If you haven’t checked out the local art scene lately, you’re missing out on a lot. Fresno keeps turning out amazing art, cool vibes, and great community.
Typically, people head downtown for ArtHop (read more about that in my Beginner’s Guide here), but now Fresno’s galleries and studios have spread all over town, including the Fresno High area, which is now home to the Vernissage Gallery and Studio.
I was able to check out this new gallery last week during a reception for artist Stephanie J. Ryan, and I had a blast. There was a sense of community, and people were chatting and enjoying great art (it’s also quite near Ampersand so I may have walked over there for some honeycomb ice cream after the reception).
Vernissage is bright and easy to find—it’s diagonal from Fresno High. Founded by award-winning French artist Ma Ly, the building is divided in half. On one side is a smorgasbord of local talent, from Bobby Von Martin to Ma Ly and more. There’s a studio tucked into the corner that will feature monthly art classes taught by local experts. The other side of the building features a new artist each month.
This month, the featured artist is Stephanie J. Ryan, who’s a contemporary artist and a professor of Art and Drawing at Fresno State. Her work is layered (both literally and figuratively), with mixed media and innovative techniques. It’s definitely worth checking out before the show ends. You can read more about Stephanie (and her art) on her website here.
Art classes and workshops offered
If seeing studio artists’ work inspires you, Vernissage is a place where you can get started on your own artistic education. There are adult workshops every month. You can take a class on mono print techniques, beginning sculpture, encaustic (a technique using molten beeswax and resin), abstract, and even painting with pens and markers. Each workshop is taught by a local expert and fees vary. You can find out more here.
In addition to the monthly workshops, Ma Ly Atelier offers ongoing drawing and painting classes for adults and children. The class sizes are small and last about four weeks. You can sign up by email at vernissagefresno@gmail.com.
Vernissage contact info and hours
Vernissage is definitely worth the visit, and you won’t run out of things to look at. Because it’s got such a variety of art and is easy to find, it’s a great place to start your Fresno art adventures.
Location: 2024 N. Van Ness Blvd.
Business hours:
Monday 1-8 p.m.
Wednesday 9 a.m.-8 p.m.
Tuesday and Thursday: 9 a.m.-6 p.m.
Friday: 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Saturday: 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
First Thursday of every month for ArtHop: 5-8 p.m.
Phone: (559) 554-8551
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