Fresno Yosemite International Airport Partners with Society of West-Coast Artists on Spring Art Exhibition

Fresno, CA (April 25, 2023) – Fresno Yosemite International Airport and the Society of West-Coast Artists are presenting a new spring art exhibit to celebrate the vibrant and diverse cultures in the Central Valley with a focus on agriculture work, folkloric dance, and music. Connections to the bountiful land, distinct customs and traditions found in the region inspired the presenting artists to share their personal experiences through colorful images.

This spring exhibit also showcases stunning photography by the Spectrum Photography Gallery Co-Op that captures natural landscapes and the beauty found in nearby national parks.

“The participating artists in our latest art exhibition highlight our region’s diversity and enhance the airport experience by offering travelers a first-person perspective into their artistic visions for a unique airport experience,” said Director of Aviation Henry Thompson. “Art has the power to broaden our horizons.”

Featured Artists

Richard G. Freita’s oil paintings on wood panels of San Joaquin Valley farmworkers blossomed from his early origins. Growing up on a dairy farm in Los Banos, Richard witnessed first-hand the labor by farmworkers. His captivating paintings in this body of work pay tribute to farmworkers by showcasing everyday life in the fields. Under the direction of Sr. Franco Covino, Richard’s painting replicates the classical high Italian Renaissance style.

Jesus Sepulveda is a Fresno-based artist who specializes in pastels and oil paintings. His earliest experiences were farm work in the Central Valley. Jesus’s art reflects his passion for music and Chicano culture. The Sanger native’s mesmerizing composition evokes timeless emotions of reality. Jesus is the President of the San Joaquin Valley Chapter of the Society of West-Coast Artists, a non-profit that aims to encourage and promote artists through art education and build relationships with its audience.

Anne Whitehurst is a multi-genre artist and singer/songwriter. Between 1978 and 1981, Anne produced her 25-piece Lindemann series, depicting agriculture technology, landing her first solo show at her alma mater at Santa Clara University. While teaching Spanish and art at multiple institutions, Anne worked with incarcerated groups to paint an 8’x100′ mural for the City of Sacramento that was installed on the Capitol Mall.

Featured Photographer – Spectrum Photography Gallery

Jonathan H. Rollins is a retired art photographer based in Fresno. In 1965, Jonathan purchased his first camera during a trip to Yokosuka, Japan. Since then, his passion for photography has grown. During his decorated career as a photographer, Jonathan has received numerous Best of Show and First Place awards at various photography exhibitions. Jonathan’s photography explores life’s everyday beauty in all its forms.

For more information about the Airport’s Arts & Culture Program email Claudia Arguelles-Miller at Claudia.Arguelles-Miller@fresno.gov. For information about the Society of West-Coast Artists, please visit https://www.swasjvc.com/ .

Explore the spring art exhibit at https://flyfresno.com/arts-and-culture/ .

Fresno Yosemite International Airport (FAT) is one of the largest drivers in economic activity in the Central San Joaquin Valley. Domestic and international carriers serving FAT offer Valley travelers daily nonstop flights to Chicago (Seasonal), Dallas, Denver, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Phoenix, Portland, Salt Lake City, San Diego, San Francisco, Seattle, and Guadalajara, León, and Morelia in Mexico.

Fresno Yosemite International Airport and Fresno Chandler Executive Airport are municipally owned entities operating as a self-supporting enterprise.               

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