The Orion

open spacious room with white walls and light brown hardwood floors. Colorful abstract and nonobjective art hangs on the walls in a line. Three rectangular pedestals display art.

‘For the Love of Birds’ MONCA exhibition

Katie Callahan , Contributor // March 12, 2023

As a volunteer at The Museum of Northern California Art, I get firsthand knowledge of the upcoming exhibits. When I learned about the “For the Love of Birds Exhibit,” I have to admit I was a bit disappointed....

Mixed media on a canvas piece made by James Charles of Sebastopol.

monca’s take on permanent self-expression

Walker Hardy and Carrington Power // October 16, 2022

The Museum of Northern California Art hosts over 20 tattoo and studio artists emulating together a community of artists. From pieces of beautifully, articulated feminine silhouettes, to the harsh,...

Various supplies were provided for mask-decorating, courtesy of monca. Photo by Maricarmen Becerra-Gonzalez

monca’s Halloween ‘Mask●er●ade’ connects community through crafts

Maricarmen Becerra-Gonzalez, Reporter // October 24, 2021

Chico’s Museum of Northern California Art kicked off its third installation of “3rd Fridays @monca” on Oct. 15, showcasing clay sculpting, altar building and mask-decorating workshops. The event...

Interactive Weaving, No Word for Art, photo by Carrington Power

monca’s latest exhibit is a Hmong-American take on self-identity

Carrington Power, Reporter // September 20, 2021

Art defies boundaries, breaks norms and introduces audiences to foreign concepts. The new exhibit at the Museum of Northern California Art in Chico is no exception. “No Word for ‘Art”' compels viewers...

This year at monca: from ‘nightclub atmosphere’ to young, hidden voices

This year at monca: from ‘nightclub atmosphere’ to young, hidden voices

Shae Pastrana, Reporter // September 12, 2021

Bars can be boring, however drinking isn't to blame. The dealbreakers are the bartenders who  don’t consider my napkin doodles to be works of art.  Instead, Chico’s Museum of Northern...

Maria Alquilars collection is made of of various pieces that reflect a surreal and alternate reality. Photo by Sophia Pearson

monca celebrates reopening

Sophia Pearson, Reporter // April 8, 2021

The Museum of Northern California Art reopened on March 12. This grand reopening marks almost a year to the day when the museum had to shut down for the first time due to the COVID-19 pandemic.  The...

Shelley is using a drawn version of her self portrait to help guide her as she creates a new one using fabrics.

Chico State professor sews together self-portrait to be displayed in local art exhibit

Sophia Pearson, Reporter // October 16, 2020

Monca’s (Museum of Northern California Art) current exhibit, “Those Who Can Teach...Can” puts Butte County teacher’s artwork on display. One of the teachers participating in the exhibit is...

The Monca entrance faces Chico High School on the opposite side of Esplanade

Butte County Art teachers participate in virtual art exhibit at the monca

Sophia Pearson, Reporter // September 23, 2020

On Sept. 17, the Museum of Northern California Art (monca) hosted a virtual art exhibition. Featured artists are all teachers from Butte County who have contributed to the monca’s exhibit. When Penni...

‘Reflections and Hope’ one year later

Kimberly Morales // November 12, 2019

On Thursday, the Museum of Northern Californian Art opened the doors to their latest display, "Reflection and Hope: A Year to Remember," and "Bench Press: Please Be Seated."Currently on display together,...

5 Mile Myth and Brooke Larsen on The Orion Newscast 4/10/19

Christian Solis, Visuals Editor // April 10, 2019

5 Mile Myth is a local band who's mix of musical genres has garnered newfound popularity in Chico. Brooke Larsen is The Orion's Wildcat of the Week and is the top hitter and pitcher on Chico State's Softball...

One of the main performances was a belly dancing show from Mylee Francisco. She wowed the crowd with her swift and cheerful movements. Photo credit: Melissa Herrera

A Night at The Museum of Northern Art

Melissa Herrera // April 10, 2019
Come and experience a night at the Cirque du Monca
A wooded suspended sculpture inspired by boats. Most of the pieces of wood are found from repurposed wood found at yard sales.

Remembering James Kuiper through a lifetime of art in ‘Notes From a Spanish Dutchman’ exhibition

November 7, 2017

With over 300 attendees from remote locations, James Kuiper's "Notes From a Spanish Dutchman" exhibition at the Museum of Northern California Art (MONCA) brought friends, family, former colleagues and...

Load More Stories
Activate Search
Chico State's independent student newspaper
monca