May 2026 Stanislaus Arts & Culture Community Newsletter
Community Updates & Organizational Transparency from the Director
May has already had us moving at an incredible pace, and while this newsletter is arriving a bit later than anticipated, we want to sincerely thank our community for its patience and continued support.
As demand for programs, advocacy, partnerships, and services continues to grow, we remain transparent that our organization is currently operating at limited capacity. Expanding meaningful arts services, advocacy efforts, workforce development, and accessible programming requires sustainable funding and increased organizational infrastructure.
Even so, we remain deeply committed to continuing this work because we believe the arts matter profoundly to the future of our community.
Your support, attendance, participation, advocacy, and encouragement genuinely make a difference.
Creativity Is Thriving in Stanislaus County
As we move deeper into spring, we are reminded once again that arts and culture are not simply enhancements to our community — they are essential to its vitality, identity, economy, and future.
April was an extraordinary month filled with advocacy, celebration, collaboration, creativity, and meaningful community engagement throughout Stanislaus County and across California’s arts sector. From record-breaking participation at Art Walk to statewide conversations surrounding the future of cultural investment, we continue to witness firsthand the tremendous impact the arts have in strengthening communities and bringing people together.
As always, thank you for being part of this growing creative movement. Your participation, encouragement, advocacy, and continued support make this work possible.
Arts, Culture & Creativity Month Proclaimed in Modesto
On April 7th, the Modesto City Council officially proclaimed April as Arts, Culture & Creativity Month in both California and the City of Modesto.
This recognition reflects the growing understanding that arts and culture are fundamental to healthy, vibrant, and economically thriving communities. We extend our sincere gratitude to the City of Modesto for recognizing the immense value artists, creatives, cultural workers, and arts organizations bring to our region every single day.
We look forward to continuing to strengthen partnerships that elevate arts and culture throughout Stanislaus County.
April 7, 2026, Modesto City Council Proclaims April 2026 as Arts, Culture and Creativity Month
In frame, left to right: Council memberJeremiah Williams, Council member Nick Bavaro, Council member David Wright, Caroline Nickel, Modesto Symphony Orcherstra, Karin, Reenstierna, Central West Ballet, Veronica Torres, SCA Board Member, Mayor Sue Zwahlen, Dominique Johnson, Executive Director, SAC, Sarah Guadalupe Hosner, SAC Board Member, Ryan Foy, SAC Board member, Rally aka Jennifer Anne Valenzuela, Culture Commission Chair, Council member Rosa Escutia-Braaton, Council member Eric E. Alvarez, Council member Chris Ricci.
Record-Breaking April Art Walk
Modesto’s Art Walk on April 16th was one of the most successful Art Walks we have experienced to date, with record-breaking artist participation and the highest level of artist sales we have tracked thus far.
To our artists, creatives, performers, downtown businesses, volunteers, and every community member who attended — thank you! Together, we are building a stronger creative community.
Modesto Art Walk
A glimpse at our vibrant creative scene during the April 2026 Art Walk.
The Art Walk is a free, family-friendly event, it is only successful because our community continues to show up, support local creativity, and invest in the cultural vibrancy of our downtown and region. The energy throughout downtown Modesto during Art Walk continues to demonstrate just how important accessible arts programming is to our community.
We are tremendously grateful to everyone who continues to help this event grow month after month.
Want to get involved? Calling all local artists! Reservations for the May Art Walk close Monday, May 11th at 5:00 PM. Artist participation invoices and event communications will be distributed following registration closure.
Register here: https://www.stanislausarts.org/art-walk-artist-reservations
Create Station Continues to Inspire Community Creativity
April’s Create Station was another wonderful success, providing free creative activities for community members of all ages through the generous support of the Raymus Foundation.
Participants created “Mini Masterpiece” kits both inside the gallery and at home, further reinforcing the importance of accessible creative engagement opportunities throughout our community.
At the upcoming May 21st Art Walk from 5:00–8:00 PM, participants from February and March’s Create Stations will be able to pick up their painted fabric squares from our collaborative Community Quilt project.
2026 Art Walk Create Station Community Quilt
Our next Create Station activity will feature “Magnetic Mini Art,” where participants can create small magnetic canvas artworks using paints, paint brushes, paint markers, and ink markers. Community members are welcome to create in-gallery during Art Walk or take kits home to complete at their own pace.
We believe creativity belongs to everyone, and we remain deeply committed to continuing opportunities that encourage artistic exploration and community connection.
Advocating for the Arts in Sacramento
From April 18th through April 21st, the Stanislaus Arts Council participated in several important statewide arts advocacy and leadership convenings in Sacramento, including the California Arts Council State-Local Partner Convening, the Coalition of County Arts Agencies meetings, and the Californians for the Arts Arts & Culture Summit.
These gatherings brought together arts administrators, advocates, cultural leaders, creatives, and organizations from across California to discuss the future of arts funding, cultural equity, workforce development, community investment, and the expanding role of the creative economy throughout the state.
