July starts off with a BANG. First we have ArtHop tonight with perfect weather for strolling through Downtown and the Tower district and visiting some favorite art venues.

Then we roll right into the July 4th weekend and events along with an extra day off of work for most of us. Fireworks, food, beverages, friends and family, and relaxation – what a way to start the month! Let us not forget the purpose of the holiday – Independence Day. For a brief history lesson on the Independence Day and America’s Birthday, visit www.holidays.net/independence/story.htm.

Community Enrichment Program Grants

The grant application for the Fresno Arts Council’s Community Enrichment Program can now be accessed on our website. As a reminder, the deadline for arts and cultural organizations to submit their Community Enrichment Program grant applications to the Fresno Arts Council is July 16, 2010 before 4:30 pm. Don’t be late – the doors lock at 4:30 and applications will not be accepted if late.

We encourage applicants to review the criteria and stay within the guidelines as they develop programs and services for the community enjoy.

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 Arts Council Festival of Art & Wine

Mark your calendars for a fabulous upcoming event in the fall. We are hosting the Festival of Art & Wine at the San Joaquin River Parkway Hallowell Center for River Studies on October 16 from 6:00 to 10:00 pm. Food, wine, entertainment, art, and a great location. This will be one of the events you don’t want to miss this year.

Artists' Exhibiting on the Fresno County Website

Artists may still submit applications and artwork samples for exhibit on the Fresno County website. This website has visitors from all over the world, so you have not only local audiences seeing your work, but also statewide, nationally and internationally. The bio that you provide will let them know about you and how to reach you. If you have questions, please contact Maria at the Fresno Arts Council at 237-9734.

Featured Business: Fresno Design Alliance

The Fresno Design Alliance (FDA) operates under the fiscal receivership of the Fresno Arts Council, and is a collaboration of professional and student designers devoted to developing Fresno’s design awareness. Through community involvement and education the FDA aims to inspire and motivate local businesses and non-profits in their pursuit of quality graphic design.

FDA was created in January, 2005 by a few local design professionals. It was formed as away for graphic design professionals to network, increase their knowledge, and improve their businesses through collaboration. FDA seeks to give back to the community by allying with educators, design students, businesses and non-profits. Please visit their website at www.fresnodesignalliance.org to see what they do and how it may be in line with your needs.

ART LOVER License Plate

We encourage you to consider purchasing the ART LOVER license plate (designed by Wayne Thiebold) for vehicles as the benefits come back into our community through funding of the Fresno Arts Council as well as other arts councils throughout the state. The ART LOVER license plate sales fund arts programs, arts education and entertainment. The price of the ART LOVER license plate is also tax deductible.

Computer Workstation with Internet

Just a reminder – the Fresno Arts Council has a designated computer with wireless access for artists to use at our office. Bring a memory stick to save your work as printing is not available.

Youth Employment

The economic downturn is having a devastating impact upon businesses, employees and job seekers. While it is vitally important that adult job seekers find employment to support their families, it is also highly valuable to provide employment, training and volunteer opportunities to our youth.

There are resources for business to hire youth at no cost, such as through the Fresno County Economic Opportunities Commission (FCEOC) summer youth program, the City of Clovis Workforce program for youth and the Fresno County Workforce Investment Board. The arts community is a great place for youth to work and learn.

Active ArtHop Venues

Please support our Downtown Fresno and Tower District Arthop Venues; come by and meet the local artists and enjoy the artwork, receptions, wine and music on Thursday, July 1st, from 5-8 pm. For more details about each event, go to the Fresno Arts Council Arts Calendar at FresnoArts.net

• City Hall, 2600 Fresno, 237-9734; artists Ma Ly on 2nd floor & Naomi Hendrix on 1st floor; receptions on 1st floor
• Gallery 25, 660 Van Ness, 264-4092; Centralism 2, Competitive Juried Exhibition, Jurors: Linda & Tom Walsh; reception
• Fig Tree Gallery, 644 Van Ness, 485-0460; artist Iris J. Duarte, paintings & mixed media; reception
• Silva/Salazar Studio/Gallery, 654 Van Ness, 486-1307
• Robert Ogata Studio, 701 L St., 237-1678; reception
• Iron Bird Café, 1915 Fulton.440-8315; Artists Market featuring various artists & artwork; reception
• The Loft Gallery, 852 E. Divisadero #102; artist Heather Arney; reception
• African American Museum, 1857 Fulton, 268-7102
• Arte Americas, 1630 Van Ness, 266-2623
• Glen Delpit, 1753 Van Ness, 227-1529
• K-Jewel Art Gallery, 1415 Fulton, 497-5118; artist Dale Oftedal; music by Acoustic Highway; reception
• All Things Fresno Gallery & Store, 1424 Fulton, next to Warnors Theatre, 321-1924; music by Blake Jones & the Trike Shop; reception
• Mullins Studio, 1416 Broadway #D, 444-0395; reception
• DCAC, 754 P St. 284-1474; artist Richard Silva; reception
• Potters Studio, 905 R St., 266-5508
• ACA Window Gallery, 2120 Kern, 877-384-7852
• Broadway Studios, 1416 Broadway, 869-8659; reception
• Gorgon Isle Gallery, 665 Fulton, 288-4753; Off the Wall Urban/ Graffiti Art Show; music; reception
• Chinatown Youth Center, 901 F St., 492-8254; amazing art; reception
• Chris Sorensen Studio/Gallery, 2223 S. Van Ness, 237-4934; reception
• Art By Hand, 732 N. Van Ness, 237-3101; reception
• Studio 74, 1274 N. Van Ness, 908-0658; artist Diane L. Johnson-Mendes; reception
• Law Office of Dean B. Gordon, 1220 E. Olive, 221-7777; artist Elaine Callahan; reception
• Tower Tattoos, 716 E. Olive Ave., 233-7656
• Spectrum Art Gallery, 608 E. Olive, 266-0691
• Free Bird Company, 506 E. Olive, 312-6174
• The Brass Unicorn, 845 E. Fern, 441-7107; artist Jenny Martinez; reception
• The Voice Shop, 1296 N. Wishon, 222-7464; artists Avigdar Adams & Benjamin F. Locke; reception
• The Brick Wall @ JA Photography, 2003 N. Van Ness Blvd, 307-3610; artist Linda Foster; music by Corky; reception
• Echo Street Coffee & Café, 1940 N. Echo, 233-8995
• Art Alley, 616 E. Weldon, 264-3812
• Fulton’s Folly Antique Collective, 920 E. Olive, 268-3856; artist David Lopez Jr; reception
• Twee Boutique & Gallery, 1302 N. Wishon, 441-0427
• Adornos Art & Dance, 2977 N. Maroa, 222-6565; artists Marilyn Torchin, Nancy Stegall & Michelle Bussey; the group ArtQuest; reception
• Margaret Hudson Gallery, 1936 E. Swift, 226-0431; artists Margaret Hudson & Linda Lloyds Pitts; live music; reception
• Clay Mix, 1003 N. Abby, 485-0065; artist Susanne French; reception

Happy Arthopping!