LUXURY IS IN THE DETAILS
THE BONADELLE NEIGHBORHOODS DESIGN CENTER; WHERE BEAUTIFUL HOMES COME TOGETHER
A truly beautiful home tells the story of those who live there. At Bonadelle Neighborhoods’ two in-house design centers in Fresno and Bakersfield, homeowners are invited to thoughtfully shape that story through an inspiring collection of curated finishes, materials, and timeless design details.
From the warmth of natural wood cabinetry to the elegance of stone countertops and carefully selected fixtures, every element is chosen with intention. The one-of-a-kind design experience is shaped by nearly 80 years of homebuilding—where timeless craftsmanship, lasting value, and personal style all come together. Guided by an experienced design consultant, every decision becomes part of a home that is personal, welcoming, and exactly where you want to spend your future.
FROM TOP TO BOTTOM
1. Thoughtfully designed kitchens crafted for everyday living. 2. Curated finishes that bring warmth and character to every space. 3. Timeless fixtures selected with beauty, quality, and purpose.
IN EVERY ISSUE
SOCIAL AFFAIR
The community calendar for August spotlights arts and cultural events, including arts hops, summer art workshops, a Japanese lantern ceremony, a philanthropic fundraiser, live theater, and heritage night at Chukchansi Park.
2027 LUXURY AWARDS
Nominations are now closed! The top five nominees in each of the 36 categories will advance to the official 2027 Luxury Awards ballot. Visit www.CVLUX.com mid-month for the big reveal.
CHANTICLEER TAKES THE STAGE
For more than four centuries, Shakespeare’s plays have transcended time, geography, and circumstance. They have graced the stage of London’s iconic Globe Theatre, captivated audiences on Broadway, and found a celebrated home at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival. Now, the Chanticleer Shakespeare Co. is ensuring that the world’s greatest playwright has a professional home in Fresno as well.
22
ORGANIC ARCHITECT
The Santé Health Foundation hosted their 9th Annual Gala, Havana Nights, for the benefit of Blood Cancer United at The Grand 1401 in Downtown Fresno.
The Fullback Classic took place over the course of two days between The PM Lounge and Dragonfly Golf Club, and was a fundraiser for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Fresno County.
WHITE HOT SUMMER NIGHT 2026
Presidents Club’s signature event, White Hot Summer Night, returned to Evanelle Vineyards for its ninth year with a record-breaking amount raised for cancer care.
For August 2026, CVLUX features the Chanticleer Shakespeare Co. on the Arts & Culture Issue cover.
Arthur Dyson’s buildings, residences, educational institutions, and places of worship have shaped the architectural identity of the Central Valley while influencing conversations about organic architecture around the world.
28
MOLDING FOSTER FUTURES
Clay is a powerful metaphor. Between the patience required to shape it and the resilience it gains through fire lies a reflection of the human experience. No one understands that better than Good Dirt Collective’s signature Mud Girls Program for former foster women.
32
FROM COLLECTION TO CURATION
Curating a personal art collection isn’t as difficult as one might think. It just takes a willingness to evolve. These tips for how to pick the perfect pieces will help get you started.
40
WINE ME, DINE ME
Whether you’re discovering a hidden neighborhood gem or planning your next memorable night out, this curated guide celebrates the Central Valley’s finest restaurants, wineries, craft cocktails, and culinary experiences—where every destination is worth savoring.
42 COSTARS
August invites reflection before momentum returns. As the month unfolds, themes of personal growth, renewed confidence, and meaningful connection take center stage.
Welcome to the Issue
Art is Only Everywhere
The Chanticleer Shakespeare Co. is well on its way to making Fresno a theatre destination, as seen on this inaugural Arts & Culture Issue cover (page 18). Architect Arthur Dyson continues to influence conversations about organic design while remaining the Central Valley’s foremost architectural identity (page 22). Learn how Good Dirt Collective’s Mud Girls program is molding a better future for former foster youth and young women (page 28). Learn how to curate your own art collection (page 32). Nominations for the 2027 Luxury Awards are now closed, and the top five nominees in each category will be announced at www.CVLUX.com mid-month (page 16). August’s community calendar is dedicated to cultural and artistic happenings (page 14). Social Affair recaps the Havana Nights Gala (page 34), The Fullback Classic (page 36), and White Hot Summer Night 2026 (page 38). Wine Me, Dine Me can help you plan your next night out (page 40). Horoscopes explore opportunities for growth before they meet the momentum building (page 42).
CreativityTakeCourage
Inspiration is where you find it. What you choose to do with it is what defines an artist. The willingness to pursue it and transform it into something uniquely your own is what separates imagination from expression, because creativity takes courage.
DAVID MANNING Publisher, Owner
EDITORIAL
Editorial Director LAUREN BARISIC Astrologer SHARI SCHOPP
ART Design Director PHENG MOUA
Contributing Photographers JULIANNA BENJAMIN, DON DIZON, JACOB “JJ” DOERKSEN, DIEGO ESPINOSA SHELBY GUIZAR, ERIN HOUSEHOLDER, LAURA KENNEDY, MEHER KOUROUYAN, DAVID SWANN CHANTICLEER SHAKESPEARE CO. and GOOD DIRT COLLECTIVE
BUSINESS
Director of Brand Development & Advertising NICOLE GIORDANO ASHJIAN Events Director & Producer LAURA THOMPSON Accounting Director DEE ANN LINKER
Please submit all advertising inquires to information@cvlux.com.
Letters To The Editor: We want to hear from you. Please submit letters to: CVLUX, 7797 N. First St. #172, Fresno CA, 93720 or e-mail to information@cvlux.com. Letters must be signed and deemed appropriate for our readership to be considered for publishing. Letters are subject to editing and may be cut for length.
Story Queries: Are you a writer? Please send story queries to lauren@cvlux.com. Please allow six to eight weeks for a response. CVLUX is not responsible for unsolicited material.
CVLUX is published twelve times a year by Modern Living Publishing LLC, 7797 N. First St. #172, Fresno CA, 93720. Copyright 2014 by Modern Living Publishing LLC. All rights reserved. Every effort has been made to ensure the information within this publication is complete and accurate at the time of publication. CVLUX does not warrant such accuracy or the claims of its advertisers. All materials, articles, reports, original artwork, and photos published in this magazine are the property of Modern Living Publishing LLC and cannot be used or reproduced without permission in writing. Modern Living Publishing LLC is not responsible for the opinions expressed within the publication. Prices quoted in advertisements are subject to change without notice.
LUX locale
Community Calendar
AROUND TOWN
August 3rd to 7th & 10th to 14th Summer 2026 ArtAcademy
Fresno Art Museum www.fresnoartmuseum.org
Two of FAM’s four weeks of visual art workshops will take place during August. A morning (9:00AM to 12:30PM) and afternoon (1:00PM to 4:30PM) class is open daily for children ages 8 to 15. For Week 3, “Monsters, Dragons, & Wild Things” and “Stop-Motion Animation” are offered. For Week 4, “Re-Imagining Story through Illustration” and “Graphic Design without a Computer” are the options.
August 7th
F1rst Friday
Arts Consortium
Downtown Visalia www.artsconsortium.org
F1rst Friday is a free, monthly, family-friendly program that takes place every first Friday from 5:00PM to 8:00PM. All sites are within walking distance from each other in Downtown Visalia. Each hosts artwork from local and regional artists, authors, or interactive activities. Maps are available at participating venues, where attendees may be entered into the opportunity drawing.