One major focus throughout these conversations was California’s growing Cultural District initiative, including Modesto’s newly designated Dos Rios Arts & Cultural District.
We are incredibly excited about what this designation means for our community and look forward to sharing more information in the coming months as we continue working strategically alongside community and business partners to build a thoughtful and impactful framework for the district’s future.
This is a major achievement for Modesto and Stanislaus County, and we look forward to celebrating this milestone with the community soon.
In frame: The State-Local Partners of the California Arts Council (aka the Coalition of County Arts Agencies), and the California Arts Council Staff at the SLP Convening April 19, 2026 in Sacramento, California.
Arts Advocacy Continues
On April 21st, and again this week at the State Capitol during Senate Budget Subcommittee hearings, we continued advocating for increased state investment in arts and culture on behalf of the more than 550,000 residents of Stanislaus County.
Current statewide advocacy requests include:
$50 million for the California Arts Council
$40 million for the Performing Arts Equitable Payroll Fund (PAEPF)
$30 million to support California Cultural Districts
These investments directly impact communities like ours. Many local organizations have already benefited from statewide arts funding programs, and expanded support would create even greater opportunities for artists, nonprofits, cultural institutions, educators, performers, and creative entrepreneurs throughout the Central Valley.
Arts advocacy is community advocacy.
This work is not only about securing funding — it is about ensuring rural and historically underinvested communities are seen, heard, and included in statewide conversations surrounding cultural and economic investment.
As we continue growing organizational capacity and pursuing sustainable funding pipelines, we remain committed to supporting, promoting, and advocating for the arts throughout Stanislaus County.
We encourage our community to continue amplifying the importance of investing in arts and culture by engaging with local and state leaders and supporting these critical funding efforts.
Learn more:
https://www.caartsadvocates.org/50in50
Advocacy in Action
On May 7, 2026 a group of fierce Arts Advocates at the Capitol, to speak to the Senate Budget Committee for support for Senator Smallwood Cuevas’ proposal to increase the CAC’s budget to increase their grantmaking appropriations from $24 million to $50million, with $10million dedicated to the cultural District Program.
In frame, left to right: Tiranjini Pillai, Faith McKinnie, Black Artist Foundry, Amanda Sanchez, Capitol Creative Alliance, Jaya King, Julie Baker, Ca for the Arts, Colton Dennis, Merced Arts Council, Diana Arbex, Nevada County Arts Council, Dominique Johnson, Stanislaus Arts Council.
Celebrating 50 Years of the California Arts Council
While in Sacramento, we were honored to attend the California Arts Council’s 50th Anniversary celebrations.
Festivities included a private reception at the Governor’s Mansion honoring influential leaders and changemakers in the arts and culture sector, including David Geffen, Mildred Howard, Barbara Kruger, Cheech Marin, Magic Theatre, Charles Ray, San Jose Taiko, Luis Valdez and El Teatro Campesino, and many others, alongside state leadership including Governor Gavin Newsom and former Governor Jerry Brown.
We also attended the inspiring public celebration at Memorial Auditorium, where the California Arts Council recognized founding artists and cultural visionaries whose work has profoundly shaped California’s creative landscape over the last fifty years, including Ruth Asawa, Peter Coyote, Suzanne Jackson, Noah Purifoy, Gary Snyder, Luis Valdez, and others.
The evening served as a powerful reminder that arts and culture are not peripheral to society — they are foundational to civic identity, storytelling, education, community wellness, and economic vitality.
Mark your Calendars with the many May Happenings
Friday, May 1 – June 12
California Arts Council Individual Artist Fellowship Applications Open
Administered through Kern Dance Alliance for the Central Valley and Eastern Sierra regions.
Applications close June 12, 2026. https://kerndance.org/kda-selected-to-administer-california-arts-council-individual-artists-fellowship-program-for-central-valley-eastern-sierra-counties/
Sunday, May 10 | 2:00–4:00 PM
Belly Dance & Bubbles — Mother’s Day Edition
Presented by Stephanie Belly Dance at Alegria Performing Arts Academy in Turlock.
Monday, May 11 | 5:00 PM
Modesto Art Walk Artist Registration Deadline
Register to participate:https://www.stanislausarts.org/art-walk-artist-reservations
Tuesday, May 12
California Arts Council Grant Applications Due
Applications close for:
Arts & Youth
Impact Projects
General Operating Support
Information & applications: https://arts.ca.gov/grants/
Sunday, May 17 | 12:00–5:00 PM
Modesto Porchfest
Learn more:https://www.modestoporchfest.com/
Wednesday, May 20 | 5:00–7:00 PM
“Youth in Bloom” Reception & Awards
Awards presentation begins at 6:00 PM.
Featuring artwork by young community creatives. Exhibition on view through May 22nd.
Presented through support from the California Arts Council, Stanislaus Arts Council, Visit Modesto, and the Elliott Community Celebration Fund.
