Art Haven

“I found I could say things with color and shapes that I couldn’t say any other way – things I had no words for.”

Georgia O’Keeffe

What’s the purpose of the Art Haven Project?

We envision arts opportunities for all members of the community. In a place resplendent with public art and community art program offerings. The Central Valley, specifically Fresno County, is rich in ethnic diversity. This diversity manifests itself in a multitude of cultural arts creations that utilize all arts disciplines. Through our work, we showcase these creations and engage with people where they are, and celebrate who they are.

To achieve our vision, we must address access to the arts. Whether we are identifying ways that can support the development or continuation of a cultural arts practice or the need to provide resources for individuals and groups to attend cultural arts programs, we find ways to help people access art. The socio-economic condition of many in our community limits their access to the arts and often removes them from those cultural arts experiences that are an essential part of their identity and sense of well-being. Art Haven provides free or no-cost opportunity for community members to engage with art where they are.

Showcases

  • Hate and Love by McKinsey Edgman

  • Homelessness by McKinsey Edgman

  • Blinds of Eyes by Miguel A. Lopez

  • Lines of Words by Miguel A. Lopez

  • Andrew (Dog) by Lonney D. Colwell

  • Shades of Human by Miguel A. Lopez

  • Untitled by Esther Menchaca

  • Women in Power by Esther Menchaca

  • Untitled by Esther Menchaca

  • Gene Simmons by Lonney D. Colwell

  • Paul Stanley by Lonney D. Colwell

  • Ace Frehley by Lonney D. Colwell

  • Peter Criss by Lonney D. Colwell

  • Family by Esther Menchaca

  • Back in Time by Esther Menchaca

  • Untitled by Esther Menchaca

Fresno Arts Council is collaborating with Fresno’s Poverello House to engage with the community it serves. For this collaboration, we are narrowing our vision to the unhoused in our community. Poverello has been a trusted community organization for individuals experiencing homelessness, violence, drug, and alcohol abuse. Whether participants are looking to learn a specific art discipline or just participating because they enjoy the cathartic benefits of having a space to work on a craft, we will touch the humanity of the un-housed in a way that will lift them up.

To learn more about Poverello House :

Do you work with marginalized communities and want to bring art to them?

If so please reach out to Lilia Gonzales Chavez, lilia@fresnoartscouncil.org.

This program is supported by contributions from The Artist Tree.

Previous

State of the Arts