3 picks for August ArtHop: Statham at Fig Tree, Jeffrey Scott Gallery, Spectrum
If you carry one thing away from Howard Statham’s work in his new retrospective at Fig Tree Gallery, it will probably be his sense of humor. His sly take on the world and his little barbs at the absurdity of life can creep up on you. Bringing his journalistic skills as a graphic artist and illustrator and his own quirky outlook to the table, he moved smoothly from one medium to another.
One of the amazing things about Statham, who died in 2012, was that in his 70s he not only embraced the idea of digital art, he mastered it.
Statham’s retrospective is one of my picks for August’s ArtHop, the monthly open house of galleries and studios in the downtown and Tower District neighborhoods.
Most venues are open from 5-8 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 1. The Fresno Arts Council has an updated list.
Statham’s wife, Yolanda Statham, writes in a brief biography to accompany the show that Statham “tested the medium to its utmost. He spent hours trying different techniques, many of which surprised even those to whom the computer was a daily companion. In his late years, Howard restricted his art work to his experiments on the computer.”
Howard Statham was a co-founder of Fig Tree Gallery in 1962.
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He died in Fresno on November 13, 2012. His wife writes: “He would appreciate the Fig Tree Gallery’s once again showing his work and would hope you enjoy the show and that at least a few pieces make you smile.”
The show runs from Aug. 1-Aug. 31.
Fresno Arts Council John Rupe at Jeffrey Scott Gallery
Are you looking for an optimistic ArtHop experience? “Behold: Fresno” at Jeffrey Scott Gallery is described as an “artistic look at Downtown Fresno’s thriving past and a glimpse of what our future downtown has to offer.”
A highlight of the exhibition is John Rupe’s mini-replicas of historic downtown buildings out of cardboard and other found materials. Complementing his works are photos provided by Chris Rocha of Vintage Fresno that are from a recently acquired catalog of original negatives from the Fresno Bee’s archives, circa 1930. (Horn Photo helped out.)
Plus, according to the gallery: Downtown Fresno Partnership will be revealing the finalists for the “Create Here” Business Plan Competition and will be seeking public feedback on what types of businesses you would like to see come downtown.
Guest Artist Invitational at Spectrum Art Gallery
Each member at the photography-based Spectrum Art Gallery got the chance to invite a non-member to participate in a guest invitational. The show includes this intriguing image by Randy Haron, best known in Fresno for being the owner and operator of Haron Jaguar Land Rover. He’s also an accomplished photographer known for his unique style of landscape and aerial images:
Spectrum Art Gallery The show runs through Sept. 1. A Friday Photography Live/Artist Reception is 6 p.m. Aug. 16.
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Kathy Wosika
Thanks for your support of Howard Statham’s exhibit at Fig Tree Gallery this month!! It has been a wonderful success!!