fulton mall · parking · e-newsletter · about · home
Art & Architecture
Art in Downtown Fresno
Downtown
Fresno is the place where Central California's arts scene thrives. From
the internationally renowned collection of public art on the historic
Fulton Mall to the numerous galleries and studios that local artists
call home, Downtown Fresno's arts scene is vibrant and alive.
Creativity abounds throughout the Cultural Arts District, which is home
to an ever expanding collection of public murals as well as some of
the Valley's most noted cultural arts organizations. On the first
Thursday of every month, local galleries and museums open their doors
for a free popular social event known as Art Hop.
Art Hop Downtown
On the first Thursday of every month, galleries, studios and museums across
Downtown Fresno and the Tower District are packed with thousands of
Valley art lovers for a monthly event known as Arthop. It's organized
by the Fresno Arts Council as a monthly opportunity to see new work, talk with local artists, meet new friends, and generally socialize with others who love the arts.
Art Hop is a free event, and many locations offer complimentary
refreshments. Art Hop starts at 5:00 PM and runs through 8:00 PM, and
many locations stay open even later.
Public Art Downtown
Downtown Fresno has a world class collection of public art, much of
it located on the six block long outdoor pedestrian space known as the
Fulton Mall. With over twenty pieces, from a classic bronze by Renior to modern pieces by Valley artists
like Clement Renzi and Stan Bitters, the Fulton Mall truly is an outdoor sculpture garden in the heart of downtown. But Fresno's public art downtown doesn't stop with the Fulton Mall. Major pieces are found throughout the area including works by Alexander Clader (Convention Center), noted Fresno artist Varaz Samuelian (Courthouse Park) and many others. Downtown Fresno is also home to a growing number of public art murals. Fresno's public art collection is
a remarkable example of the Valley's commitment to arts and culture, and helps make Downtown Fresno an even more beautiful setting.
Public Art Murals in Downtown Fresno
Other Public Art in Downtown Fresno
Historic Architecture
From a collection of impressive historic structures listed on the National Register of Historic Places to internationally renowned contemporary buildings, such as Fresno's City Hall, Downtown Fresno is a haven for lovers of architecture of all kinds. Fresno's many neo-classical mid-rise office buildings from the 1920s make for a distinctive skyline, which is ever-evolving as the area's renaissance marches on, adding new edifices to the horizon. And the Fulton Mall itself is a landmark of landscape architecture, with an internationally recognized design by noted modernist Garrett Eckbo.
Leaping Fire
Claire Falkenstein