around town where one can discover their inner Da Vinci.
Music:
If you’re the type that would rather listen to a concert than going to a museum, then exploring the different music venues might be the right choice for you. The first place to look is right here on campus, at the FCC theatre. Here at FCC you can see your classmates performing in orchestras, plays, or occasionally catch an instructor playing a tune. Upcoming performances include the actor’s showcase taking place on April 30th and ending on May 5th, and the piano recital taking place in May showcasing advanced piano students and piano majors.
For something outside of school, try visiting the Tower District just a couple of blocks away from campus. Jazz lovers will really enjoy listening the night away to different jazz tunes played by members of the Jazz Fresno community that include Andre Bush, David Aus, and Gary Newmark. Taking place on the second and fourth Sunday’s of the month, different jazz groups showcase their talent in the Tower Mosaic located at 1040 N. Fulton in the Tower District. During the first Thursday’s of every month, Tower Mosaic also hosts Arthop, where various artists perform for the masses.
Theatre:
If listening to music for hours on end isn’t your scene, then going to catch a play or acted performance either on or off campus might be the start of your artistic journey. Although the student run plays are over for the season on campus, there still are a few performances taking place at the FCC theatre.
Upcoming shows include performances for the festivities of Cinco De Mayo showcasing Grupo Folklorico de Fresno City College which will be presenting Noche de Danza Mexican Gala Performance at the FCC theatre on May 3rd. Another quirky activity taking place on campus is called “Teasers – An evening of ten minute plays” which will take place on May 5th-6th in FCC Studio 105. Here, a series of short plays, written by students will be performed. All proceeds go to the Theatre scholarship fund.
If you want to see plays or operas outside campus, make a trip downtown and visit the Saroyan Theatre, where professional artists display their talents by participating in operas and plays. Home to the Fresno Philharmonic, this historic theatre pays tribute to William Saroyan while hosting a multitude of events that Fresno can enjoy. Upcoming events include the Fresno Philharmonic presenting “American Inspiration” on May 10th – May 11th. You can also see a variety of performances at the Second Space Theatere and Roger Rocka’s, both found in the Tower.
Museums:
If you’re willing to take the so-called traditional route to see local art, then a visit to one of Fresno’s museums might be your choice. Fresno City College is home to one very special works of art displayed in the Art Space Gallery on campus. Admissions are free, and once you enter you are welcomed by works of both students and staff combined. Currently on display are ceramic works done by sculptor Dennis Gallagher, who is an internationally appraised artist. His works will be on display until May 9th, and students are welcomed to visit the Art Space Gallery on Tuesdays from 10am-5pm, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 10am-8pm or Fridays from 10am-2pm. Located on First and Clinton not too far from campus, however, lies a small hidden museum that holds a wide collection of art from all over the world. Currently on display is John Nava’s collection titled Neo-Icons, which are a series of paintings and tapestries. Carrying an anti-war theme, Nava’s collection boasts his talent as an artist as well as portrays his own negative sentiments towards the war in Iraq. Also on display at this museum includes Earth, Wind and Fire: The Stratton Collection of Pre-Columbian Mexican Sculpture, which showcases paintings and sculptures from Latin America. Exhibits change constantly, making the Fresno Art Museum the perfect place to visit to catch a glimpse of new and modern art.
If visiting a large metropolitan area is not within your reach, then visiting any of these venues will allow you to explore your artistic side without having to leave your hometown. Fresno isn’t necessarily an art-stripped place; on the contrary, we have many artists and venues that are just waiting to be discovered.
