January 2015

mercedarthop.org l This Inspiration

Artist of the Quarter

Inside :

01.17.2015

MAH

DOB FRANCISE DKP | Red Sky Comics | Gottschalk Music

About Us Dear Reader and Art Enthusiasist,

PUBLISHER Kevin Hammon

Thank you for celebrating our 7th year with us at the Art Hop! We hope that this quarter's event will be fun and inspiring to each of you, espcially with all of the exciting things happening this time around. We do our best to make each Art Hop better than the last, because it is so rewarding to see so many people having a good time in their community and surrounded by art. It's not easy, but we will keep pushing ourselves to improve every quarter. If you feel motivated to help out, please don't hesitate to contact us! We are always looking for volunteers and donations to keep the Merced Art Hop free and open to the public.

EDITORIAL

We hope to see all of you at the next Art Hop!

Kevin Hammon & Kimberly Zamora Art Hop Co-Founders

FIND US WEBSITE : www.MercedArtHop.org FACEBOOK : www.Facebook.com/DowntownMAH TWITTER : www.Twitter.com/MercedArtHop EMAIL : Kimberly@MercedArtHop.org ADVERTISING : 209-560-MAH1 MAILING ADDRESS : Post Office Box 3351 Merced, CA 95344 cover photo by Dan Hong

John Miller

MARKETING Kevin Hammon DESIGN Kimberly Zamora Creative Director Chloe Peterson

Graphic Designer

PHOTOGRAPHY John Miller PRINT Brightdart Print & Design EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Kimberly Zamora PRESIDENT/CEO Kevin Hammon BOARD MEMBERS Jared Covert Desiree Flores Herrera Kimberly Zamora Kevin Hammon Notice of CopyrightŠ All materials contained within the Merced Art Hop Quarterly publication are protected by copyright unless otherwise stated, or in the case of any provided materials, the owner of that content retains the copyright. You may not alter, reproduce, distribute, publish, transmit or broadcast any material contained within the Merced Art Hop Quarterly publication without prior consent from the Merced Art Hop Board or othercopyright owner.

Merced Art Hop Quarterly takes care to ensure that all information is correct at the time of printing; however the publisher accepts no responsibility or liability for the accuracy of any information contained within the publication or advertisements. Views expressed are not necessarily endorsed by the publisher or editorial staff.

DKP ENTERTAINMENT PAGE 5

ARTIST OF THE QUARTER PAGE 6

Contents

THE 80 YEAR NOTE PAGE 11

THE MAP PAGE 8

RED SKY COMICS PAGE 10

2015 ART EVENTS PAGE 14

D K P J

ames Lamont Walker found himself in the throes of adjusting to a new neighborhood in the late 80’s after making a move to his new home. As he adjusted to his new life, there was something that continued to catch his ear every time he stepped outside and onto the sidewalk. It was something he’d been doing since he was young, brought to a new level that had people from the area gathering around them and bringing locals together. Day after day, he listened as these DJs mixed music together, entertained, and kept everyone in ear shot in high spirits, and it became clear to Walker what he wanted to do for a living.

From that point on Walker set down his path as a DJ and entertainer, and for the last two and a half decades he has been sending music into the air and keeping crowds happy. In 2003 he opened the doors to DKP Entertainment, and since then has kept a close eye on the industry, looking out for new ways to keep his services fresh and exciting and continuously striving to exceed people’s expectations of what a DJ can do. “I enjoy being involved in entertainment. Music is always around me and a song is always in my head”

noted Walker of his drive to keep his work ahead of the rest. “I get to do what I enjoy as a business so this is the best job ever!”

By continuing to look around the bend and see what new ideas he can unveil, Walker has been able to separate himself and DKP Entertainment from the rest of the pack. His newest ideas for the industry will be on display during the Merced Art Hop, which will take the audience and place them right up beside him during his Foto Bomb performance. Mixing up-tempo music, videos and visuals, Walker will be placing a video wall on the 600 block of Main Street that will be paired with a phone system, allowing anyone around to text a photograph to a number to see it displayed on the wall and paired with music. “The Foto Bomb service is newest service that we offer,” said Walker of the new service. “It is an alternative to the traditional photo booth with some many pluses.”

Those interested in taking a closer look at either Walker’s work, or what DKP has to offer, are encouraged to swing by during the Merced Art Hop, logon to DKP-Ent.com, or contact him at 1-800-311-7986.

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Continuing the Legacy As the third generation of a painting family, to say that art runs through Artist of the Quarter Dob Francise’s veins may be an understatement.

