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Hello all,
John here from Arts Annex Fresno.
Well, I feel like the first cog in a wheel has turned—and it’s exciting.
Today, Ruth Soderlund stopped by the Annex for a visit and after a few minutes of conversation, she chose her gallery space (Gallery #3) and committed to being here. That moment felt important. This idea became real.
Building Arts Annex Fresno has been both energizing and challenging. There are many moving parts, and one of the biggest is reaching that “first yes.” With that now in place, we are very close to being up and running.
What I am looking for now is a commitment from those of you who expressed interest at our January 13 meeting in becoming a gallery artist at Arts Annex Fresno.
For me, the Arts Annex is a proof of concept—one I truly believe in. The idea is simple: create a dedicated retail space where art by local and nearby artists is available for people to discover, purchase, and enjoy. A place to shop for local art, gifts, and one-of-a-kind work. Quite honestly, it’s something Fresno doesn’t really have right now.
Here’s how it works:
• Artists rent defined wall sections (most are approximately 5′ x 9′)
• Artists keep 100{f97fbbe8e2c55d6660ba85bf4833704f7c689de6793fb36dd007929dab8a50a9} of their sales — no commission
• Sales are processed directly through the artist’s own Venmo or similar payment app
• Arts Annex Fresno operates as a sitting gallery, meaning artists occasionally help staff the space
• Gallery sitting is expected to be about 4 hours every 4–6 weeks, depending on the number of participating artists
This is your gallery. Your retail display. Your outlet for sales, exposure, and connection with the public.
I’m modeling this concept after the John Stromme Gallery in McMinnville, Oregon—a downtown gallery that supports 30–35 artists and currently has a waitlist. The model works.
I understand that committing to something new—especially a retail space for your own work—can feel like a big step. With that in mind, here’s what I’m offering to help get us all started:
February Special (a short month):
• February is free for new Arts Annex Fresno artists
• The following three months will be discounted by 25{f97fbbe8e2c55d6660ba85bf4833704f7c689de6793fb36dd007929dab8a50a9}
Our goal is to open during ArtHop on Thursday, February 5. Because another show closes on January 31, artists will have time starting Feb 1, to install their work and be fully ready for ArtHop.
I’m available most days to meet, show you the space, and answer questions.
Please reach out to me directly at:
artsannexfresno@gmail.com
The AAF website is currently in development, and a “lighter” version will be live within a few days.
This is happening. It’s an opportunity for artists, like you, to turn your work outward—sell, grow, increase production, and be part of a collaborative creative environment.
I look forward to hearing from you, welcoming you into the space, and building this together.
Warmly,
John Alden
Arts Annex Fresno
814 E. Olive Ave. (across from the Tower Theatre)
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