Â鶹´«Ã½ Introduces Core Project Team and Community Events for New Art Initiative
Â鶹´«Ã½ is excited to introduce the Core Project Team for a new art initiative located at the West Fresno Center. The public is invited to meet the artists and faculty working on the ceramic tile and sculpture relief artwork that will be installed at the West Fresno Center water feature at three upcoming events. The goal of this public project is to connect students, neighbors and the wider community through creativity and collaboration. The project brings together a talented group of artists and faculty who share a passion for using art to tell stories, spark dialogue and celebrate culture.
Meet the Core Project Team
Caleb Duarte — Lead Artist, FCC Sculpture Faculty
Caleb Duarte grew up in the farm working communities of California’s Central Valley after moving from Northern Mexico with his family. His work has taken him around the world — from India and Cuba to France and Germany — where he has created powerful community performances. Locally, you can see his public art at the Fresno Yosemite International Airport and Fresno Housing Authority’s Monarch Housing facility in Chinatown.
Hiromi Iyoda — Lead Artist, FCC Ceramics Faculty
Born in Japan and now a proud Central Valley artist and educator, Hiromi Iyoda brings a global perspective to her ceramics practice. She studied at CSU Long Beach and the University of Nebraska, Lincoln and has participated in residencies from Montana to India. Her work blends cultural traditions with contemporary approaches to clay.
Elena Harvey Collins — Project Curator/Coordinator, FCC Art Space Gallery & Art History Faculty
Originally from the UK, Elena has curated exhibitions and collaborations at Â鶹´«Ã½’s Art Space Gallery since 2017. Her projects often explore the relationship between people and place. She has also held curatorial roles at the Museum of Contemporary Art Cleveland and continues to create her own artwork alongside her curatorial practice.
Ronda Kelley — Project Guide, FCC African American Art Faculty
A West Fresno native, Ronda Kelley brings deep roots and local perspective to the team. She teaches African American Art at Â鶹´«Ã½ and creates artwork in fiber, craft, and assemblage. Her work explores spirituality, identity, and the human body.
Community Events
The Fresno community is invited to meet the artists, learn about the project and share in the creative spirit at these free gatherings:
Thursday, August 28 — 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
- Casa Duarte, 742 E. Normal Avenue ( across from Â鶹´«Ã½)
- Light refreshments will be served
Friday, August 29 — 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM
- AH 105 Ceramics Lab, Â鶹´«Ã½
- Morning refreshments will be served
Wednesday, September 3 — 5:30 PM – 7:30
- West Fresno Center Multipurpose Room and outside by the fountain and reflecting pool
- 600 E. Church Avenue
- Refreshments will be served
All events are free and open to the public.
