A Message from the Executive Director
Dear Friends, Artists, and Partners,
As November is nearly half way over I find myself reflecting on 2026 with so much gratitude. I am grateful for the people who make our creative community possible: the artists who share their perspectives, the partners who help bring ideas to life, and the community members whose participation and generosity sustain this work.
October offered a wonderful reminder of what we can accomplish together. Our final Modesto Art Walk of 2026 brought artists, residents, and visitors together downtown, alongside the ribbon cutting and community kickoff for the Dos Rios Arts and Cultural District. It was a privilege to welcome so many community members to celebrate this shared achievement and significant milestone for our region. Thank you to everyone who joined us and helped make the evening so meaningful. This celebration marks the beginning of our work to realize the district’s potential, and we invite you to join us in shaping what comes next.
Group photo from October 15th, Ribbon Cutting Ceremony and Community Kick off Celebration for the Dos Rios Arts & Cultural District, image provided by Bryan Marks
This year, our strategic plan has provided a clear direction for strengthening the Arts Council’s service to Stanislaus County. We are putting that direction into practice through expanded partnerships, opportunities for community input, and focused support for artists and cultural organizations. Our work continues with a commitment to thoughtful growth, responsible stewardship, and greater access to the arts.
We are excited to announce the launch of our membership program, we invite you to help carry this progress forward. Whether you are an artist, a business owner, or someone who values the role of creativity in community life, membership offers a meaningful way to support this work. Your participation helps sustain artist opportunities, strengthen community connections, and advance a future in which the arts are an essential part of everyday life throughout Stanislaus County.
This month’s opportunities reflect that commitment, from celebrating local artwork and making creative materials more affordable to helping young people discover the power of poetry.
Thank you for your trust, encouragement, and continued investment in our creative community. I look forward to all we will build together.
In community with appreciation,
Dominique
Explore Membership & Join Us
VIVA Initiative | Applications Reopened
Applications have reopened for VIVA, Visibility & Investment for Vibrant Arts, supporting the visibility and reach of Latino and Hispanic arts, culture, and creative expression throughout Stanislaus County.
Selected participants receive customized marketing, communications, and promotional support based on their needs and available program resources. Artists, cultural practitioners, collectives, and community organizations are encouraged to review the eligibility guidelines and apply.
Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis through January 30, 2027, or until available program resources are fully committed, whichever comes first.
Now on View | Bookish’s 24 Hour Art Competition Top 10
November 3–December 3, 2026
What takes shape when artists have just 24 hours to create?
The Stanislaus Arts Council welcomes the Top 10 Artworks from Bookish’s 24 Hour Art Competition, featuring local artists’ interpretations of Controlled Chaos. Working within a single day, each artist responded to the theme while incorporating an assigned color and line.
Featuring:
Ashlee Albrecht • Kayla Blume • Everest Gonzalez • Jordan Jones • Sara Lytle-Pinhey • Stephanie McEra • Sheila Elizabeth Medina • Randi Ocena • Laura Perrone • Tess Peterson
We invite you to experience these works in person, discover the ideas behind them, and appreciate the range of approaches that emerged from a shared creative challenge.
Stanislaus Arts Council/ Visit Modesto Visitor Center
1315 J Street, Modesto
Regular viewing hours: Monday–Friday, 9 a.m.–5 p.m.; Saturday–Sunday, 10 a.m.–2 p.m. Holiday hours may vary.
Call for Art | MADE HERE!
Small Art. Major Creativity.
Exhibition: December 5, 2026–January 14, 2027
Artists and makers who live, work, study, or create in Stanislaus County are invited to submit original small works for MADE HERE!, a community exhibition celebrating local imagination, skill, and artistic expression.
From painting and photography to ceramics, textiles, jewelry, sculpture, and mixed media, this exhibition welcomes a wide range of creative practices. Artists of all ages and experience levels are encouraged to participate.
Submission deadline: Sunday, November 15, 2026
Artwork size: No more than 12 inches in height or width, including framing or presentation
Submission fee: $5 per artwork
Submission limit: Up to 10 artworks per artist
Artist notifications: November 23, 2026
Acceptance is subject to available exhibition space. Please review the complete guidelines and submit your artwork through our website.
View Exhibition Guidelines & Submit Artwork
Help Recognize Local Talent | Exhibition Sponsor Invitation
The Stanislaus Arts Council is seeking an exhibition sponsor for MADE HERE!, on view December 5, 2026–January 14, 2027.
If you or your business would like to help celebrate and reward local creatives for their time, talent, and artistic merit, we would welcome a conversation. Sponsorship offers a meaningful opportunity to support the exhibition and help make artist recognition and awards possible.
To discuss sponsorship, please contact Dominique Johnson at djohnson@stanislausarts.org.
Modesto Art Supply Pop-Up | Give Materials a New Creative Life
Small Business Saturday, November 28
10 a.m.–2 p.m.
Stanislaus Arts Council, Gallery B
1315 J Street, Modesto
Previously loved art supplies have more creativity to offer.
This Small Business Saturday, the Stanislaus Arts Council is partnering with community volunteers who have led the collection of donated art and craft materials to present the Modesto Art Supply Pop-Up. Together, we are creating an affordable, welcoming opportunity for artists, art teachers, and local creatives to find materials for their next project.
Fill a bag for just $5. Items too large to fit in a bag will be $5 each. Applicable sales tax will be added.
Every purchase gives usable materials another life while supporting the Arts Council’s work to strengthen and advance arts, culture, and creative expression throughout our community. All proceeds benefit the Stanislaus Arts Council.
Have supplies you no longer use? We also welcome interest in donating usable art and craft materials. Please contact us to coordinate a donation and learn what materials can be accepted.
The Stanislaus Arts Council is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Charitable gifts of money and eligible donated materials may be tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law.
Sales tax collected includes Modesto’s Measure H one-cent local sales tax, which stays in Modesto to support city services.
Come discover something useful, make room for new ideas, and help keep creativity accessible in our community.
Poetry Out Loud | Help Bring This Opportunity to More Students
Now registering schools and community groups for the 2026–27 program
Stanislaus County is home to talented, thoughtful young people. We want more of them to have the opportunity to share their voices through Poetry Out Loud.
The Stanislaus Arts Council is working with Modesto-Stanislaus Poetry Center (MoSt) to expand participation in this national poetry recitation competition. High school students select poems from the program’s anthology, explore their meaning, and bring them to life through memorized recitation. Participants have the opportunity to advance through local competition to the state and national levels.
Through preparation and performance, students develop public speaking skills, strengthen their understanding of literature, and build confidence in expressing themselves before an audience. Free educational resources help teachers and group leaders introduce the program and support students along the way.
Students do not need to be experienced performers or published poets to begin. Curiosity, commitment, and an interest in poetry can open the door to a meaningful creative experience.
Are you a parent of a high school student, a teacher, a club advisor, an organizational leader, or a program manager interested in guiding a group of students? We would love to hear from you.
We are especially eager to connect with additional high schools and community groups throughout Stanislaus County. If your school is not currently participating, please reach out so we can explore a pathway for interested students.
Help us ensure that more young people can discover this opportunity, develop their talents, and represent the creativity of our county.
Contact SAC About Poetry Out Loud
Explore the National Program
