FOCUS

FOCUS ARTWORK BY STUDENTS IN THE FRESNO ARTS COUNCIL’S ARTS IN CORRECTIONS PROGRAM

GEMA LOPEZ I attended the California College of Arts in Oakland, California where I majored in Graphic Design and worked in that field for almost 30 years in the Bay Area. Since returning to Fresno to pursue my fine arts interests, one of the most rewarding experiences has been teaching. While I've taught at various art centers in California, my favorite teaching experience has been for the Arts in Corrections program. I've taught graphic design, oil painting and drawing classes in this program for the last 4 years and it's been incredibly rewarding to work with some of the most talented and eager students I've ever had the pleasure of working with. I truly admire how despite the less than ideal circumstances during the pandemic, my students have remained focused on their work, eager to learn, and improve their skills. I think the work shown in these images can attest to all their hard work and dedication!

AVENAL STATE PRISON DRAWING & GRAPHIC DESIGN WITH INSTRUCTOR GEMA LOPEZ

SAMUEL CAEZ “The FAC class I participated in has helped me improve my drawing skills. I truly appreciated the feedback from the instructor because that allowed me to grow as I corrected/adjusted areas I was weak in. Due to this I had the courage to tackle a portrait. I can say that I have come a long way from the stick figures I was drawing a few years ago. Thank you, Fresno Arts Council and my instructor, for affording me the opportunity to participate in this awesome instructional journey.”

SHE’S WHY I GAVE LOVE A SECOND CHANCE Samuel Caez

ROSE Samuel Caez

UNTITLED Samuel Caez

VALENTINO AMAYA “My name is Valentino Amaya. I’ve been an artist for over 15 years and art helps me in my rehabilitation, it’s a way for me to meditate and form a reality on a 2D plane. Ever since I’ve participated in Ms. Lopez’s drawing program, I’ve gained a lot of knowledge and sharpened up my skills. It feels good to be a part of an art community that understands me and is willing to reach out and help."

CONTRAST Valentino Amaya

EYE STUDY 1 Valentino Amaya

EYE STUDY 2 Valentino Amaya

DROP FOLD STUDY Valentino Amaya

DRAPERY STUDY Valentino Amaya

MARSHALL A.VIGIL “I’m a person that loves humanity and enjoys life.This artwork is of an innocent puppy that’s pure as they come. It gives hope to life.

Class is so good that I wish I had more time as I think of it. I’ve learned a lot and need to learn a lot more and this class offers so much that it’s liberating.”

DENNIS K. CORONADO “I’m a person that needed an outlet for my imagination. This class was offered for that creative imagination. A lot of these art works were thought of from listening to a New Rock/alternate Rock station out of Fresno, Ca.”

CA SPIRIT COMPANY Logo Design by Dennis K. Coronado

CA SPIRIT COMPANY Takeout bag Mock-up by Dennis K. Coronado

NICHOLAS PATRICK MARINELLI “My name is Nicholas Patrick Marinelli and I am currently living in “A.S.P.”, one of the many of California’s “Gated Communities.” I have been incarcerated since the age of 25 and now, 19 years later, I am 44 years old. I was sentenced to 19 years to life and by God’s grace and great love for me, along with my personal Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, I have been transformed from a monster into a man of God. I live daily to be of service, make amends, and to be a positive, productive, and powerful member of all communities I’m a part of.”

ANGELINI’S Logo Concept by Nicholas Patrick Marinelli

ANGELINI’S Business Card Design

ANGELINI’S Hat Mock-up

ANGELINI’S Vehicle Wrap Design

SERGIO M. GUARDADO “My name is Sergio Guardado Mejia and I am in Avenal State Prison serving a sentence of 15 to life.When this COVID-19 pandemic began around the world and unfortunately took the life away from a lot of our loved ones, of which I send my condolences. Fresno Arts Council offered us the opportunity to take these classes through the mail, so I took the opportunity to learn what you guys are seeing here today. These are my designs. Thank you and God bless you.”

SABOR Coffee Mug Mock-up

SABOR Takeout bag Mock-up

SABOR Vehicle Wrap Design

MANUEL PRADO “I am a person that loves art, and graphic design was not what I was looking for but, I continued in the class thanks to the patience, encouragement, and professionalism of my instructor Miss Gema Lopez.”

Graphic Design Exercise

LORENA’S BEAUTY SALON Logo Concept #1

LORENA’S BEAUTY SALON Logo Concept #2

PLEASANT VALLEY STATE PRISON DRAWING WITH COLORED PENCILS WITH INSTRUCTOR GEMA LOPEZ

MANUEL P. SILVEIRA Marbles

MANUEL P. SILVEIRA Foil with Glass

MANUEL P. SILVEIRA Donut

MANUEL P. SILVEIRA Calla Lilly

MIGUEL R. VASQUEZ Marbles

MIGUEL R. VASQUEZ Foil with Glass

MIGUEL R. VASQUEZ Chocolates

MIGUEL R. VASQUEZ Calla Lilly

FRANCISCO B. TZARAXIXCOY Marbles

FRANCISCO B. TZARAXIXCOY Foil with Glass

FRANCISCO B. TZARAXIXCOY Donut

FRANCISCO B. TZARAXIXCOY Calla Lilly