The work behind the Phebe Conley Art Gallery

The Phebe Conley Art Gallery has been displaying Fresno State student art for years.

October continued that trend with the newest exhibit, which combined the work of two Fresno State graduate art students, McKenna Schroder and Andrea Cano Torres.

While many hours went into putting together the art pieces on the different canvases, workers from the gallery also went to work putting together the best layout possible for the two students.

“There’s a lot of people behind the scenes that you might not realize, but it’s like a little community coming together,” Schroder said.

One of the people responsible for putting together new exhibits is Michelle Goans, the gallery technician.

Goans has been with the Phebe Conley Art Gallery since 2023 and has helped put together many exhibits.

From lighting to postcards to even naming the pieces, Goans works directly with the students in producing the exhibits.

“Here I get to the opportunity to engage with the students, share my knowledge with them and help them learn both the in front of and behind the scenes of the gallery,” Goans said.

For the artists working on deadlines to finish their pieces, Goan’s helping hand helps alleviate any added stress.

“I think overall it’s been really smooth and Michelle has been really awesome in problem solving with me in different areas I needed support in,” Torres said.

But it isn’t just about getting the students’ art on display.

Goans also ensures that the artists soak in the experience which could be helpful for the future.

“Being able to share that with students so that when they graduate here, they feel prepared to engage with galleries and be a little more comfortable with gallery spaces is really rewarding to me,” Goans said.

The Phebe Conley Art Gallery is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Schroder’s “Imaginarium” and Torres’ “Tianguis Tierra y Tinta” is on display through Oct. 24.

The gallery’s next exhibit opens in early November.