The Francise name stretches back to Merced’s founding, and with projects such as the relocation of Applegate Park’s Laurel Fountain from Southern Pacific Depot tied to the family name, both the history and the art they’re responsible for have helped create the city we know today. So when it came to Dob Francise’s parents handing their nine year old son oil paints and a canvas to begin following the family traditions, there was definitely a legacy that was being passed onto him. To say that he picked up that legacy and ran with what became a lifelong passion may also be an understatement.

Over the last few decades Francise has continued his work as a painting contractor and decorative painter and racked up an impressive client list that includes the likes of Prince, Hugh Hefner, Goldie Hawn, Julio Iglesias, Bob Barker, Andy Williams, and Don Rickles. His trompe-l’oeil work sits inside the Holmsby Hills home of businessman and philanthropist Fredrick Weisman, with additional pieces lining the walls of Weismann’s

Art Foundation in Los Angeles as part of the organization’s contemporary art collection. Many of these pieces will remain in perfect condition for the forseeable future, however not all of his work is so permanent. His skill as a set designer has had the side-effect of seeing countless days and weeks worth of work on a mural painted over and as frequently changing as the natural landscape that his work draws inspiration from. After happening more than a few dozen times, something that would make many creators cringe, it’s now something that he’s become accustomed to.

After coupling with Playhouse Merced, Shakespeare Fest, and other performing and visual arts organizations in the area to provide them with arrays of scenery to perform around, Francise has learned to make the impermanence of the stage and knowledge that his work will only be viewable for a limited time work for him, saying that the calmness and joy he gets out of any painting is what continues to push him to create. “It gives me the chance to let others see how art can change all of our lives,” he said. The fleeting nature of these works, often times only being viewable for a matter of days, has

prompted him to turn particularly large projects such as The Beatles Project at Playhouse Merced into events in and of themselves. Once the public comes through the doors to watch as Francise creates these vast works from nothing, he begins to take command of the stage as he mixes his lifelong talents with modern performance art as he takes on the persona he has dubbed “The Artist: (dob francise).”

Aside from his work in front of a canvas or blank wall space with a brush and paints, Francise has managed to find time to expand his talents and work as a florist, balloon decorator, foam sculptor, sound and lighting engineer, director, producer, actor, and dancer. His featured work for the Art Hop, entitled "Lost Fisherman" was created in the midst of the loss of one of his best friends, leaving him with a feeling of emptiness and loneliness as he struggled with his inability to help his friend. Francise noted that for those who stop by to view his work inside of Binary Systems on the corner of M Street and Main Street, that they should take their time when viewing his multi-layered work.

“My art develops as you look at it,” said Francise, “You see more and more as your eyes adjust.”

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Businesses + Artists EMERGENCY/EMERGENCE: Art after war

by Eli-Jelly Schapiro 2. 600 B=E=N=C=H [North] Art [Activity] 3. Tigers and Daggers TBA 4. Red Sky Comics Rob Hernandez 5. All Pro Bail Bonds Sandee Smith + Christian Vaughn 6. Arbor Walk North The Arbor Way artists 7. 500 B=E=N=C=H [North] Jesse Hunt [Sketch Photo Booth] 8. Cold Stone Creamery Mariela Landeros 9. Gottschalk Music Ctr 415 + Early Empires 10. 300 B=E=N=C=H [North] Art [Activity] 11. Waredrobe 234 Danny Loreto 12. Restored Thrift Store Dimenike Soliz 1. MCAC

Performers/Bands:

Exhibits

415 + Early Empires: [Gottschalks Music Center] DKP Entertainment = Video installation: [600 block] Hip Hop [Dancers]: [Bob Hart Square 630pm]

Video Installa Merced Need

Craft Designers and Information Tables:

[Location Arbor walk South]

Art Activities Interactive Art Activities: [Sidewalks | Bob Hart Square] Art and Go-seek: [infomation table Bob Hart Square] 8

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Mariposa Art Restless Valle

Merced Coun ART AFTER W

Arbor Walkw 500 B=E=N=C

JANUARY 17, 2015 5|9pm 9

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13. Merced Antique Mall 14. Bella Luna 15. The Cue Spot Billiards 16. 510 Bistro 17. Bob Hart Square 18. Country Comfort 19. Second Time Around 20. Arbor Walk South 21. 500 B=E=N=C=H [south] 22. The Mariposa Art Company 23. Binary Systems CPU Repair

