Featured Artist: Jessie Mercer brings Camp Fire community together through art
April 24, 2019
When the Camp Fire began on a fateful November morning, the small communities of the Paradise Ridge were ripped apart. Families who had lived in the path of the blaze had lost their homes, businesses and towns. Hundreds of children were displaced to the remaining schools in the county. Many people lo...
A Night at The Museum of Northern Art
April 10, 2019
The Museum of Northern Art had a fun night this past Saturday filled with circus-themed festivities. Many locals came to the event dressed in extravagant clothing that elevated the rest of the night. There was a Chikoko art exhibition, belly dancing, an open bar, and a Tarot card reader to enjoy. Mel...
Poetry reading shines light on refugee experiences
March 11, 2019
Every seat and plus some was filled in Zingg Recital Hall on Thursday evening for this month’s poetry reading. The event, Writer's Voice, is a literary arts reading series hosted by Chico State’s Department of English.Mai Der Vang, the showcased literary mastermind, is the author of a book...
Student artists connect with campus through still portraits
February 27, 2019
I had the eyes of the entire class on me. No small movements could be made during the 15-minute time period. As I sat emotionless, the only sound was the diligent scratching of over a dozen pencils. Every feature on my face was judged. This is the experience one goes through as a model for a live po...
‘Renew, Rebuild, Reimagine’ brings campfire survivors together through art
February 10, 2019
“Art saves lives,” said local artist Jessie Mercer about the feeling of community at the opening reception for Chico Art Center's new exhibition, "Renew, Rebuild, Reimagine." The art shown in the exhibition is a response to the Camp Fire. "The gallery is designed to give the community a safe place...
“Broken Open” gallery highlights Chico artists
February 5, 2019
"Broken Open," an art exhibition focusing on sound, words and objects, is open at 1078 Gallery on Park Ave. in Chico. Featuring Chico artists, the gallery collaborates between three different art forms. Clay plates and oval dishes portraying colorful scenes, often of political discourse, hang on the wal...
‘Air Play’ takes Chico’s breath away
February 2, 2019
A fresh breath of air, quite literally, took to the stage at Laxson Auditorium.Clown couple, Seth Bloom and Christina Gelsone, invited audience members into their make-believe alternate reality designed specifically for laughter and imagination in their stunning show, “Air Play”. Acting as...
Animation Chico captivates with contest
December 10, 2018
The lights darkened and the door shut. Spectators gazed forward at the bright screen in the small theater. Broken only by pangs of laughter and applause, the room felt still as each short film gave the audience a glimpse inside the mind of its creator. Animation Chico hosted its fourth annual Animation...
Student show of artwork presented at gallery show ‘Wanderlust’
December 4, 2018
Wanderlust is the latest group art show to come to the Masters of Fine Arts Gallery. The name and concept for the show stem from the artists finding their place in the world. The featured artists in the gallery are from the graduate seminar class in the art department at Chico State.Acacia Blue Yash...
‘Diverse Minds’ showcases unique art for good cause
November 5, 2018
Iversen Wellness and Recovery Center's "Diverse Minds" showcased its first art show at the Museum of Northern California Art in a gala Thursday."Diverse Minds" has been set up since 2015. Every year, since opening up, Diverse Minds has been producing a publication of art and writing for people in the me...
Open Studios walk lets visitors explore the artistic process
October 23, 2018
The Chico Art Center's annual Open Art Studios event is a staple. Normally you would be separated from the artist and see the work after it's been put up in a showroom. However, this event invites visitors to go to an artist's studio and see their artistic process firsthand. It's like getting a behind...
With ‘Vitality,’ Megan Wade’s art captivates viewers
October 9, 2018
Tall and slender, dressed in all black, she stands in the back of the gallery, smiling humbly. Guests begin trickling through the doors slowly—she greets many of them as they enter. People move around the room, observing the sizable collection of abstract, colorful oil paintings. Megan Wade, a s...
