May the Art Be With You

By Jim Christiansen

At my studio, many of the art gardens and projects here use repurposed materials. The many signs I do for the Riverdance Farms U-Pick and Pick and Gather festival coming up Memorial Day weekend use sign stock found in the alley, warped or discarded plywood, old wood siding, upcycled with a coat of paint, and lettering. This is the spirit of the “Trash to Treasures” show at Mistlin Gallery, a Stanislaus Arts Council invitation to create art from discarded, unwanted, and disposal items into wall hangings, sculptures, fabric art, small furniture pieces, and more. For more information, see stanislausarts.org/exhibitions.

The show is open from May 9 to June 10. The Teaching Artists Guild and Stanislaus Arts Council are hosting a casual networking event at Mistlin Gallery on May 10. The Meet and Greet invite teaching artists in the Central Valley to drop in, enjoy some refreshments, and meet up with teachers in the visual arts, dance, music, drama, media arts, poetry, and more. The event is free and runs from 5:30 to 7 PM.

The third Thursday Art Walk is on May 18. Spring weather opens more artists to the sidewalks, as at Tresetti’s art corner and First Friday DOMO market. Look for the expanded map. Sam Pierstorff has been raving about the opening of State Theatre associated Film School for grades 8 to 12, opening in July, filling up fast. Check-in with the galleries Queen Bean and Dragonfly Art for Life for Spring and summer classes for students and adults starting this month and in June.

Knights Ferry Gallery studio is open in the downtown area. Ceramic artist Karen Bohbot is among the first to exhibit there. Carnegie Arts Center is holding a weekend fundraiser, The Art of Design: Home and Garden Tour, on May 13. Visitors from Lodi Arts Association to Open Studio announced they are holding their first Open Studio there in the Fall. Support local artists.

Mother’sView

By Chris Murphy

You know the truth, every day is Mother’s Day, but every May, we make sure to all be on our best behavior and make sure that our Moms are truly celebrated. This is a special time to remember how important our moms are. Also, note, there are a lot of dads out there that are also moms to so many. Let’s make sure to take time, spend some time and effort celebrating the amazing people that are raising us. You can really surprise your mom with beautiful flowers from the Modesto Farmer’s Market and there are many fun things to do, or even just as simple as breakfast in bed, a donut from your fave donut shop or a hand made drawing. Mother’s Day is May 14 this year.