After a yearlong absence, Stanislaus State is bringing Art Space back to Downtown Turlock.
The original Art Space was open for three years along Main Street until reaching the end of its lease in 2017. Starting in October, visitors once again will be able to walk through art exhibits before or after shopping or grabbing a bite to eat in Downtown Turlock.
“Art Space provides a professional experience for students,” said Dean DeCocker, director of the University Art Gallery. “They learn what it’s like to get off campus and have their work installed in a professional gallery space.”
After a year of searching, a new location was identified in familiar territory. The new Art Space will be located at 226 North 1st Street — the former location of First Street Gallery & Frame Company — just steps from shopping and dining on Main Street.
“The building already has a history of being a space for art,” DeCocker said. “A lot of people went there for years when they had a gallery space to go along with frame sales.”
Art Space will serve as a blank canvas for students, alumni and faculty, with eight exhibitions scheduled for the academic year.
The new location will also mean a larger space for artists to utilize when setting-up projects.
“The space in the new location is definitely bigger,” said DeCocker. “The back space of the building will have dedicated studios for students to work on a variety of projects. There are tools, equipment and materials for students to be self-supported.”
Art Space will once again be included in Art Around Town, the family-friendly evening art walks that highlight the diverse Downtown Turlock business, art and culture scene. Community members can also participate in workshops held at the new Art Space location.
The first exhibition in the new Art Space, featuring works by Department of Art graduates from 1960-2018, is expected to open Oct. 4 and will be on display until Oct. 25.