by Sarah A. Peterson-Camacho

The Central Valley, known for its agricultural riches, is also home to a thriving art community, thanks in no small part to the Alliance of California Artists, an organization that has been dedicated to fostering education in the arts in the Valley for almost two decades. Kings River Life recently spoke with Fresno artist Lynn Hock-Napoli about her involvement with the Alliance, and its positive impact on the California art scene.

Kings River Life: What is the Alliance of California Artists?

Lynn: The Alliance of California Artists was established to provide an organization dedicated to promoting the work of California artists, to give instruction, and to encourage the production, cultivation, and exhibition of contemporary California art. We engage in community outreach through special events to expand our audience, and to develop stronger ties to our community.

KRL: When was it founded, and how long have you been a member?

Lynn: It was founded in 2000, and I have been a member since then, and am now on the Board of Directors.

KRL: How did you find out about the Alliance?

Lynn: I was introduced to it when it was founded by Shirley Lindgren; it was the first juried show that I was accepted into.

ACA Members Show

KRL: Where do your members hail from?

Lynn: Our members come from all over the Central Valley, as well as the coast.

KRL: How does one become a member?

Lynn: You may become a member by going to our website, scrolling down to the Dues link, and apply there.

KRL: What kind of events has the Alliance participated in/hosted?

Lynn: We hold workshops and demonstrations, and have meetings once a month. We have exhibitions with local, regional, and national impact, and do community outreach through social events. Alliance of California Artists has also hosted celebrated internationally and locally recognized fine artists to further our education and art shows.

Alliance of California Artists event

KRL: What upcoming events would you like our readers to know about?

Lynn: We are starting a new chapter in our organization, and will be showing at the River Park Gallery, and at Studio 74, both in Fresno. We have both member-only and open shows in the planning stages, and plan to be part of ArtHop at River Park. We also have one major show planned for next year.

KRL: How has being a member positively impacted your art?

Lynn: The Alliance of California Artists has greatly impacted my artwork, and inspired me to become the best artist I can be when developing my craft, which focuses on Portraiture and Figure Drawing,

KRL: How has the Alliance positively impacted the Central Valley art community at large?

Lynn: It has greatly impacted the community by bringing education, awareness, and the ability to show your work, hence reaching a larger audience.

Sarah A. Peterson-Camachois a library assistant with Fresno County Library, with a Bachelor’s in English and a Bachelor’s in Journalism from California State University, Fresno. In her free time, she makes soap and jewelry that she sells at Fresno-area craft fairs. She has written for The Clovis Roundup and the Central California Paranormal Investigators (CCPI) Newsletter.