Stanislaus Arts Council June 2026 Newsletter
From our Executive Director
Dear Friends, Artists, Advocates, and Supporters,
As we enter the summer season, I find myself reflecting on the tremendous energy, creativity, and community spirit that defined the month of May. Across Stanislaus County, artists, families, volunteers, educators, community partners, and advocates came together to celebrate the arts and demonstrate the vital role creativity plays in building vibrant, connected, and thriving communities.
Before looking ahead to the exciting events of the summer, I would like to take a moment to recognize the important advocacy work that continues to take place across California. Throughout April and May, arts advocates from every corner of the state have worked tirelessly to ensure that arts and culture remain a priority within California's budget.
Today, we need your voice.
The State Budget will be finalized in just two short weeks, and we are urging community members to contact local and state elected officials and encourage them to support funding the California Arts Council at $50 million. Public funding for the arts supports programs, organizations, artists, arts education opportunities, cultural districts, and community initiatives that directly benefit regions like ours.
Arts funding is not simply an investment in creativity—it is an investment in economic development, education, tourism, community pride, public health, and quality of life. Every call, email, social media post, and letter matters. We encourage you to reach out to your representatives and help ensure that arts and culture continue to receive the support necessary to serve communities throughout California.
Together, our collective voice can make a difference.
Left to right: Dominique Johnson, Stanislaus Arts Council Executive Director, Danielle Brazell, California Arts Council Executive Director, and Michelle Radmand, California Arts Council Chief Deputy Director at the Joint Committee On the Arts presentation in Sacramento California.
Youth in Bloom Exhibition Celebrates Young Artists
From March to May, our Community Gallery and Welcome Center was transformed by the imagination, creativity, and talent of the young artists featured in our Youth in Bloom Exhibition.
We are deeply grateful to every artist who participated and to the families, teachers, and supporters who encouraged and celebrated these emerging artists. The exhibition served as a powerful reminder that creativity flourishes when young people are given opportunities to explore, express, and share their unique perspectives.
On May 20th, we gathered with artists, families, and community members for a special reception celebrating the exhibition and recognizing this year's award recipients.
Congratulations to:
🏆 1st Place: Fatima G., age 24
🥈 2nd Place: Isabel J.,age 16
🌟 Honorable Mention: Emerson B., age 19
🌟 Honorable Mention: Sinoun S., age 25
❤️ Community Choice Award: Daisy S., age 3
We extend our sincere appreciation to artist and professor Dean De Cocker of California State University, Stanislaus, for serving as this year's exhibition judge and for lending his expertise and thoughtful perspective to the selection process.
Thank you to every young artist who shared their creativity with our community. Your work inspired us all.
Now on Display: Van Gogh Challenge Exhibition
As we bid farewell to Youth in Bloom, we are excited to welcome the finalists and award winners of the Van Gogh Challenge into the Stanislaus Arts Council and Visit Modesto Community Gallery and Welcome Center.
The Van Gogh Challenge Exhibition showcases creative interpretations inspired by one of history's most celebrated artists, our community’s annual almond blossoms, and highlights the remarkable talent found throughout our region.
Exhibition Dates: May 26 – June 19, 2026
We invite the community to stop by and experience this unique and inspiring collection of artwork.
Call for Artists: Juneteenth "For The Culture" Art Competition
Calling All Artists!
The Sweet Potato Pie Company Cares, in collaboration with the Stanislaus Arts Council, is proud to present the
2nd Annual "For The Culture" Art Competition as part of the Juneteenth Celebration in Modesto.
Artists are invited to submit original artwork celebrating Black culture, history, identity, resilience, and community for an opportunity to win cash prizes from The Sweet Potato Pie Company Cares.
This competition is open to Stanislaus County residents of all ages and welcomes all visual art forms, including:
• Drawing
• Painting
• Photography
• Sculpture
• Mixed Media
• And More
Location: Graceada Park, Modesto
Date: Saturday, June 13, 2026
Registration: 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM
(Must be present to win)
Winning artworks will be exhibited at the Stanislaus Arts Council / Visit Modesto Community Gallery and Welcome Center from June 16 through July 6, 2026.
