Fullerton Unites for Art

Monthly Walk Promotes Art in Gay-Friendly Environment

Although the city of Fullerton may not be known for being a hub of culture, its welcoming and gay-friendly environment has made it the perfect location to unite artists and art enthusiasts from all of Southern California.
The Fullerton Art Walk has spent the past six months entertaining residents of the city’s historic downtown area once a month. Gary Graves, who owns Graves Gallery, and Hibbleton Gallery owner Jesse La Tour began the event to unify the area’s art galleries, which seemed disconnected.
“Jesse hosted an event, inviting art-interested business owners, and we got about 10 venues together in a room and decided to do it,” said Graves. “Today, there are about 20 or so venues that offer something to see. We’ve been very open about who can participate, and anyone that is willing to stay open late and show art of any kind can participate. This has really connected the retail businesses, art businesses and the community together for a once-a-month event.”
Graves says the biggest difference between the Fullerton Art Walk and others of its kind is the participation of various types of businesses. “We don’t limit the Art Walk to only art galleries,” he said. “In fact, many retailers and restaurants open their doors for a get-to-know-everyone event. This means that the participants are inviting local artists to set up and show off their work, which means more exposure for a lot of artists.”
The purpose of the walk, however, was to encourage an appreciation of art and give the area a bit of a “makeover,” said Mike Atta, who co-owns Out of Vogue Gallery with his wife, Pam.
“Art Walk has been a very successful way to promote the arts and community of downtown Fullerton,” said Atta. “Over the last few years, Downtown Fullerton has become known as a place to get, how should I say this, ‘liquored up.’ The galleries and shops that participate in Art Walk are determined in showing Fullerton is much deeper than that.
“Art Walk has given people a new reason to experience Downtown at night,” he continued. “We also wanted an event that would showcase the unique, funky, arty and ‘non-Orange County-ness’ of our town.”
Graves echoed Atta’s view. “Fullerton seems to be a gay-friendly city, although I really could not tell you anything specific as to why that is,” said Graves. “Although the interesting thing here is that my staff and I met and talked about changing our focus of the gallery to host only gay and lesbian artists, hoping this niche would bring more of our gay community out to the event to expand the gay community in Fullerton and the area.”
This month’s Fullerton Art Walk takes place Aug. 6 from 6-10 p.m. For a complete list of participating venues and more information about the event, visit fullertonartwalk.com.
Graves Gallery is excited to announce the opening of a new exhibition, entitled “Through Their Eyes,” featuring talented Fullerton artist Melinda Read. The show’s opening reception will coincide with the next First Friday Artwalk in Downtown Fullerton on 6-9 p.m. at the Graves Gallery, 114 E. Amerige Ave.The opening will also include entertainment by local eclectic band Collusion of Souls, and complimentary food tastings by Café Hidalgo, with wine provided by Graves Gallery. The exhibition will run through August 27.