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Della Salas Kerry Brooke + Adam Hogston Merced Needle Arts Guild + Darlene Adams + Jonathan Mondragon + Ivan Zaragoza + Melissa Rocha + Eulalia Gamez + Joshua Roe Somesh Roy Hip Hop [Dancers] = 630pm Video installation + Art [Activities] Jallussee Medina Nicolaine Ortuno Craft designers and information tables Art [Activity] [”Loyalty and Intergity” Exhibition featuring Restless Valley Ink] 7-11pm Dob Francise

ations [Bob Hart Square + 600 Block] dle Arts Guild [Cue Spot Billiards]

t Company [“Loyalty and Integrity” Exhibition featuring ey Ink] [700p-1100p]

nty Arts Council [EMERGENCY / EMERGENCE: WAR CURATED BY ELI JELLY-SCHAPIRO]

way North: [The Arbor Way Artists] C=H [right side]: Jesse Hunt [Sketch Photo Booth]

Eat. Shop. Watch. Listen. Stay.

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Red Sky Michael Smid can’t remember a time when he wasn’t drawn to the world of comic books. This lifelong interest would eventually catch the eye of a fellow comic book enthusiast and Cop-A-Comic owner, Lonnie Cox. The long time owner of Cop-A-Comic would take a young Smid under his wing, working with him inside of what was Merced’s only comic book store at the time. After Cox’s wife first passed, and then he himself did, Cop-A-Comic was forced to close their doors. In the wake of their tragic passing and the shops closing, a new shop would open with Smid as the new owner, using the years of knowledge passed along to him during his time working alongside of Cox. Looking to continue the tradition, Smid opened up Red Sky Comics on Main Street five years ago and has never looked back. Since then he has been the go-to place for comic book fans to experience the unique art form that brings stories and graphic arts together in a way that even billion-dollar budget movies are unable to. “They are interactive in a way that film and TV and video can never be” said Smid. “There is nowhere else you can be inspired by great heroism, or villainy, if that is where your mind takes you, in the same way and the medium benefits greatly from the ability to tell compelling stories across all different genres.” Smid went on to explain that for many the fictional 10

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narrative that many comics lay out for readers often allows many an opportunity to discuss the truths in a manner that isn’t easy to express in everyday life.

With a full selection inside of Red Sky Comics estimated to be between 18 and 20 thousand books at any given time, Smid’s shop capitalizes on the mediums unique attributes and offers comic book lovers “the ability to walk in and be transported to hundreds, if not thousands of different worlds.” In addition to continuously keeping the shop stocked with a wide selection of different styles and genres, personal and unique material is brought in through their efforts to pursue and align themselves with independent artists and by seeking crowd funding for personal projects online.

Those looking for a way to peek behind the curtains of different realities, admire a wide variety of truly skillful art, or follow the complexities of a written tale are encouraged to make their way into Red Sky Comics at 617 West Main Street in Merced. With a comic book to cover any and every interest and taste out there, Smid and his staff can serve as guides to help you find the book that perfectly fits your own style. Those looking for additional information are encouraged to stop by, call the shop at (209)7260667, or logon to follow their shop on Facebook.

The 80 Year Note Having watched the music scene change for the better part of the last century the Gottschalk family has had plenty of time to sharpen their musical knowledge to a fine point, and the local area is reaping the rewards of their expertise. Located at 355 West Main Street, the store provides local musicians with everything from saxophones, reeds, and sheet music for those practicing classical music to guitars, drum sets, and P.A. systems for bands looking to play live shows. So when the Art Hop made its way into the Merced area, Gottschalk Music Center Manager Rick Stokes put two and two together and coupled their music knowledge with the growing event and began hosting live shows during the event. Since that first Art Hop almost seven years ago, the variety of acts that have entered the shops doors and performed for music hungry fans rivals the variety that the Gottschalk’s family has seen since they first opened their doors in Michigan in 1936.

“It just seemed like a natural thing to do since we see Downtown Merced as a community,” Stoke said of the shops decision to begin hosting music acts.

“Over the years we’ve booked some rock bands, some jazz bands, small duets and trios, we’ve had the Sweet Adelines come sing for us before, and last Art Hop we had a French horn ensemble come and perform.” Stokes went on to say that the shop has put a particularly strong focus on bands whose members are under 21 years of age due to the lack of another permanent venue in town that they would be able to perform at. “I may only be able to offer the shop up four times a year because we are primarily a music store, but we really try to make

sure the young bands have a place to perform and that bands that have young fans have a place where they can see them play,” said Stokes. And for many musicians and their fans, especially those who fall under the age of 21 and have more limited choices, every opportunity to either perform for new ears or listen to new music is an important addition to the Merced music scene.

