March 2026 Collagraph

Artist of the Month

This Women’s History Month, we’re celebrating creativity, resilience, and the powerful voices of women through art. Join us for a special reception for our Women’s Art Show, where we’ll honor and showcase the incredible work of women artists and advocates in our community.

From bold expressions to thoughtful storytelling, each piece reflects the talent, perspective, and experiences that continue to shape the arts.

Exhibition Dates: March 12 – March 28

Artists Reception: Saturday, March 14 | 4–6 PM

Location: Elsie May Goodwin Gallery
1902 Pacific Avenue, Stockton, CA 95204

Come enjoy an evening of art, conversation, and community as we celebrate the impact of women in the creative world.

Free and open to the public.

Next Exhibition

April Reception: Join us on April 11th 4–6 pm, featuring photographic works of Kevin Richtik

Director's Corner

Gathering in the Season of Tending

There are seasons in creative life.

Some seasons are visible, exhibitions, performances, and finished works brought into the light. Other seasons are quieter. They take place closer to the ground, where the work is slower and less visible but just as important.

Right now feels like a season of tending.

Anyone who has worked in a garden knows that before new growth appears, time must be spent digging through the weeds, turning the soil, clearing space, and enriching the ground so that something new can take root. It can feel like difficult work. Sometimes it feels like struggle. But this work makes the next season possible.

Creative communities grow the same way.

Artists often work alone when the moment of making arrives. The studio, the sketchbook, the quiet place where ideas take form. These spaces are personal. But the conditions that allow creativity to flourish are collective. They grow from gathering.

Gathering does not always mean collaborating on the same piece of paper. Sometimes it looks like sitting together mending garments. Sometimes it is painting in a friend’s garden. Sometimes it is a long phone conversation sharing ideas, or meeting for a cup of coffee and exchanging discoveries.

These moments matter.

They create the soil that nourishes creative life. They remind us that even when we return to our individual workspaces, we are part of something larger than ourselves.

Our Women’s History Month exhibition reminds us how powerful these gatherings can be. For generations, women artists have built creative communities through shared spaces, mentorship, friendship, and collective effort. The act of coming together to create, to support one another, and to share work publicly has always been part of how artistic voices grow stronger.

So gather when you can. Tend the soil of your ideas. Continue making the work, even when it is hard. And if you must dabble, then dabble like the whole world is watching.

This is the season of tending. And we are grateful to do that work together.

In creativity,
Jessica Fong
Executive Director

Stockton Art League
 

“Attention is vitality. It connects you with others. It makes you eager. Stay eager.” ― Susan Sontag

In Memory of Doug Genschmer

The Stockton Art League remembers longtime Stockton artist, educator, and former Stockton Art League president Doug Genschmer (1984-1986). Doug was a generous member of our creative community and, more recently, joined us regularly for our life drawing sessions. He also donated a professional French easel that was awarded to the top-scoring artist during our Creative Clash event.

A memorial gathering celebrating Doug’s life will be held:

Saturday, March 14, 2026
3:00 – 5:00 PM
Venetian Gardens Club House
1555 Mosaic Way
Stockton, CA

Those who would like to attend may RSVP to [email protected] or (209) 601-1738.

We extend our condolences to Doug’s family and friends and remember him with gratitude for the many ways he supported artists in our community.

Opportunities

Sunday March 15
12pm-2pm
Location: Elsie May Goodwin Gallery

Join Kat Castaneda for an afternoon of learning sashiko. Sashiko (meaning “little stabs”) is a traditional Japanese form of functional hand embroidery and quilting used to reinforce, mend, and insulate worn clothing with a simple running stitch. Bring a garment (sweater, jeans, T-shirt, or tote bag) that has a small hole or could use a little extra flair.

Supplies will be available for a $5 donation (needles, thread, and washable sashiko patterns).

Do our activity or your own! Bring your supplies & let's make some art together!

This event is made possible and funded through a San Joaquin RMDZ Microfunding Project with County Public works and CalRecycle

Goodwin Gallery Hours

Next Drop-off / Pickup
Membership Show
April 23 12-4pm
April 24 12-4pm
April 25 12-4pm
 

Thursday Mornings Open Studio

Join us again for Open Studio at the Goodwin Gallery every Thursday from 10 AM–12 PM. This informal drop-in session is a space to meet, make, and connect with fellow artists and community members.

Bring your own project and work alongside others in a relaxed, supportive environment. All media are welcome; however, we ask that participants use low-odor materials only to ensure a comfortable shared workspace. Whether you’re continuing a piece, experimenting with new ideas, or simply seeking creative company, Open Studio offers time and space to create. 

Suggested donation: $2
Drop in—no registration required.

For questions, email [email protected]

Expression Session Dates | Open Art Studio Series

Join us at the Goodwin Gallery for Expression Sessions, a monthly open art studio designed for creative exploration, connection, and hands-on making. Whether you participate in the featured activity or bring your own project, these sessions offer a welcoming space to create alongside others in community.

