Local Artist Corey Strauss Creates Murals at Jenny’s Place, Bringing History and Imagination to Modesto’s New Supportive Housing Community
Modesto, CA — September 22, 2025 — The Stanislaus Arts Council, in partnership with UPholdings, is proud to announce the installation of two original murals by Stanislaus county artist Corey Strauss, at Jenny’s Place, a new permanent supportive housing community in Modesto.
Jenny’s Place, developed in partnership with California's Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD), RH Community Builders, and the City of Modesto, transformed a former motel into 54 units of permanent supportive housing. Opened earlier this year, the community now provides homes to individuals and families who have experienced homelessness, including 37 youth households (ages 18–25). The development honors the late Jenny Kenoyer, longtime Modesto City Council member and advocate for vulnerable residents, by carrying her legacy of compassion and service into the future.
The newly completed murals bring an evocative, hand-illustrated aesthetic to the campus. The first mural depicts the geographic position of Jenny’s Place within Modesto and the surrounding Stanislaus County cities and towns. Styled after panoramic maps popular more than a century ago, it echoes the illustrated, watercolor-like feel of a bygone era while incorporating the retro hues of Jenny’s Place, warm tans, oranges, and blues.
Together, the murals celebrate Modesto’s past and present through familiar landmarks and imaginative perspective. In doing so, they resonate with Jenny’s Place itself: a place rooted in history yet designed to stand as an iconic symbol of resilience and community for generations to come.
Image of Jenny’s Place Map Mural by Stanislaus county artist, Corey Strauss, 2025.
Image of second mural at Jenny’s Place by Stanislaus county artist, Corey Strauss, 2025.
About the Artist
Corey Strauss has been a working professional artist in the Central Valley for nearly 30 years. Known for his design of more than 300 theatrical productions across California, his work has been featured locally at Playhouse Merced, the Gallo Center for the Arts, and with Opera Modesto. In addition to his scenic artistry, Corey produces traveling theater experiences for schools in Merced County and beyond through his project, MAGICBOXplayers. His creative practice spans painting, set design, puppetry, and community-based projects, reflecting his dedication to bringing imagination and storytelling to diverse audiences.
Image of the artist, Corey Strauss, 2025.
Community members can learn more about Corey’s ongoing artistic projects, including upcoming performances and workshops, by visiting the State Theatre or following updates through the MAGICBOXplayers.
A Shared Vision
“The murals at Jenny’s Place are more than artwork, they are symbols of connection,” said Dominique Johnson, Executive Director of the Stanislaus Arts Council. “Corey’s ability to weave history, place, and imagination together reflects not only where Modesto has been, but also the promise of Jenny’s Place as a cornerstone for the future.”
Jenny’s Place also houses on-site offices for property management and supportive services, with future plans to develop the vacant restaurant space into a community hub for programming, workforce development, and social services.
For more information about Jenny’s Place or upcoming community programs, visit www.upholdings.net.
Media Contact:
Dominique Johnson
Executive Director
Stanislaus Arts Council
djohnson@stanislausarts.org
