Hop downtown for Fresno art
By Megan Bakker
The Collegian
CENTAUR SCULPTURES, WHIMSICAL angel paintings, the artistic skills of kindergarteners and glimpses of Egypt are just some of the things attendees can expect to find at this month’s ArtHop.
March 2 from 5 – 8 pm, these exhibits and more are part of a 54-stop experience called ArtHop.
On the first Thursday of each month, studios, galleries, and stores throughout Fresno open their doors for free to display and sell local artwork. Participants are invited to visit, or hop, from one gallery to the next for the evening. Since its creation ten years ago by local artists, the program has steadily gained support within the community.
“When I started part-time four years ago, there were 400 people on the mailing list,” said Maria Franco, the Office Manager at the Fresno Arts Council. “Four years later it’s grown to 1,400.”
“We usually have a really big group that comes in,” said Amanda Holley, a sales associate at Come on-a My House, a combination gift store and gallery on East Olive Avenue.
“Lots of people come who have never come before,” she said.
In addition to the variety of exhibits available, many studios offer live music, hors d’oeuvres, and wine to visitors.
“The artist and art galleries really open their exhibits to the public,” said Franco. And the exhibits go beyond paintings.
COME ON-A My House invited Fresno native and Hispanic author Ben Romero to speak about his experiences growing up and about his autobiographical books, all with chicken-related titles.
Javawava, on North Echo Avenue near Fresno High School, will host photography by Gary Christiansen focusing on time he spent in Egypt. Almost all galleries feature the artist’s works for the month following ArtHop, allowing those who can’t make it a chance to see the exhibits.
Since March 2 also kicks off the Rogue Festival, many acts plan to give previews at various venues throughout the evening, and several full performances are planned as well.
But Franco says her favorite part of ArtHop is the range of people that attend each exhibit.
“We have a lot of people that are interested, young and old. We see a lot of young college students and it’s remarkable to see these young people go outside and see the art,” she said, adding that often art teachers will take their students on field trips to the event.
For a complete list of all venues participating in ArtHop, a list of their exhibits, as well as maps downtown, visit the Fresno Arts Council Website www.fresnoarts.org.
“The one thing we get over and over again is people always say they didn’t realize how much art is out there,” Franco said.
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