Art Hop

Hidden all around downtown Fresno ,in the nooks and crannies, are galleries and art collectives that play a significant role in defining Fresno’s culture.

Starting back in the 80s, local artists such as Robert Ogata blazed the trail for the building of these galleries.

This expanded the art culture in Fresno and paved the way for Art Hop, which has been running for 22 years.

From M Street to Sorenson’s, there are over 70 venues that play host to Art Hop. These venues range from art galleries to spaces that hold poetry readings and have live, local musicians playing.

Dawn Hart is a staple artist of Art Hop and shows her work at Clay Hand studios. She is a former student of Ogata’s and has had a big hand in the expansion of Fresno’s art culture. “I think that we’re really the cultural hub of the San Joaquin Valley,” said Hart.

The event provides a place for young artists in the Valley to gather inspiration for their work, or talk to artists and gain valuable knowledge.

The event starts at five and goes into the late hours of the night. After the galleries close, the bars open so patrons can walk over to Frank’s or Tioga Sequoia to enjoy brews and tacos from the many taco trucks that make their way to the area.

Art Hop is the first  and third Thursdays of the month. The second Art Hop is held in North Fresno.