“Music gives the members of the band a voice and a way to express themselves, their emotions and what’s on their mind in a way that spoken word can’t always manage,” Stokes explained.

“It lets them express those things truthfully and without restriction.” But for those who consume rather than create, Stokes is hoping that they still get the same thrill out of stopping by. “I really hope that that it brings them the same enjoyment and inspirations, and that if its someone who hasn’t created but has always wanted to will be moved to do so after watching someone create something from nothing, or after hearing a piece of music that speaks to them and then gets them to take that next step,” noted Stokes.

Currently Gottschalks Music Center will be hosting the alternative rock band Atlas Infinity, modern rock band Faith and Fiction, and 415 who is known for their performance of rock covers. To get more information regarding Gottschalk Music Center and to stay up to date on future events, the public is encouraged to stop by and speak with a staff member or call them at 209.723.3337, log onto GottschalkMusicCenter.net, or search for them on Facebook or YouTube for the most up-to-date news.

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The Merced Art Hop will be entering its seventh year in 2015 with a new set of goals, and we’re ecstatic about what we have planned for the New Year and are looking forward to another year of prosperity. New goals for the year include a renewed effort to seek out funds both through continuing fundraising efforts and through grants.

Funds brought in through the year of 2015 will assist MAH in securing a permanent studio space for artists to create throughout the year and develop working relationships with other creators, spurring a positive energy and environment. We've worked with a wide array of wonderful organizations and government agencies, including the Merced County Community Action Agency, The Silent Witness Project, UC Merced Project Protect, Arts UC Merced Presents and local schools, and we plan to continue our efforts with these organizations and their goals, as well as keeping our ear to the ground for new organizations that spring up during 2015. Art creators and lovers can look forward to craft designers selling goods during the quarterly Art Hop, as we will begin accepting applications from those interested in tabling for craft designers, independent designers, alternative artists as well as information tables. The cost will vary from $20.00 to $50.00 and applications can be found on MercedArtHop.Org. The creative community can also look forward to continuing Social Artist Mixers as a way for artists to both socialize and network. Lastly, due to the great demand, we will be bringing back the Scavenger Hunt.

Renamed as “Art and Go Seek”, it will invite guest during the Art Hop to make their way into local business during the event, speak with artists and view their work, and more than anything else, to have fun. After finishing “Art and Go Seek” guest will have the chance to win a prize as previously done with the Scavenger Hunt activities in years past.

MAH IN 2015

MAH 2015 Wall CALENDAR

Choose from three [Artists] Kimberly Zamora + Leo Alvarez + Melissa Rocha

Pick up your Calendar at:

FREE

Binary Systems CPU 600 W. Main ST, Merced

Donations gladly accepted MERCEDARTHOP.ORG

Merced fine & Merced Arts Council Merced County High School Honors Art Show

UC Merced Arts Presents 10th Annual Bobcat Art Show Merced Symphony Spring Concert UC Merced Chorale Spring Concert Children’s Opera: “Who Stole B-Flat?”

Merced College Fine Arts Jay Hill, Painting CSU Stanislaus, Art Faculty, Invitational Arnold Anthony Orosco, Painting, Print Merced College Student Art Exhibition

Merced College Performing Arts Dance Kaleidoscope The Taming of the Shrew,by William Shakespeare, Directed by Carin Heidelbach "In Search of Hallman", Professor Barnes of Philosophy Lorraine Concert Band Spring Concert, “Danza”, Mark Steven Doiel Conductor 14

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performing Arts February 12 -April 2 Reception February 12 @5:30-7:00PM

April 6-May 5 at UCM Art Gallery and UC Merced Library Reception April 13 @4:30PM at UC Merced Art Gallery April 25 @7:30PM at Art Kamangar Center at the Merced Theatre May 10 @5PM at the Dr. Lakireddy Auditorium May 22 @7PM at the Dr. Lakireddy Auditorium

January 13-February 5 Reception January 21 @6PM at Merced College Art Gallery February 17-March 12 Reception February 8 @6PM at Merced College Art Gallery March 23-April 16 Reception March 25 @6PM at Merced College Art Gallery April 29-May 12 Reception April 29 @6PM at Merced College Art Gallery

February 21 @2PM and 7PM at Merced College Theater March 20, 21, 26, 27, 28 @7:30PM and March 29 @2PM at Merced College Theater April 18 @8PM at Merced College Theater April 24 @7:30PM at Merced College Theater M A H

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THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!