BY ALEX CANTATORE
Turlock’s Carnegie Arts Center is still on track, according to the Turlock City Arts Commission, as plans for the building’s reconstruction have just been submitted to the Turlock Building Department for review. The TCAC expects the plan to be approved and permitted by the end of March.
After approval, a six to eight week bidding process will be conducted to find a contractor. Construction could begin as soon as June, should funding still be available in the wake of Turlock’s budget crunch.
Despite the economic times, the Carnegie Arts Center Foundation’s fundraising efforts have seen success in recent months. More than $16,000 was raised in a year-end appeal for donations during November and December, while an additional $456 was raised during a raffle at City Hall this month.
• The current City Hall exhibition, “Botanical Fusion: A Celebration of Flowers in Art,” has been a resounding success and will likely become an annual show.
In addition to floral-themed art, nine floral arrangements were a part of the exhibition, including two arrangements from Turlock High School Floriculture students. According to TCAC members, the public enjoyed the multi-sensory nature of the show.
Four pieces of art from Botanical Fusion have already sold, and one more work’s sale is pending. The show will run through Feb. 25.
• The TCAC will be partnering with Covenant Village and the Walnut Elementary Education Center Renaissance Program to put on a student art showcase at the Turlock retirement community.
Students from all grades will display art and perform music, dance, and theatre on March 20 and 21. While the Friday show is expected to be exclusive to Covenant Village residents, the Saturday performance is planned to be open to the public and will offer craft projects and other activities for children.
The goal for the showcase is to mix generations, hopefully giving elementary, high school, and university students to interact with the residents of Covenant Village.
• Turlock may resemble a large nest this time next year, as the TCAC is in the early stages of planning a citywide art effort that will place four to five foot tall eggs, decorated by local artists, around the town. The eggstravaganza would be similar to the cows on parade seen in other cities, such as Modesto.
City staff is currently working with the TCAC to determine what ordinances may apply to such an art display. After working out the nitty-gritty of where the eggs can be displayed, keeping in mind liability, pedestrian right of way, and ADA compliance, the TCAC will begin to seek sponsors and draft a timeframe for the event.
The current goal is to see eggs laid around Turlock by spring of next year. After display, the eggs would likely be auctioned to raise money for the TCAC.
To contact Alex Cantatore, e-mail acantatore@turlockjournal.com or call 634-9141 ext. 2005.
Originally published in the Turlock Journal 2/14/2009.
Retrieved from the Turlock Journal Web site.