August 7th and 21st ArtHop
Fresno Arts Council
Downtown Fresno www.fresnoartscouncil.org
ArtHop takes place during the first and third Thursday of the month from 5:00PM to 8:00PM in Downtown Fresno. It features free entry to exhibitions, gallery shows, special performances, and unique art experiences for art lovers of all ages. This is the most active and anticipated monthly public arts experience in the Fresno Metro area and offers everyone the opportunity to celebrate art, music, and food together.
August 15th
41st Annual Tōrō Nagashi
Shinzen Garden www.shinzenjapanesegarden.org
Traditionally, this Japanese ceremony honors the memory of loved ones and symbolizes peace and gratitude. Limited quantities of lanterns are available. Each lantern purchase includes the lantern and up to four names to be read by the event emcee during the lantern launch. Lantern pick-up begins at 4:00PM. Food trucks will be on-site starting at 5:00PM. The ceremony and launch commence at 7:00PM.
August 22nd
Summer Soirée 2026
Salt + Light
Tulare Veterans Memorial Building www.saltandlightworks.org
Salt + Light will host their sixth annual summer fundraising event with a “Sahara Nights” theme this year. The organization walks alongside our neighbors experiencing housing instability, food insecurity, and isolation, building spaces rooted in dignity, belonging, and restoration. Tickets are priced at $150 or $1,200 for a table of eight. Sponsorship opportunities are also available.
August 23rd
Chukchansi Heritage Night 2026
Chukchansi Park www.milb.com/fresno
Celebrate the rich heritage of the Picayune Rancheria of the Chukchansi Indians during the Fresno Grizzlies’ Chukchansi Heritage Night. Presented by Chukchansi Gold Resort & Casino, the evening honors the tribe’s enduring traditions, cultural legacy, and lasting contributions to the Central Valley through a memorable celebration of community, culture, and America’s pastime.
August 28th to October 18th
The Cemetery Club
Good Company Players 2nd Space Theatre www.gcplayers.com
Three widows find friendship and laughter as they grapple with love and loss in their monthly visits to their husbands’ graves. But when one tries to move on, the other two sabotage her budding romance. This performance by the Good Company Players is rated PG-13. The Cemetery Club performs at the 2nd Space Theatre from the end of August to mid-October.
“SAHARA NIGHTS” IS THE THEME FOR THIS YEAR’S SUMMER SOIRÉE, HOSTED BY SALT +LIGHT. PHOTOGRAPHER ERIN HOUSEHOLDER
CULTURE. BEAUTY. STYLE. DESIGN.
CUISINE.
CVLUX Magazine proudly presents the 2027 Luxury Awards. Each year, CVLUX recognizes the Central Valley’s favorite businesses with Luxury Awards. The top five in each category made it to the official ballot. The winners will be announced at the Luxury Awards.
Nominees Revealed Online
Voting Begins
Voting Ends
August 15, 2026
September 1, 2026
December 31, 2026
HOSPITAL
CONCIERGE PHYSICIAN
DENTIST
ORTHODONTIST
ORAL SURGEON
PLASTIC/COSMETIC SURGEON
DERMATOLOGIST
MEDICAL SPA
SALON & SPA
FITNESS STUDIO
SHOPPING CENTER
BOUTIQUE (ACCESSORIES & APPAREL)
FINE GIFTS & DÉCOR
HOME FURNISHINGS
JEWELER
AUTOMOTIVE DEALERSHIP
COMMUNITY
RESIDENTIAL BUILDER
COMMERCIAL BUILDER
MORTGAGE LENDER
REALTOR
HOME IMPROVEMENT & APPLIANCES
CONTRACTOR & REMODELING
FLOORING & TILE
INTERIOR DESIGN
SPONSORS
FARM/GROWER
FINANCIAL INSTITUTION
WEALTH MANAGEMENT INSURANCE
CASINO
RESORT/HOTEL
BAR
FINE DINING
CASUAL DINING
HIDDEN GEM
LEGACY (FAMILY-OWNED, MULTI-GENERATIONAL BUSINESS)
To reserve a sponsorship, table, or tickets, please contact events@cvlux.com.
STAGE CHANTICLEER TAKES THE
Editorial Director Lauren Barisic
Photos courtesy of Chanticleer Shakespeare Co.
COVER VARIOUS CAST MEMBERS BACKSTAGE IN REHEARSAL FOR THE TEMPEST (2026). PHOTOGRAPHER SHELBY GUIZAR PICTURED CAMERON VARNER, JAMES ALEXANDER, AND MARIKAH CHRISTINE LEAL IN RICHARD III (2025). PHOTOGRAPHER LAURA KENNEDY
THERE IS A MOMENT
There is a moment before the curtain rises when anything feels possible. The house lights dim. Conversation softens into anticipation. An actor steps into the light and, with words written more than four centuries ago, somehow begins speaking directly to us. Shakespeare has always possessed that rare ability—to transcend time, geography, and circumstance. His plays have graced the stages of London’s Globe Theatre, New York’s Broadway, and Oregon’s famed Shakespeare Festival. Now, thanks to Chanticleer Shakespeare Co., they have found a professional home in Fresno at the hands of Co-Founders Blake Ellis, Brandon Weis, and Brandi Martin.
Bringing Shakespeare to the Central Valley is about far more than producing acclaimed works of classical theatre. It is about building a cultural institution, creating opportunities for artists, inspiring new audiences, and proving that world-class performing arts can thrive in a place many once overlooked. “Fresno has always had incredible community theatre,” says Weis. “But everybody that was doing the work and wanting to grow and wanting to start this professional career for themselves had to leave Fresno if they wanted to continue developing their talent. There was no professional institution here to take that next step.” Chanticleer Shakespeare Co. was created to change that.
For a region long celebrated for its agricultural abundance and entrepreneurial spirit, the Central Valley has often been overlooked as a destination for world-class performing arts. That narrative is changing. Founded in 2023 with the belief that Shakespeare is for everyone, Chanticleer Shakespeare Co. was created to bring high-caliber classical theatre to Fresno while making it accessible, engaging, and exhilarating for modern audiences. As Fresno’s first professional Shakespeare company (and the only professional Shakespeare company within roughly a 100-mile radius) the organization is filling a cultural void that has existed for decades. It’s an ambitious undertaking, but perhaps the most remarkable part is that it was imagined not by outsiders, but by artists whose roots run deep in the Valley.
Ellis built an impressive career performing with some of the country’s most respected theatre companies, including Berkeley Repertory Theatre, Shakespeare Theatre Company in Washington, D.C., and England’s Royal Shakespeare Company, before returning home. Weis grew up in the Valley theatre community, becoming an accomplished actor and producer before combining his artistic background with more than two decades of executive leadership managing large-scale business operations. Together, along with Technical Director Brandi Martin, they represent more than 50 years of combined professional theatre experience and a shared conviction that the Central Valley deserves artistic excellence on its own stage.