Thursday, May 21 | 5:00–8:00 PM
Modesto Art Walk
Downtown Modesto
Learn more:https://www.stanislausarts.org/3rd-thursday-art-walk
May 22–23
Youth in Bloom Artist Artwork Pickup
Friday: 9:00 AM–3:00 PMSaturday: 11:00 AM–1:00 PM
Tuesday, May 26
The Van Gogh Challenge Finalists Exhibition
On display May 26th through June 19th at the Stanislaus Arts Council/ Visit Modesto’s Visitors Center at 1315 J St. Modesto, Ca 95354.
Friday, May 30
Carnegie Art Showcase Submission Deadline
The Carnegie Art Showcase returns this summer in the Carnegie Arts Center’s Ferrari Gallery.
This juried exhibition celebrates artistic excellence with more than $2,000 in awards.
Accepted Media: Painting, Photography, Digital Media, Drawing, Watercolor, Mixed Media, Textiles, Ceramics, Sculpture, Decorative Arts, and more.
Awards Include:
Best of Show — $750
Two Awards of Excellence — $300 each
Four Awards of Merit — $150 each
Six Honorable Mentions — $50 each
Exhibition Dates: July 7 – August 29
Learn more:https://carnegieartsturlock.org/discover/opportunities/exhibit-opportunities/
Summer Arts Opportunities
Carnegie Arts Center Summer Camp
Beginning June 8th in Turlock, sign up today!
Register now: https://carnegieartsturlock.org/learn/classes/class-schedule/
Call for Artists — OakdaleARTS Community Mural Fundraiser
OakdaleARTS is inviting artists of all ages to participate in a community art fundraiser supporting the continued creation of public murals throughout Oakdale.
Participating artists will receive one complimentary 8”x8” wood panel to create and donate an original artwork for the fundraiser. Youth artists ages 8–12 may participate using a 6”x6” panel format. Artists interested in submitting additional works may purchase extra panels for a $10 donation each, with a maximum of four total entries per artist.
Artists are welcome to work in their preferred medium; however, all artwork must be completely dry, free of glitter, and remain within the edges of the provided panel. No hangers or wire should be attached. The theme is open to interpretation, though artists are encouraged to create original pieces specifically for this fundraiser. All submitted artwork must be original and created solely by the artist entering the work.
Wood panels may be picked up at:
Storybooks & Toys
150 S. Second Avenue, Oakdale
Monday–Friday: 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Closed Sundays
Completed artwork must be dropped off no later than June 12, 2026 by 4:00 PM at Storybooks & Toys. Early submissions are appreciated.
The opening reception and fundraiser sale will take place on:
Thursday, June 18, 2026 | 5:00–7:00 PM
Gallery Custom Framing
134 N. Third Avenue, Oakdale
This collaborative fundraiser helps generate support for future public art initiatives while celebrating the creativity and artistic talent throughout our region.
For additional information, please contact OakdaleARTS at OakdaleARTS@gmail.com.
Coming Soon — Juneteenth Art Competition
The Stanislaus Arts Council and Sweet Potato Pie Company Cares will soon announce a Call for Art celebrating Juneteenth as part of the June 13th Juneteenth Celebration at Graceada Park beginning at 11:00 AM.
Artists will be invited to submit original artworks onsite the day of the event for competition and exhibition consideration.
Selected finalist works will be exhibited at the Stanislaus Arts Council gallery from June 16th through July 6th.
Additional details and submission guidelines will be announced soon!
Help Us Keep Creativity Thriving in Stanislaus County
Every exhibition, community event, advocacy effort, youth opportunity, artist resource, Create Station activity, and public arts experience we provide is made possible through the support of individuals who believe creativity matters and recognize the essential role arts and culture play in building vibrant, connected communities.
As the demand for accessible arts programming, artist opportunities, cultural investment, and community advocacy continues to grow throughout Stanislaus County, so does the need for sustainable support to help us continue and expand this work. While the Stanislaus Arts Council continues operating at limited capacity as we actively work to strengthen and grow the creative infrastructure of our region, we remain deeply committed to supporting, promoting, and advocating for the arts throughout our community.
Your support directly helps us provide free and low-cost arts programming, uplift local artists and creative entrepreneurs, expand youth and community engagement opportunities, advocate for meaningful arts investment, and strengthen the visibility and economic impact of the creative sector throughout Stanislaus County.
If you believe in the importance of arts and culture in our community, we humbly invite you to make a tax-deductible contribution today. No gift is too small, and every investment in the arts helps create opportunity, inspire creativity, strengthen community connection, and ensure arts and culture remain accessible for future generations.
Thank you for continuing to believe in this work and for helping us build a stronger, more vibrant, and culturally thriving Stanislaus County. Together, we are shaping a future rooted in creativity, expression, collaboration, and community pride.
With gratitude & a passionate collaborative spirit,
Dominique Johnson
Executive Director, Stanislaus Arts Council