Time: 12–2 PM
Location: Goodwin Gallery, 1902 Pacific Ave, Stockton, CA 95204
Donations welcome.

2026 Dates & Themes:
• March 15 – Sashiko Mending
• May 17 – Collage / Zines
• June 21 – ES Open Studio
• July 19 – Embroidery Activity
• August 16 – ES Open Studio
• September 20 – Collage / Zines
• October 18 – Day of the Dead / or alternative activity

Come connect, create, and share space with fellow artists and community members. Our activity or yours—everyone is welcome.

For more information, email [email protected]

Membership Renewal Portal

The Stockton Art League and Goodwin Gallery: A Community Legacy

2026 Membership Update

As we begin 2026, the Stockton Art League and Goodwin Gallery remain dedicated to enriching lives and strengthening our community through the arts. More than just a space to showcase creativity, the gallery serves as a cultural hub where artists and art enthusiasts connect, inspire, and grow together.

For individuals, the gallery provides opportunities for personal expression, professional development, and meaningful engagement with the arts. As a community, the presence of the Stockton Art League and Goodwin Gallery ensures access to diverse exhibitions, educational programs, and events that celebrate our shared history and creativity.

Our presence in Stockton is a testament to the city's commitment to fostering artistic expression and cultural vitality. Together, we look forward to continuing to create a place where art thrives and brings people together.

Current Membership

As our membership continues to grow, we are streamlining renewals into quarterly cycles to better support our community and strengthen our administrative capacity. Members who typically renew in January, February, or March will receive a reminder to renew by March 31. Future renewals will occur at the end of each calendar quarter.

We also extend our sincere thanks to those who have already renewed early. Your continued support helps sustain exhibitions, youth programs, and arts advocacy throughout San Joaquin County.

2025 Membership

Major Overhaul on our Website

Website Updates in Progress

We’re excited to share that the Stockton Art League is currently undergoing a major website overhaul to make it easier to navigate and find information about our programs, artists, and events.

Our updates include:

• New navigation buttons to our major programs and activities

• Archived Collagraph newsletters now being backlogged for online access

• Testing of the new San Joaquin Artist Directory

• A new resource page for Poetry Out Loud, the high school poetry competition

Our next goal is to reach 50 artists on the directory!
If you experience any issues uploading images, please complete your entry without images and email them separately to [email protected].

Looking ahead, we’re developing an active events page that will connect the community to arts organizations and individual artists throughout San Joaquin County.

We’d love your input!
If you have feedback, suggestions, or ideas for additional information or features you’d like to see on the website, please email us at [email protected].

Visit the site at stocktonartleague.org to explore our progress and stay tuned for new features coming soon.

Important Dates | Winter–Fall 2026

February

• February 7–28 – Stockton Garden Club 100th Year Open Call Exhibition
• February 21 | 4–6 PM – Artist Reception
• February 26–28 | 12–4 PM – Membership Show Drop-Off / Pick-Up

March

• March 2 – Women’s Show Submission Deadline
• March 7, 14, 21, 28 – Youth Art Program (4-Week Session)
• March 14 | 4–6 PM – Women’s Show Reception
• March 15 | 12–2 PM – Expression Session: Sashiko Mending
• March 31 – Quarter 1 Membership Renewal Deadline

May

• May 8 Arts + Lit Walk on the Miracle Mile
• May 17 | 12–2 PM – Expression Session: Collage / Zines

June

• June 21 | 12–2 PM – Expression Session: Open Studio
• June 30 – Quarter 2 Membership Renewal Deadline

July

• July 19 | 12–2 PM – Expression Session: Embroidery Activity

August

• August 16 | 12–2 PM – Expression Session: Open Studio

September

• September 20 | 12–2 PM – Expression Session: Collage / Zines
• September 30 – Quarter 3 Membership Renewal Deadline
• 63rd Annual Juried Exhibition at the Haggin Museum (September–October)

October

• October 18 | 12–2 PM – Expression Session: Day of the Dead
• Quarter 4 Membership Renewal Cycle (December 31 deadline)

San Joaquin Artist Directory

Help Us Build the San Joaquin Artist Directory

Celebrate Local Creatives. Document Our Cultural History.

The Stockton Art League invites community members to help grow and enrich our Artist Directory, a living archive dedicated to recognizing the broad and diverse impact of artists in San Joaquin County.

This effort is not limited to Stockton Art League members. We welcome submissions from and about all artists in the region, regardless of affiliation. This includes artists working in visual arts, music, literature, performance, film, design, dance, and beyond.

Why it matters:
This project serves as a recorded history of artistic impact in our region. By contributing, you help preserve the stories, talents, and cultural contributions that shape the creative landscape of our communities.

How to Participate:

• Submit your own profile as an artist

• Nominate or submit information about past or current artists you admire

• Upload a bio, image, and contact info—updates can be made at any time

Start here: stocktonartleague.org/artist-directory

Help us honor the artists who inspire us, and make sure their work—and their story—is part of San Joaquin County’s creative legacy.