The company began taking shape as the region emerged from the uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic. Ellis returned to Fresno after the shutdowns significantly impacted the entertainment industry, and an opportunity to lead a Shakespeare workshop at Fresno Pacific University helped reveal a need. “There was a spark that said, ‘Hey, there’s a need for this here,’” Weis explains. “Not only that, but there was a need for professional theatre in general.” That momentum aligned with the emergence of Measure P funding, a city initiative designed to support expanded arts and culture efforts throughout Fresno. Chanticleer submitted a grant proposal during the initial funding cycle and received support that helped make its inaugural production possible.
From there, an idea became an institution—with a name worth crowing about. “Chanticleer” is a medieval word that appears throughout Shakespeare’s works and means rooster. It is also the name of the proud rooster featured in Geoffrey Chaucer’s The Canterbury Tales—a storyteller and herald whose voice announces the arrival of something new. The symbolism was not lost on the founders. “The idea was that when this gets its legs underneath it, it’s definitely going to be something that Fresno can crow about,” Weis says with a smile. The name also creates a subtle connection to Shakespeare himself, offering an elegant alliteration that reflects the company’s purpose: to announce the arrival of something bold, timeless, and rooted in place. While many theatre companies simply produce plays, Chanticleer is building something larger: a lasting cultural presence.
For generations, Shakespeare has carried an unfair reputation. Some audiences encounter his work first through a classroom rather than a stage, where unfamiliar language and historical context can create distance rather than curiosity. Chanticleer seeks to remove those barriers. “Shakespeare has been timeless and relevant for people for the last 400 years for a reason,” Ellis says. “At its core, it’s tapping into what it means to be human and have real relationships.” The emotions are universal: betrayal, ambition, love, jealousy, revenge, hope, and resilience. The language may be centuries old, but the experiences remain remarkably familiar. “You’re building a future audience for these classic works in the English language,” he continues. “These are masterworks that people should be connected to well into the future, and we’re laying that foundation right here in the Valley.”
“Our goal is to make this as accessible, understandable, and digestible as possible for a modern audience,” Ellis furthers. “We don’t want people to have to do homework to come and enjoy our shows.” That philosophy does not mean changing Shakespeare into something unrecognizable. Instead, Chanticleer focuses on deeply understanding the material so audiences can connect with it naturally. “We always talk about the fact that we have two major stakeholders,” explains Ellis. “The first is our playwright. The second is our audience. If we’re not serving both of those stakeholders at the same time, then we’re doing something wrong.”
The result is theatre that respects the original work while welcoming those experiencing Shakespeare for the first time. That approach was especially evident during a recent student matinee, which brought high school students from throughout the Valley to experience professional theatre firsthand. Students traveled from communities including Mendota and Tulare to attend a production at Fresno’s historic Warnors Theatre. Following the performance, one student shared a sentiment that perfectly captured Chanticleer’s mission. “I don’t normally understand Shakespeare,” she said, “but I understood every word of this production.” For Ellis, moments like that reaffirm why the company exists.
There is perhaps no more fitting home for Chanticleer’s productions than the Warnors Theatre. A Downtown Fresno landmark nearly a century old, the ornate venue provides an atmosphere that elevates every performance. Its architecture, history, and grandeur create an experience that feels both timeless and distinctly rooted in place. For Ellis, the theatre itself becomes part of the production. “In our first two productions there, it was like the theatre itself was an additional character in the show,” he says. The historic proscenium, intricate details, and sense of grandeur create the ideal setting for Shakespeare’s enduring works, offering audiences an experience that feels immersive and transportive.
When Ellis, Weis, and Martin first toured the space, they immediately recognized its potential and understood its significance. “As soon as we stepped out from underneath the mezzanine and you could see that suspended ceiling and that beautiful proscenium arch, Brandon, Brandi, and I looked at each other and thought, ‘Yeah, this is it,’” recalls Ellis. “There’s something magical about this place that you just have to be in the room to experience.” The venue also commands a different energy from performers. “Playing to a house of 2,000-plus people commands the size and the respect that Shakespeare’s works themselves command,” Weis says.
That sense of occasion has helped attract nationally recognized performers, including Fresno-native Jacqueline Antaramian, a Broadway veteran whose career spans film, television, and stage productions across the United States. For Ellis, one of Chanticleer’s greatest achievements has been creating a
MATTHEW WANGEMANN AND LAUREN MACKENZIE SKEMP IN THE TEMPEST (2026). PHOTOGRAPHER DIEGO ESPINOSA
reason for artists who left the Valley to return home. “We’ve had so many success stories of people leaving the Valley and being able to work professionally, but then never coming back,” he says. “Part of our mission is to bring those professionals back here so they can share the talents and skills they’ve developed over a career with this community.” During their last production of The Tempest, Chanticleer had over 350 auditions from actors across 41 states.
Although Chanticleer focuses on professional Shakespeare, its impact extends far beyond its own productions. The company intentionally partners with existing arts organizations rather than competing with them, recognizing that a thriving creative community requires collaboration. Its partnership with the Fresno Philharmonic for The Tempest (which incorporated live orchestral musicians into Shakespeare’s magical final masterpiece) demonstrated the power of organizations elevating one another. “Creating that partnership was a monumental feat for us and for them,” Weis says. “The relationship was fantastic, and we’re excited about continuing to find ways to collaborate.”
The company has also built connections throughout the downtown community, creating experiences that extend beyond the theatre itself. For Weis and Ellis, a professional theatre does not replace the community arts organizations that came before it—it strengthens them. “The rising tide lifts all the boats,” Ellis says. By bringing professional artists together with local performers, Chanticleer creates opportunities for mentorship, collaboration, and growth, allowing community actors to gain new skills they can carry into productions throughout the region. “Having a professional theatre as part of the cultural DNA of the Valley improves theatre for every theatre-goer,” Ellis says. That commitment is reflected in the company’s programs, which highlight local theatre organizations and encourage audiences to support the breadth of artistic experiences available throughout the Valley.
Although Chanticleer is still in its earliest chapters, its founders are already imagining what the next decades could hold. The company has intentionally started with one production per season, currently presented in the April-to-May timeframe and focused on building a strong foundation for sustainable growth. The long-term vision is to expand into multiple productions and eventually a year-round artistic presence. The dream is not simply to bring Shakespeare to Fresno. It is to establish Fresno as a destination for world-class theatre. “We want students from other cities to come into this city to experience professional theatre,” Ellis says. “We want artists from Los Angeles, San Francisco, New York, and beyond to be fighting for roles in productions being done here because it’s such an incredible place to work.”
He points to other communities known for their artistic identities. “Ashland has Oregon Shakespeare Festival. San Diego has the Old Globe. Fresno has Chanticleer,” Ellis says. The hope is that the community will eventually view the company not simply as an organization based in Fresno, but as the Valley’s theatre. “It should be part of the DNA of being here in the Valley,” he goes on. “This is their theatre.” That vision speaks to something larger than a single performance or season. Communities become destinations not only through restaurants, attractions, or economic development, but through experiences that bring people together.
The arts create shared moments. They encourage conversation across generations. They allow audiences to see themselves reflected through stories that have endured for centuries. Shakespeare remains relevant because humanity remains recognizable. Ambition still tempts. Love still complicates. Families still fracture. Power still corrupts. Hope still survives. That is the true magic of Chanticleer Shakespeare Co. It is not simply bringing Shakespeare to the Central Valley. It is reminding the Valley (and the rest of California) that extraordinary art has every reason to flourish here. With every performance, Chanticleer is cultivating something lasting: a place where artists can return home, students can discover their voices, audiences can experience timeless stories anew, and Fresno can be recognized not only for what it grows from the ground, but for what it cultivates on its stages.
