The summer arts events are upon us – ArtHops, outdoor concerts and performances, extensive entertainment, fabulous art – and the weather is cooperating.

Community Enrichment Program Grants

The grant application for the Fresno Arts Council’s Community Enrichment Program can now be accessed on our website. Deadline for submission is July 16 at 4:30 pm. Plan to submit your application at the Fresno Arts Council office (FAC) at 1245 Van Ness no later than 4:00 pm to allow for any last minute gliches, such as parking.

We look forward to another year of great community arts and capital development projects that make the arts sector so exciting.

Arts Card powered by FresnoLive Discount

The Fresno Arts Council has partnered with FresnoLive to bring the ARTS CARD into the arts community. The FresnoLive Discount Card has many discounts available from local retailers with more being added each month.

The ARTS CARD discount card can be picked up from the FAC office for $10.00 in cash or check. It can also be purchased on our website with a credit card for an additional $2 convenience fee and the ARTS CARD will be mailed to your address.

Better yet, when you become a paying member of the Fresno Arts Council, you are automatically given an ARTS CARD as a benefit.

Fresno Acura, Valley Business Bank and Realty Concepts are Doing it Again for ArtHop!

The three businesses have teamed up again with their Passport to Art event with amazing art, entertainment and food. The evening also includes an after party at the Daily Grill with free appetizers. This is definitely a local favorite venue for ArtHop lovers.

Woodward Shakespeare Festival Opens June 24

The Woodward Shakespeare Festival has expanded for 2010. The Merchant of Venice opens the festival on June 24 with free performances on Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings at 8:00 pm with preshows at 7:30 pm. Performances are in the North East Section of Woodward Park, and seating is somewhat limited. Options include purchasing a reserved seat for $10, or $20 (includes the season’s t-shirt and a snack), or bring a blanket or chairs. An added feature to this new location at the park is the 13 Acre Market from 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm with live music and entertainment, over 30 vendors with food, arts and crafts, boutiques, local artist exhibits, face painting and a bounce house.

Selma’s First Historic Mural

Longtime muralist Ernesto Palomino designed the mural that reflects a historical perspective of Selma and its strength as an agricultural center in the Central Valley. The mural is on the wall of the Robertson-Guerra Insurance Agency in the center of Selma’s downtown. Mural painters, Francisco Vargas and Ramiro Martinez, are well known in the area for their murals. For more information contact Vicki Filgas at 974-3454.

China Chop Suey Comedy Show and Dinner

Emerging Health, a non-profit organization that promotes health and wellness through humor is presenting the China Chop Suey Comedy Show and an eight course Chinese banquet on June 26 at 2345 N. Blackstone (Clinton and Blackstone). Dinner starts at 6:30 pm and the comedy show is from 8:00 – 9:00 pm. Contact Dan at 259-7782 to purchase tickets. This event is more than comedy and food – I am not joking!

Sudie Douglas Tribute

The tribute event for Sudie Douglas has been changed from the African American Museum to the Cecil B. Hinton Center and will be held July 10. Contact Angela at the Fresno Arts Council at 237-9734 for ticket information.

Active ArtHop Venues

Please support our Metropolitan Area Arthop Venues; come by and meet the local artists and enjoy the artwork, receptions, wine and music on Thursday, June 17 from 5-8 pm. For more details about each event, go to the Fresno Arts Council Arts Calendar at FresnoArts.net

• Fresno Acura, 7250 N. Palm; “Passport to Art” featuring artists Sandy Kowallis, Connie Avila, Bebe Long, Valerie Runningwolf; reception; next to Realty Concepts, Valley Business Bank & ending at Daily Grill; reception.
• Realty Concepts, 740 W. Alluvial; featuring Linda Lloyd Pitts, Sharon Alexander; reception; next Valley Business Bank.
• Valley Business Bank, 7391 N. Palm; featured artists Aileen Imperatrice, Jean Preston, Matt Shumaker, Valerie Greene; ending at the Daily Grill for complimentary appetizers; drawing for a fabulous gift basket; reception
• North Pointe-Strands Salon & Gallery & Samba's & By The Sea Restaurant, 6741 N. Palm (& Herndon); featuring top local artists; reception; music in the patio. Fifteen percent of the art sales from ArtHop goes to local charities.
• Diamond Gallery, 1091 E. Champlain (& Perrin), 708-606-4777; featuring artist Dixie Salazar, oil paintings; Chris Sorensen, metal sculptures; a live-demonstration; photographer Franka Gabler; enjoy live music by Peter Moerdyk; reception
• The Center Bridging Body, Mind & Spirit, 1233 W. Shaw (& Palm) #105, 577-2256; featured artist Shirley Passarella; reception
• Strands North Point, 6741 N. Palm (& Herndon), 432-9296;
• Citibank, 2270 W. Shaw (at Van Ness); featuring acrylic paintings by Brenda Allison; photography by Jane Delany; reception
• Citibank, 20 W. Shaw (at Minnewawa), Clovis; featuring photography by Tim A. Fleming; oil paintings by artists Ma Ly and Sally Seago; reception
• Citibank, 7025 N. Marks; featuring sculptor Peter Radojkovich; painter Lea McAndrews; photographer Martin Nunez; live music; reception
• Shaver Lake Art Gallery, 42136 Tollhouse Road, Shaver Lake, 841-SLAG; featuring a live demonstration by water-colorist Mary Street; reception
• Art Stand Gallery (corner of Hwy. 180 & Frankwood) Sanger, 786-2773; featuring basket weaver Toni Best; photography of member Jeri Burzin,; reception