We look forward to celebrating culture, creativity, and community through the arts.
Artist Opportunity: ¡MONSTRAS! Female Legends of Latin America
The McHenry Museum is seeking artists for its upcoming exhibition and installation project:
¡MONSTRAS! Female Legends of Latin America
As described by the organizers:
"The Spanish word for monsters is the masculine monstruos, but we all know that women can be monsters too. More than just an invented word for 'female monsters,' MONSTRAS represents feminine power and anger."
Exhibition Dates: August 14 – October 4, 2026
Artists interested in participating or learning more about the installation opportunity may complete the application form or contact the organizers directly.
Application Form:
https://forms.monday.com/forms/51d4eeb4eea46abf4fc6a0ec02054149?r=use1
Email:
jeflores@modestogov.com
Volunteer Opportunity: Museum Docents Needed
Do you enjoy local history, arts, culture, and connecting with the community? The McHenry Museum is currently seeking volunteer docents to help welcome visitors and share the stories that make our region unique.
Docents play an important role in creating meaningful experiences for museum guests by assisting visitors, providing information about exhibits, and helping preserve and promote our community's rich cultural heritage.
Whether you are a history enthusiast, a lifelong learner, a student seeking experience, or simply someone looking to give back through community service, volunteering as a museum docent is a rewarding way to make a difference.
McHenry Museum Hours
Friday – Sunday
12:00 PM – 4:00 PM
For more information or to express your interest in becoming a volunteer docent, please contact:
Jessica Flores
Cultural Services Programs Manager
City of Modesto
Arts Day at the Stanislaus County Fair
The arts will once again take center stage at the Stanislaus County Fair.
Performing Arts Showcase
Saturday, July 11, 2026
Performance Day: 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Judging Results: 8:30 PM at Center Stage
We encourage performers, families, and community members to come out and support local talent while enjoying one of Stanislaus County's favorite summer traditions.
Learn more:
https://www.stancofair.com/p/livestock--still-exhibits/performing-arts-showcase
May Art Walk Recap & June Art Walk Preview
Despite a little wind, May Art Walk was a tremendous success.
We were thrilled to welcome 29 local artists and so many community members who explored downtown, connected with creatives, and participated in our popular Create Station activity.
Some of our community Artists that participated in the May 2026 Art Walk.
One of the highlights of the evening was seeing community members of all ages create their own miniature magnetic artworks to take home.
For June, we're embracing the sunny season with a Create Station focused on painting sun catching mandalas.
Join us for the next Art Walk:
Thursday, June 18, 2026
5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Get your map at 1315 J Street!
Artists and creatives interested in participating can reserve their space today.
Registration closes Monday, June 8 at 5:00 PM.
Reserve your space:
https://www.stanislausarts.org/art-walk-artist-reservations
Looking Ahead
Summer is one of the most vibrant seasons for arts and culture in Stanislaus County. In the weeks ahead, our community will gather in parks, museums, theaters, at festivals, and public spaces to celebrate creativity in all its forms.
These opportunities do not happen by accident. They are made possible through the support of artists, volunteers, community partners, donors, sponsors, advocates, and individuals who believe that the arts are essential to a thriving community.
Every exhibition inspires a young artist. Every performance brings people together. Every public art experience creates moments of connection and belonging. Every dollar invested in the arts helps build a more vibrant and culturally rich future for our region.
As we look forward to an exciting summer season, we hope to see you out and about enjoying the many creative experiences our community has to offer.
If you believe in the importance of this work and would like to help us continue supporting, promoting, and advocating for the arts throughout Stanislaus County, please consider making a tax-deductible contribution today.
Your support helps create opportunities for artists, expand access to arts experiences, strengthen cultural programming, and ensure that creativity continues to thrive in our community.
Donate today:
www.stanislausarts.org/donate
Thank you for being part of our arts community. Together, we are building a more creative, connected, and vibrant Stanislaus County.
With gratitude,
Dominique Johnson
Executive Director
Stanislaus Arts Council