JACQUELINE ANTARAMIAN IN THE TEMPEST (2026). PHOTOGRAPHER DIEGO ESPINOSA
ALEXANDRIA EVERBACH AND BLAKE ELLIS IN RICHARD III (2025). PHOTOGRAPHER LAURA KENNEDY
BRANDON WEIS, GEORGE MOUNT, AND BLAKE ELLIS IN RICHARD III (2025). PHOTOGRAPHER LAURA KENNEDY
Organic Architect
The Living Legacy of Arthur Dyson
Editorial Director Lauren Barisic
Photographer David Swann
Some architects leave behind buildings. Others leave behind ways of seeing. For more than six decades, Arthur Dyson has done both. From his Fresno studio, Dyson has quietly built a body of work that has shaped the architectural identity of the Central Valley while influencing conversations about organic architecture around the world. His buildings are immediately recognizable—not because they follow trends, but because they resist them.
Sweeping rooflines. Walls of glass that dissolve into the landscape. Spaces that breathe with light instead of simply containing it. Every project begins with a singular premise: architecture should belong to the place it inhabits. That belief has earned him international recognition, but perhaps more remarkably, it has allowed one of America’s most respected architects to remain rooted in the very region he has spent a lifetime elevating.
For Dyson, great architecture has never required a metropolitan address. It requires purpose. “We chose to make Fresno our home not because it sits at the center of our work, but because it has become the center of our lives. Over the years, we’ve built enduring friendships with people whose character reflects the very best of the Central Valley—grounded, honest, humble, and deeply authentic. Those relationships have given us a profound sense of belonging and continue to enrich both our personal lives and our professional perspective.”
Born in 1940, Dyson’s fascination with architecture was shaped as much by what he didn’t see as what he did. The buildings surrounding him were functional, but they lacked warmth, movement, and imagination. Much of the era’s architecture favored rigid forms, sharp angles, and industrial materials—practical by design, yet often disconnected from the people who inhabited them. Dyson envisioned something different: architecture that felt alive, expressive, and intrinsically connected to its environment.
That vision found extraordinary direction at just nineteen years old, when he began working alongside Frank Lloyd Wright on the legendary architect’s final commissions, including the Marin County Civic Center and the Guggenheim Museum. It was a rare apprenticeship during one of American architecture’s most defining moments, introducing Dyson to the principles of organic architecture and the belief that buildings should emerge naturally from their surroundings rather than compete with them.
His education continued under celebrated architects Bruce Goff and William Gray Purcell, each adding another layer to his understanding of architecture as an extension of both nature and the human experience. Yet while Wright’s influence is undeniable, Dyson never became a disciple of another man’s vision. Instead, he cultivated an architectural language entirely his own—one rooted in movement, light, and a profound respect for place.
That understanding of place, however, was shaped by more than architectural mentorship. Dyson credits Indigenous perspectives on the landscape with deepening his belief that meaningful design begins not by imposing ideas upon a site, but by listening to it. As one respected Elder told him years ago, “If you observe, and if you listen to the land, it will reveal its secrets.” Those words have remained one of the guiding principles of his practice, reinforcing his conviction that every landscape possesses its own history, rhythm, and wisdom—qualities revealed only through patience, humility, and careful observation.
As he established his Fresno practice, Dyson challenged convention with buildings that felt as though they had grown from the landscape itself. Earth rose into sculpted berms. Concrete curved instead of conformed. Skylights and translucent domes ushered daylight deep into interiors, while wood became both structure and sculpture, bent into expressive forms that animated each façade. His work rejected the cold precision of modernism in favor of spaces that felt welcoming, intuitive, and alive.
Over the course of his remarkable career, that philosophy would shape an extraordinary body of work across the Central Valley and beyond. From thoughtfully integrated residences throughout the region to civic, educational, religious, and commercial landmarks—including the Woodward Regional Library, University High School, Fresno Betsuin Buddhist Temple, and the iconic Palm Avenue Interior Systems remodel—Dyson’s designs have become part of the Valley’s architectural identity. Each reflects his enduring belief that buildings should not simply occupy a space, but respond to and enrich the communities they serve. His buildings are not monuments standing apart from their communities—they are places where life unfolds.
This is arguably the greatest measure of Dyson’s success. The most enduring architecture doesn’t demand attention—it earns belonging. Students have learned beneath his roofs. Families have marked life’s milestones within his homes. Communities have gathered, reflected, celebrated, and connected in spaces designed not simply to shelter them, but to enrich their experience of the world around them. His architecture possesses that rare quality. It feels inevitable, as though it has always belonged exactly where it stands. “Architecture should not be an expression of the architect’s ego, but an articulation of the lives, aspirations, and experiences of those who inhabit it,” Dyson understands.
Although his practice has remained firmly anchored in Fresno since opening in 1969, Dyson’s influence extends far beyond California. His work has been exhibited internationally, published extensively, and recognized through dozens of regional, national, and international design awards. Licensed in multiple states and celebrated throughout the architectural community, he has consistently demonstrated that exceptional design can originate anywhere, and that geographic location is never limits visionary thinking.
Perhaps one of his most enduring contributions lies not in the buildings themselves, but in education. From 1999 to 2002, Dyson served as Dean of the Frank Lloyd Wright School of Architecture at Taliesin, later becoming Dean Emeritus. In doing so, he became both steward and teacher of one of architecture’s most influential educational legacies, helping guide future generations while preserving the principles that first inspired him as a young apprentice four decades earlier.
It is a remarkable full-circle moment. The apprentice became the educator. The student became the guardian of a philosophy. Yet Dyson is the first to reject the notion that mastery is ever complete. He often jokes that he remains an “architect in training,” a remark rooted in genuine humility and a lifelong belief that meaningful design demands continual curiosity, reflection, and growth.
Yet even as his influence expanded internationally, Dyson never lost sight of home. His longstanding involvement with California State University, Fresno, local arts organizations, preservation efforts, housing initiatives, and numerous community organizations reflects a belief that architecture is ultimately an act of public service. Buildings shape cities, but architects shape communities through empathy, stewardship, and civic engagement. That commitment has made Dyson’s legacy uniquely generational. His work inspires not only fellow architects but also artists, engineers, students, and young designers throughout the Central Valley who see in his career proof that world-class creativity can flourish close to home.
In many ways, Dyson’s greatest accomplishment has been demonstrating that architecture is less about constructing buildings than cultivating relationships—between people and place, history and innovation, nature and design. Over six decades, he has expanded the philosophy of organic architecture for a changing world, drawing not only from Frank Lloyd Wright’s teachings, but also from Indigenous wisdom, environmental science, and an ever-deepening understanding of how thoughtfully designed spaces influence the human experience. His work is not an echo of Wright’s legacy. It is its evolution.
Those relationships are increasingly valuable in a world that often prioritizes speed over permanence. Dyson’s architecture asks us to slow down—to notice how sunlight shifts across a wall, how a roofline frames the sky, how natural materials soften with time, and how thoughtfully designed spaces quietly shape the way we gather, learn, worship, and live. His buildings remind us that beauty is never merely decorative. Rather, it enriches the quality of everyday life.