How to Participate:

• Submit your own profile as an artist

• Nominate or input information about past or current artists you admire

• Upload a bio, image, and contact info—updates can be made at any time

Start here: stocktonartleague.org/artist-directory

Together, we can celebrate and preserve the incredible creativity of San Joaquin County. Your voice—and your story—belong in the record.

If you have an issue uploading images, please contact Jessica at [email protected].

Thank you for being part of our creative community.

—The Stockton Art League Team

San Joaquin County

Join the San Joaquin Arts Advisory Committee!

We’re seeking 8–12 volunteer community members to represent the five districts of San Joaquin County and help guide the growth of arts access and equity across our region.

This advisory group will support the Stockton Art League in its role as a State-Local Partner (SLP) mentee, a program of the California Arts Council. As a mentee organization, we are working to strengthen the county’s arts network, gather community input, and build a foundation for future countywide arts leadership.

Committee members will share local perspectives, identify arts needs, and collaborate on ways to connect artists, organizations, and communities through inclusive, creative opportunities.

🗓 Apply Now
📝 Applications will be reviewed to ensure balanced representation across the five districts. Selected members will be contacted following review.

Strengthening the Arts Through Collaboration

The Stockton Art League (SAL) has long been dedicated to enriching the arts in our community. We are excited to share recent developments that mark a significant step forward in regional arts advocacy and infrastructure building.

As part of California’s State-Local Partner (SLP) initiative, the Stockton Art League is currently serving as a mentee to Amador Arts, with the goal of becoming the official State and Local Partner for San Joaquin County. This mentorship is part of a statewide effort by the California Arts Council to strengthen arts ecosystems across every county and build sustainable support for artists and cultural organizations.

Call For Support

Upcoming Workshops

Art Opportunities

ArtLit on the Mile transforms the Miracle Mile into an open-air gallery and literary walk, connecting writers, artists, musicians, and small businesses in one shared experience. The whole district becomes the venue, encouraging people to wander, discover, and connect with the Mile in new ways. It brings foot traffic to local merchants, visibility to creatives, and something positive for the community to gather around.

Eligibility – Who Can Apply?

• Artists, authors, musicians, and performers living or working in San Joaquin County
• Individual artists or collaborative groups
• Emerging, mid-career, and established creatives
• Nonprofit organizations whose mission includes support for arts and/or literature

How You May Participate

• Display or sell original artwork or publications
• Perform, read, demonstrate, or engage the public through live creative activity

Lodi Community Art Center

On View
- Local and Regional Works

Music Go Round - 944 W Robinhood Dr.

Sorelle's Winery - 9599 California HWY 88

San Joaquin Fairgrounds

LH Horton Gallery

Haggin Museum

95th Annual Robert T. McKee Student Art Exhibition

Join us for the nation’s longest-running museum-sponsored student art exhibition, proudly showcasing the creative talents of young artists from kindergarten through 12th grade. This cherished tradition was founded by patron Robert T. McKee, who believed in inspiring students by offering them a public platform to share their artwork.

Each year, all schools in San Joaquin County—including public, private, charter, parochial, and home schools—are invited to participate. On average, the Haggin Museum receives over 1,000 pieces of student artwork, hand-selected by teachers as the best from their classes.

The Museum’s temporary galleries come alive with vibrant two- and three-dimensional works created using a variety of media, including crayon, colored pencil, pastel, watercolor, oil and acrylic paint, photography, and more.

Tuleburg Press

Hatch Workshop

Catalyst Studio
926 N Yosemite St. Stockton CA

Mexican Heritage Center

Stockton Symphony

San Joaquin Historical Museum

Our Neighbors are Busy!

Sakura Hibachi Catering Restaurant

Wednesdays at Whirlows /
TAPS Barrel House

1926 Pacific Ave

BEER * MUSIC * BINGO

DeYoung Museum, San Francisco

SFMOMA, San Francisco

Goodwin Gallery Hours

Open Studio Days at the Gallery

Resources

Free Days at the Art Museums

THIRD SUNDAY OF EACH MONTH 

Legion of Honor - San Francisco, CA
General admission is free the first Tuesday of every month. (Admission is partnered with deYoung Art Museum - See both in the same day) 

deYoung Art Museum - San Francisco, CA
General admission is free the first Tuesday of every month. (Admission is partnered with Legion of Honor - See both in the same day) 

Asian Art Museum - San Francisco, CA
Free First Sundays

Side Street Projects

FREE SKILLSHARES WITH SIDE STREET PROJECTS

The “FREE Skillshares with Side Street Projects” series occurs every second Saturday of the month at our organization's headquarters. It is open to all ages, and skill levels. Each session is led by a community-based Teaching Artist who guides participants in learning hard and soft art skills. 

Teaching Artists are asked to create a “toolkit” for participants and for those who could not attend the event to use at home as a DIY (Do-it-yourself) or DIT (Do-it-together) resource. These toolkits are generally documents, videos, zines, or podcasts.   

Our goal is to offer free learning opportunities that empower the community to expand their creative endeavors. We think it is important we provide accessible art to a range of experiences and learning capacities. 

Kanopy

Art Collections - Online