Dyson has long championed the principles of organic architecture, a philosophy he believes is more relevant today than ever before. “Organic architecture is not an architectural style but a philosophy that emphasizes harmony between people, buildings, and nature. As the world seeks more sustainable ways to live, its principles offer practical and enduring solutions that can help create healthier, more resilient, and environmentally responsible communities for future generations.”
There is a tendency to measure an architect’s success by skyline-defining towers or headline-grabbing commissions. Arthur Dyson’s career offers another metric entirely. Measure it by communities strengthened. By students inspired. By landscapes respected. By buildings that continue serving people decades after their completion with the same quiet grace that first brought them to life. His influence is visible not because it demands attention, but because it has become part of the cultural fabric of the Central Valley itself.
For Dyson, architecture has always extended beyond the buildings themselves. He believes thoughtful design begins with understanding the communities it serves—a philosophy reflected not only in his work, but in his lifelong commitment to civic engagement. Throughout his career, he has
generously dedicated his time and expertise to nearly forty professional, educational, cultural, and community organizations, recognizing that meaningful architecture is born from meaningful participation.
That dedication, paired with more than six decades of visionary design, has earned Dyson widespread acclaim, including more than 120 honors from architectural and cultural institutions. In 2023, the Fresno Art Museum celebrated his remarkable legacy with Arthur Dyson: Organic Architect, A Retrospective 1960 to Present, a comprehensive exhibition spanning sixty-three years of his career. Through architectural models, renderings, and original works, the exhibition offered visitors an intimate look at the evolution of one of the Central Valley’s most influential creative minds, marking his first major exhibition there since Poetics of Space in 2004.
Dyson believes the greatest buildings do far more than shelter us. They become vessels for memory, connection, and discovery, quietly reminding us that “beauty is not an indulgence but a fundamental human necessity.” Through proportion, craftsmanship, natural light, and a profound respect for place, architecture possesses the extraordinary ability to elevate the human spirit while inspiring a deeper appreciation for the world around us.
As the region continues to evolve, so too does the significance of those who helped define its visual identity. Dyson’s work stands as a reminder that architecture is ultimately an expression of optimism—a belief that thoughtful design can improve how we experience the world around us.
From a young apprentice working alongside Frank Lloyd Wright to one of the nation’s foremost voices in organic architecture, Arthur Dyson has spent a lifetime proving that extraordinary ideas can take root anywhere. More importantly, he has demonstrated that the most enduring architecture begins not with an architect’s vision, but with a deep respect for the land, the people, and the stories already present.
Sometimes, the world’s most enduring ideas aren’t born in its largest cities, but in the communities willing to nurture them. For Arthur Dyson, that place has always been the Central Valley. “Timelessness is not achieved by resisting the passage of time, but by embracing universal principles that transcend it: proportion, light, material honesty, craftsmanship, and a profound respect for place.”
Selected Works
The Central Valley is home to numerous celebrated Dyson projects, yet a select few rise above as exceptional expressions of his visionary approach—distinctive works that reveal the depth of his creativity, craftsmanship, and enduring influence on the region’s architectural landscape.
The Creek House | Sanger, California (1986)
Perhaps Dyson’s most recognizable residence, the Creek House has achieved international attention for its dramatic forms, flowing rooflines, and seamless integration with its natural setting. It has become an icon of contemporary organic architecture and continues to captivate architects and design enthusiasts around the world.
“Deeply rooted in its site, the house emerges from an intimate dialogue with the surrounding landscape. Its form, materiality, and spatial experience are shaped by the rhythms of the trees, the character of the terrain, and the quiet intelligence of the natural environment. Instead of imposing itself upon the land, the architecture responds to it with restraint, allowing the existing ecology to inform every meaningful decision. In this way, the Creek House derives its identity not from spectacle, but from authenticity. It belongs unmistakably to its place and to the people for whom it was created. Its success lies not in universal appeal, but in the clarity of its purpose, a home that is profoundly personal, deeply contextual, and inseparable from the landscape that gives it life.”
University High School | Fresno State Campus (2010)
Designed to foster curiosity, creativity, and collaboration, University High School reflects Dyson’s belief that educational environments should inspire as much as they instruct. Rather than functioning solely as places of learning, thoughtfully designed schools have the power to shape how students engage with one another, their surroundings, and the ideas that will define their future.
“The design of a school extends far beyond classrooms. It is the creation of an environment where children discover who they are, cultivate their potential, and begin to imagine who they might become. University High School was born from the conviction that educational architecture should aspire to more than efficiency. It was conceived as a living environment informed by neuroscience, environmental psychology, and child development—one that inspires learning, nurtures creativity, encourages collaboration, strengthens community, and awakens a lifelong love of discovery. When architecture recognizes children not simply as students but as future innovators, artists, leaders, and citizens, a school becomes far more than a building. It becomes a place where possibility takes root and the future quietly begins to take shape.”
Woodward Park Regional Library | Fresno, California (2004)
Nestled alongside one of Fresno’s most beloved parks, the Woodward Park Regional Library demonstrates Dyson’s gift for creating architecture that feels connected to its environment. Filled with daylight and welcoming public spaces, it has become a gathering place for generations of Valley residents.
“The Woodward Park Regional Library emerged from a dialogue between purpose, place, and people—an exploration of the community’s aspirations, the character of the site, and the evolving role of the modern library. The design responds to the diverse needs of its users, creating distinct spaces for children, students, families, and lifelong learners while maintaining a cohesive architectural whole. Natural light became the project’s defining element—not simply an environmental strategy, but the primary design medium. As sunlight filters through the building, it brings warmth, depth, and an ever-changing rhythm to the spaces, transforming everyday moments of reading and gathering into experiences of quiet inspiration. The result is a civic landmark where architecture celebrates curiosity, knowledge, and human connection.”
Interior Systems Remodel | Fresno, California (1995)
Perhaps one of Dyson’s most talked-about commercial designs is Interior Systems, later Hemisphere Furniture and now the Fresno Dental Works office building on Palm Avenue has become a Fresno landmark thanks to its dramatic illusion of emerging from (or disappearing into) the earth. Decades after its completion, it remains one of the city’s most recognizable pieces of contemporary architecture and a favorite subject of conversation among locals.
“The Interior Systems building began as a modest remodel with an ambitious vision and a limited budget. Originally a residence, then a dance studio, it evolved into an architectural expression of creativity rather than erasing its past. By replacing the existing roof with a dramatic pitched form that rises from an intimate eight-foot entry to a soaring fourteen-foot gallery, the design transformed both the space and its identity. A reflecting pool, expressive geometry, and thoughtful use of light and materials created a memorable presence while fulfilling the client’s desire for a durable, low-maintenance building. The project stands as proof that inspired design can transcend financial limitations, turning an ordinary structure into one of Fresno’s most recognizable architectural landmarks.”
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MOLDING FOSTER FUTURES
Editorial Director Lauren Barisic
Photographer Julianna Benjamin
Photos courtesy of Good Dirt Collective
There is something profoundly symbolic about clay. Before it becomes a vessel, it begins as something ordinary—earth, water, and possibility. It yields to the hands shaping it, withstands intense heat, and emerges stronger than before. Few materials embody transformation quite so literally.
That symbolism isn’t lost on Good Dirt Collective, where Co-Founders Christy Manning, Kasey Jackson, and Jorden Collins have built far more than a pottery studio. They have created a place where artistry and purpose intersect, offering young women who have aged out of the foster care system an opportunity to reshape their futures through meaningful work, mentorship, and creative expression.
Inside the Fresno studio, every handcrafted mug, bowl, and serving piece tells two stories. One is about exceptional craftsmanship. The other is about resilience. Together, they represent the heart behind Good Dirt Collective’s signature Mud Girls program, a year-long vocational initiative designed to provide paid employment, entrepreneurial experience, and life skills for women navigating adulthood after foster care.
Rather than defining participants by where they’ve been, Christy, Kasey, and Jorden have built an organization focused entirely on where they’re capable of going. “Each of us welcomed children into our home through foster care about 15 years ago,” begins Christy. “This journey was a difficult but beautiful one for each of our families. As our children grew older, we knew there was so much more to be done—the foster care crisis is real and is happening right here in our own community. After realizing that over 23,000 foster youth age out of the system without a permanent home, without support or without a solid foundation, we knew this was the area we needed to step into.”
The Why Behind the Work
Many non-profit organizations provide assistance during moments of crisis. Good Dirt Collective was intentionally designed to do something different. Young women aging out of foster care often face overwhelming obstacles as they transition into adulthood. Stable employment, financial independence, healthy community, and long-term mentorship can be difficult to find all at once.
Mud Girls seeks to address each of those challenges simultaneously. Participants don’t simply learn pottery. They receive paid vocational training while developing confidence, accountability, professional communication, and practical business skills that extend well beyond the ceramics studio. The goal isn’t to teach someone how to make pottery. It’s to help them believe they can build a future.
For Good Dirt Collective, the true measure of success isn’t simply the pottery produced—it’s the lasting impact the program has on how each Mud Girl views her own worth and potential. “It is our dream that every young woman who walks through our doors knows she is not alone. That she is seen, she is loved, and she was created on purpose, for a purpose,” Kasey imparts. “We want her to know that the trauma of her past does not define who she is. There is hope for healing, and there is hope for a brighter future.”
More Than an Art Studio
While pottery is the medium, entrepreneurship is the curriculum. Over the course of the program, participants gain hands-on experience in production pottery, glazing techniques, quality control, inventory management, customer interaction, packaging, marketing, and retail operations. They become active contributors to a working creative business rather than students completing classroom assignments.
That distinction is what makes Mud Girls particularly unique. The experience mirrors the expectations of professional employment while providing mentorship and encouragement every step of the way. It’s an environment built around excellence—not because perfection is expected, but because confidence grows when meaningful responsibility is entrusted to capable hands. The Mud Girls program is unlike a traditional workplace. “Many of the young women we serve have experienced significant trauma that affects their ability to succeed in conventional work environments,” explains Kasey.
“Challenges with trust, consistency, emotional regulation, and workplace expectations often become barriers to maintaining employment without the right support. We believe in second, third, or even fourth chances. We lead with connection and then follow up with correction. Grace-based employment means we hold space for processing emotions, working through triggers, and reconciling conflicts. Working with clay is a therapeutic experience that engages both the hands and the mind, creating space for healing, growth, and restoration.”
Designed with Intention
Although every ceramic piece is handcrafted, each collection begins with thoughtful planning. Good Dirt Collective works with an in-house designer who studies market trends, consumer preferences, and evolving interior design aesthetics before developing each seasonal collection. From there, detailed specification sheets guide production, allowing the Mud Girls artisans to create cohesive collections while learning the discipline of professional manufacturing.
It’s a process rarely associated with non-profit organizations. Instead of creating one-of-a-kind hobby pieces, participants experience what it means to produce high-quality collections for discerning customers and commercial clients alike. The studio also accepts commissioned work, collaborating with businesses and organizations seeking custom ceramic collections that reflect their own identity.
“Good Dirt Collective was built around professional design standards because our goal is to prepare young women for real employment, not just provide a creative outlet,” Jorden shares. “While our mission and the stories of our participants matter, lasting success requires high-quality products that people want to buy. We teach participants to understand the market, create with purpose, and develop products that are both meaningful and commercially successful.”
Beautiful Enough to Stand on Their Own
There is an understated elegance to Good Dirt Collective’s work. Organic silhouettes. Soft neutral glazes. Timeless forms that feel equally at home inside a contemporary California residence, a thoughtfully curated boutique, or an inviting hospitality space. Good Dirt’s products are artistically meaningful while also meeting the expectations of today’s retail and hospitality markets.
Their appeal isn’t dependent upon the story behind them. The ceramics succeed because they’re beautifully designed. The mission simply deepens their meaning. That intentional balance has allowed Good Dirt Collective to expand its reach into retail partnerships, specialty shops, and coastal communities where craftsmanship and authenticity continue to resonate with customers seeking pieces made with care.
“We balance artistic expression with market demand by giving participants opportunities to create personal pieces they can sell independently while also teaching them to design products that meet the needs of today’s retail and hospitality markets,” Jorden elaborates. “As we expand into new markets, including custom souvenirs alongside our established home and gift collections, we continue to challenge our participants with more complex designs that build their skills while creating products customers are excited to purchase.”
Creating Opportunity Through Every Order
Each new wholesale account, commissioned collection, or retail partnership represents something much larger than business growth. It creates another opportunity to employ a young woman. Another chance to teach transferable skills. Another reason for someone to discover her own capabilities.
Every purchase directly contributes to a model that prioritizes sustainability over dependency. Rather than asking people to support a cause out of sympathy, Good Dirt Collective invites customers to invest in exceptional craftsmanship with lasting impact. It is philanthropy expressed through excellence.
“We have been blown away by the support of our community,” Christy remarks. “Today, our handcrafted pottery and home fragrance products can be found in local shops throughout the region, and dozens of businesses have commissioned our Mud Girls to create custom pieces. Every partnership reinforces that their work has value and that their creativity is making a meaningful impact. There is always excitement in the studio when a new wholesale or bulk order comes in because it reminds each young woman that her gifts are needed, appreciated, and worthy of celebration.”
Beyond the flagship storefront adjoining the pottery studio at Bullard and Marks avenues in Fresno, Good Dirt Collective’s handcrafted ceramics are available through a growing network of curated retailers. Locally, shoppers can find the collection at FleurElise Floral Studio, Shoppe At The Avenue, and The Foundry Cooperative in Clovis. The reach extends to Country Luxe Boutique in Tulare, the Locali Visitor Center in San Francisco, Hume Lake Christian Camps, and, along the Central Coast, Seaside Treasures and the Boat Yard Marketplace in Morro Bay—each partnership expanding both the collective’s mission and the opportunities it creates for the Mud Girls.
A Community Built Around Restoration
Perhaps the most remarkable aspect of Good Dirt Collective isn’t found inside the kiln. It’s found around it. The studio has become a place where young women experience consistency, encouragement, accountability, and belonging—qualities that cannot be measured in sales figures but often determine whether transformation lasts. The relationships formed between mentors, staff, volunteers, and participants become as important as the pottery itself. Because while clay can certainly be reshaped, people often can be, too.
“When we first started and handed our first Mud Girl her first paycheck she was so excited,” recalls Kasey. “She looked down at the check and asked us ‘Do I take this to the post office?’ Stunned, we realized no one had ever taught her about bank accounts or how to deposit or cash a check. That was when we realized life skill development had to be a part of what we do. We have had the joy of celebrating many life skill milestones with our Mud Girls: driver’s permits, licenses, green cards, purchasing their first car, opening bank accounts, and so many more. What we do is far more than just creating beautiful pottery—it’s also about building a foundation so they can take each step with confident assurance that they have a bright future ahead.”
Leaving a Lasting Impression
The phrase good dirt suggests that extraordinary things can grow from humble beginnings. It’s a fitting metaphor. Inside this Fresno studio, clay becomes functional art. Ideas become opportunity. And young women, once navigating uncertain futures alone, begin discovering purpose, confidence, and independence through meaningful work. Every finished piece carries the fingerprints of someone learning not only a craft, but also her own potential. That may be the most beautiful creation Good Dirt Collective produces. Not pottery. Possibility.
When someone purchases a Good Dirt Collective piece, they’re bringing more than pottery into their home. “Beyond beautiful ceramics, I hope they’re bringing home a reminder that beauty can come from places of hurt, healing, and brokenness,” Christy divulges. “Every piece reflects the beauty of refinement, that just as clay is strengthened in the fire, God can use life’s hardships to shape, strengthen, and restore what once seemed broken.”
Good Dirt Collective is where hope takes shape from a lump of clay, transforming an earthen medium into opportunity, purpose, and a future for Fresno’s foster youth. “I also hope it’s a reminder that the things we choose to buy can have an impact beyond ourselves,” she goes on. “Supporting handmade work means investing in people, stories, and communities. My hope is that every Good Dirt Collective piece carries not only beauty and function, but also hope, a reminder that even ordinary objects can be part of bringing life, encouragement, and restoration to others.” Everyone needs good dirt to grow.
FROM COLLECTION TO
CURATION
HOW TO BUILD A PERSONAL BODY OF ART THAT TELLS YOUR STORY
Editorial Director Lauren Barisic
Anyone can buy art. Curating a collection, however, is something entirely different. The most memorable homes aren’t filled with expensive pieces acquired on impulse—they’re layered with works collected over time, each contributing to a larger narrative. A thoughtfully curated collection reflects personal taste, lived experiences, and a willingness to evolve rather than follow trends.
Start with What Moves You
Before considering value, artist reputation, or market trends, begin with a simple question: Would I want to look at this every day? Many new collectors feel pressure to purchase works that are considered important or investment-worthy. While those factors may play a role later, the strongest collections begin with genuine emotional connection.
A useful rule: if you find yourself repeatedly returning to a piece, thinking about it days later, or imagining exactly where it belongs in your home, pay attention. Collections built on personal resonance tend to remain relevant long after trends fade.
Collect a Point of View, Not a Color Palette
One of the biggest mistakes new collectors make is buying art solely to match a room. Instead of asking, “Will this match my sofa?” ask, “Does this belong in my story?” The most compelling collections often contain unexpected combinations:
• Contemporary photography alongside traditional oil paintings
• Abstract works mixed with figurative pieces
• Sculpture paired with works on paper
• Emerging artists displayed beside established names
The connective thread isn’t medium or style—it’s perspective. Perspective is honed by studying your own draw points and the why behind them. Over time, viewers should begin to recognize your taste, even when the works themselves differ dramatically.
Mix Mediums for Depth
A curated collection feels richer when multiple mediums are represented. Much like layering textures in interior design, mixing mediums creates visual depth and keeps a collection from feeling predictable. Consider incorporating:
• Original paintings
• Photography
• Mixed media works
• Sculpture
• Ceramics
• Textile art
• Limited-edition prints
• Works on paper
Implementing vast medium diversity will translate to mastery as your collection grows, which speaks to your ability to articulate said perspective. The result is a visually strong and compelling body of work that is unique to you.
Buy with Placement in Mind
Before purchasing, consider where a piece may live. Placement greatly impacts perception. Great collectors understand that art doesn’t exist in isolation. It enters into conversation with its surroundings. Ask:
• Does the scale suit the space?
• Is this a statement piece or supporting work?
• Will it stand alone or join a gallery wall?
• How does it interact with existing furnishings and architecture?
Some collectors even maintain a list of future “art opportunities” within their homes—a blank stairwell, an empty hallway, or a future renovation project—allowing acquisitions to happen with intention rather than impulse.
Think in Chapters, Not Individual Pieces
The most successful collections are rarely assembled all at once. Time enables evolution. Don’t be in a rush to “complete” a collection—doing so dismantles the big-picture that is curation. Instead, think of collecting as an ongoing editorial process. You may begin with:
• Local artists from your region
• Landscape works
• Black-and-white photography
• Female contemporary artists
• California-based creators
• Pieces acquired during travel
Over time, these interests begin forming themes that can guide future acquisitions. Rather than asking, “Do I like this piece?” ask, “Does this contribute to the larger collection I’m building?” Consider this an ongoing, outward dialog with and an expression of self.
Where to Find Original Art
Today’s collectors have more access than ever before. And art is where you find it. Don’t be deterred from finding it in unexpected places. Curating is an exercise in subtle, consistent seeking. Always keep an eye out. Excellent sources include:
Local Galleries
Gallery relationships often provide access to artists before they become widely collected.
Art Fairs
These offer exposure to numerous artists and mediums in a single setting.
Museum Benefit Auctions
Many museums host fundraising events featuring emerging and established artists.
Open Studio Tours
Collectors can meet artists directly and gain insight into their process.
University Art Programs
Graduate exhibitions often showcase remarkable emerging talent before prices climb.
Travel
Some of the most meaningful acquisitions come from places that hold personal significance.
A piece purchased during a memorable journey often carries emotional value that far exceeds market value. This is a great example of how emotional connection deepens personal value and the stay-power of a piece. Artwork without heartstrings won’t stand the test of time at home.
Understanding Value
The question isn’t always, “Will this appreciate?” While investment potential can be a consideration, collecting solely for appreciation often leads to disappointment. The most rewarding collections balance passion with discernment. Instead, consider:
• Is the work original?
• Does the artist have an established body of work?
• Is the artist actively exhibiting?
• Is provenance documented?
• Is the piece professionally framed and preserved?
• Would I still love this if it never increased in value?
Leave Room for Evolution
Perhaps the most important lesson seasoned collectors learn is that collections are never truly finished. Tastes mature. Interests shift. New artists emerge. Pieces are moved, reframed, or occasionally sold. Evolution is a key component of the curation process.
The goal isn’t perfection. It’s creating a collection that grows alongside you. A thoughtfully curated collection should feel less like a showroom and more like a biography—one told through color, texture, memory, and discovery.
Five Questions to Ask Before Buying
1. Would I love this if nobody else saw it?
2. Can I envision where it will live?
3. Does it add something new to my collection?
4. Am I buying it because I love it or because it’s trending?
5. Will I still enjoy living with it ten years from now?
The journey from collection to curation is one of intention. A collection simply gathers objects, while curation reveals perspective. It is built thoughtfully over time through emotional connection, discerning choices, varied mediums, and an openness to evolve. Rather than chasing trends or filling empty walls, seek works that reflect where you’ve been, what moves you, and how your story continues to unfold. In the end, the most compelling art collections aren’t measured by their monetary value or size—they’re remembered for the lives they quietly chronicle.
SOCIAL affair
Havana Nights Gala
HAVANA NIGHTS GALA
Benefiting Blood Cancer United
Photographer Meher Kourouyan
The Santé Health Foundation hosted their 9th Annual Gala, Havana Nights, on Saturday, June 13th at The Grand 1401 in Downtown Fresno. The evening was filled with color, energy, and purpose as 200 guests came together in support of Blood Cancer United. The Thurman Family joined the event and shared their powerful story of their son, James, and his journey with blood cancer, reminding everyone in the room of the true impact behind the cause. Surrounded by bright colors, beautiful dancers, and an incredible spirit of generosity, the night was a meaningful celebration dedicated to raising funds and creating hope for patients and families affected by blood cancer.
For more information about the Santé Health Foundation, please visit www.santehealthfoundation.org.
SOCIAL affair
The Fullback Classic
THE FULLBACK CLASSIC
Benefiting the Boys & Girls Clubs of Fresno County
Photographer Don Dizon
The Fullback Classic took place over the course of two days between The PM Lounge and Dragonfly Golf Club, starting Friday and wrapping Saturday, June 27th. Roughly 150 attendees took part in the event, which raised $10,000 for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Fresno County. This charity golf tournament was hosted by former Fresno State Bulldog and NFL legend Lorenzo Neal, with other special guests including Jeff Garcia, Eddie George, and Jim Everette amongst numerous NFL stand-outs. It was a wonderful opportunity not only to support an incredible foundation, but also to provide a space where the community could come together and share a truly special experience. The occasion was genuinely one-of-a-kind, and the hope is that it will become an annual affair.
For more information about the Boys & Girls Clubs of Fresno County, please visit www.bgcfresno.org.
SOCIAL affair
White Hot Summer Night 2026
WHITE HOT SUMMER NIGHT 2026
Benefiting cancer care at Community Health System
Photographer Jacob “JJ” Doerksen
Presidents Club’s signature event, White Hot Summer Night, returned to Evanelle Vineyards for its ninth year on Saturday, July 11th. Nearly 700 guests enjoyed an unforgettable evening of philanthropy and celebration with exceptional food, live music, dancing, and an exciting auction while raising funds for cancer care. This year’s event was truly record-breaking, generating more than $820,000: the most successful White Hot Summer Night to date. One of the event’s best moments was hearing from Christine, Community’s first patient to receive CAR T-cell therapy. Christine rang the bell on stage, celebrating that she was in remission from cancer. It was a full-circle moment, as the support of Presidents Club members helped bring this groundbreaking treatment to the Central Valley.
For more information about Community Health System, please visit www.communitymedical.org/donate.
WINE ME DINE ME
Shake+Stir at Manhattan Steakhouse & Bar
Photographer Don Dizon
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From intimate dinners to holiday parties, business gatherings, and milestone celebrations, Elbow Room offers exceptional cuisine, elegant private dining spaces, and a team that takes care of every detail. The best holiday dates fill quickly—reserve your banquet or private event today.
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Nick’s Wine Bar Cafe is a hidden gem nestled inside Sam’s Italian Deli, offering full-service lunch in an intimate setting. Enjoy specialty dishes, signature sandwiches, a selection of hand-curated wines, and Italian-inspired cocktails. Experience Italian hospitality in the heart of the Central Valley at Nick’s.
1110 East Champlain Drive Fresno, CA 93720 (559) 434-5553 www.5restaurant.com
Moravia wines
3620 North Bishop Avenue Fresno, CA 93723 (559) 843-2140 www.moraviawines.com
Sip award-winning wines at Moravia’s family-friendly winery—kids love the playground, adults love the patio and indoor tasting room. Open weekends noon to 5:00PM, plus Wine Down Friday every first Friday with live music. Mention CVLUX for a $1 glass of wine.
FIVE offers an exquisite blend of contemporary Californian and Italian cuisine with a private wine room, patio dining, and a full bar. The engaging atmosphere and energetic ambience is perfect for a romantic dinner or a night with friends.
COSTARS
Astrologer Shari Schopp @shari_starlight www.eyeonastrology.com
Aries
March 21st to April 19th
The mind shapes your environment in quick bursts of energy, processing emotions through talking, texting, and constant thought. By mid-month, an inward shift slows everything down. Spend more time at home and make rest a priority to prevent burnout.
Taurus
April 20th to May 20th
A period of refinement improves how you feel about yourself and the standards you set. Desire and pleasure become grounded in what is sustainable and supported. Focusing on what truly matters enhances your lifestyle and overall sense of enjoyment.
Gemini
May 21st to June 21st
An influx of ideas around security and values keeps communication private and personal. Focus on what feels true. Once clarity emerges, confidently express your thoughts and share them. Bold expression is impossible to ignore and helps move things forward.
Cancer
June 22nd to July 22nd
Beautify living spaces to stay anchored and emotionally secure. As momentum builds, trust your intuition to guide you through change. Find comfort in your surroundings and revisit family memories to restore a sense of peace and inner strength.
Leo
July 23rd to August 22nd
A natural allure radiates like sunlight, creating a presence that’s impossible to overlook. Easy warmth and quiet confidence draw others in, lifting the atmosphere with vitality and generosity. Simply by being yourself, you naturally inspire those around you.
Virgo
August 23rd to September 22nd
As the zodiac’s strategist, the work begins with clearing clutter and distilling what matters most. Optimize each next step, release the spiral of overthinking, and trust your adaptable nature. Devotion to your ideals keeps perspective steady, practical, and deeply rooted.
Libra
September 23rd to October 23rd
There’s a push-pull between inner and outer love this month. Development comes from learning outward grace and inner compassion, becoming a compassionate diplomat requires flexibility. Once you understand the depths, reflect your truth back to others.
Scorpio
October 24th to November 21st
Explore your inner world to resolve core issues as they surface. Mars in your eighth house brings an intense drive and the ability to confront deep-rooted patterns. Communication may reveal unexpected realizations and sudden changes that are ultimately necessary.
Sagittarius
November 22nd to December 21st
The amplification of ninth-house energy brings opportunities for growth through travel and education. This phase highlights a quest to discover your truth by exploring beliefs. A reset or upgrade pulls you toward something greater, now fully within reach.
Capricorn
December 22nd to January 19th
A highly productive yet disciplined energy is available, emphasizing intention over flashiness. Analyze what works for you, but question everything. Align your values in relationships and career to create greater meaning, stability, and long-term fulfillment.
Aquarius
January 20th to February 18th
Power dynamics give an intense tone to this month. There’s a strong impact on first impressions, followed by energy directed toward social settings. Intimidation only goes so far, so expressing yourself creatively opens the door to meaningful contributions.
Pisces
February 19th to March 20th
Clarify and restructure what matters most through reflection and reevaluation. Reassess long-term stability without getting lost in confusion or idealism. Establish strong boundaries and stay adaptable around finances and material needs. Trust your intuition while aligning choices with practical reality.
Eye on Education
Informing the public on issues faced by schools, children, parents, teachers and administrators throughout Fresno County.
Dedicated to telling the stories the Central Valley needs to hear.
