May 2026 Collagraph

Artist of the Month

Artist of the Month: Zoe Nelson
May 1–30 | Reception: May 9, 4–6 PM

The Stockton Art League is proud to present May’s Artist of the Month, Zoe Nelson, a multidisciplinary artist whose practice is rooted in ceramics and expanded through drawing and illustration.

Zoe earned their BFA in studio art with a focus in ceramics from CSU Sacramento, where they developed a strong technical foundation alongside a passion for black and white illustration that continues to shape their visual language. Their work reflects a balance between form and surface, often exploring contrast, line, and material through both clay and drawing.

They have gained valuable experience as a ceramic resident artist at Cobb Art and Ecology Project and as an art administrator at the Mendocino Art Center, contributing to development and marketing efforts while deepening their engagement with creative communities. Today, Zoe teaches ceramics at the Grand Theatre Center for the Arts in Tracy, CA, and supports emerging artists through their role as Youth Art Coordinator at the Stockton Art League.

While ceramics remains their first love, Zoe’s creative practice extends into drawing, gaming culture, and music, all of which inform their approach to making and storytelling.

Join us this May to experience Zoe’s work and celebrate an artist whose practice bridges tradition, experimentation, and community connection.

Exhibition Dates: May 1 – May 30
Artist Reception: Saturday, May 9 | 4–6 PM

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

Join us for an evening of ceramics, drawing, and conversation as we celebrate Zoe’s work and creative journey.

Free and open to the public.

Next Exhibition

June Reception: Join us on June 13, 4–6 PM, featuring works by Callie Russell

Friday Night! Stockton Art League will be open and the Miracle Mile filled with over 50 vendors. There is parking behind the gallery. Come out for a fun evening and see some of your favorite artists and new ones! 

Director's Corner

Chapters in Motion

May feels like a transition point, though this year it also feels like it is moving full steam ahead. Some parts of the year move quickly, while others are less clear. This month is a mix of both, and it feels like the planning we’ve been doing is finally turning into something of real value.

We saw that momentum recently with a strong turnout of over 100 people at Kevin Richtik’s Artist of the Month reception, followed closely by the close of the Miracle Mile Art + Lit Walk. These moments of gathering remind us how much energy exists in our community when space is created for connection. We are now looking ahead to the Spring Art Market at the end of the month, another opportunity to bring artists, makers, and the public together in a shared environment of exchange and support.

At the same time, much of our work continues through the people who make up this organization. Zoe Nelson has been doing strong work as our Youth Art Coordinator, including leading a cyanotype activity at Earth Day in April that served over 300 participants alongside many other arts organizations. Their ability to engage youth and families through accessible, hands-on art experiences continues to expand our reach. What makes the Stockton Art League unique is that our leadership and staff are practicing artists, and the work happening here is shaped by lived creative experience. It is also meaningful to support Zoe’s work as an artist alongside their contributions to the organization.

We often think of progress as a straight line, but more often it unfolds in phases. The path ahead is not always determined by what we already know, but by where we hope to be and the willingness to keep moving forward as things take shape. A pause along the way has its place, and returning to something familiar can offer clarity and grounding.

This month brings a range of opportunities to engage, whether through exhibitions, markets, workshops, or simply taking time to reconnect with your own creative practice. Thank you for being part of this evolving chapter.

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 Rebecca Clover

We are saddened to share the passing of Rebecca “Becky” Clover, who passed away peacefully on April 7, 2026, at the age of 84.

Becky was a passionate artist and a dedicated advocate for youth and special education. She spent over 25 years as a Special Education teacher, shaping the lives of countless students with care, creativity, and compassion. Her love of the arts was ever present, from her pastel paintings and children’s book to her involvement with the Stockton Civic Theatre, reflecting a vibrant and generous spirit.

She will be remembered for her warmth, her commitment to helping others, and the joy she brought to her community. We extend our sincere condolences to her family and loved ones during this time.

Read more and share a story HERE

Stockton Art League Opportunities

San Joaquin County is home to so many incredible arts programs and opportunities. Below you’ll find current events and offerings from the Stockton Art League.

To explore even more local and regional opportunities, be sure to scroll all the way to the end of the newsletter.

63rd Annual National Juried Exhibition at the Haggin Museum

We’re excited to announce the upcoming 63rd Annual National Juried Exhibition at the Haggin Museum, one of the Stockton Art League’s longest-running and most anticipated exhibitions.

This national call invites artists from across the country to submit work for consideration in a juried exhibition held in partnership with the Haggin Museum.

Best in Show: $1,000 Ruby Zahn White Award
Additional awards will be presented.

The official prospectus will be released within the next week with full details on eligibility, submission guidelines, and important dates.

Submission Deadline:
Sunday, July 19, 2026 at 10:59 PM PST

Be part of this longstanding exhibition and share your work with a wider audience.

Spring Art Market
Saturday, May 23 | 12–4 PM

Join us at the Goodwin Gallery for our Spring Art Market, a vibrant artist vendor market featuring local creatives and small businesses.

Shop a wide range of handmade and original work, including paintings, prints, ceramics, books, graphic design, jewelry, and more. Enjoy handcrafted drinks and artisanal marshmallows while you browse and support local artists.

This is a great opportunity to connect with the creative community and find something unique for your home or as a gift.

Location:
Goodwin Gallery
1902 Pacific Ave, Stockton, CA 95204

Free and open to the public.

Youth Art Program

Mother’s Day Watercolor Cards
May 9 | 12:30–2:30 PM
$1 per card

Drop in to the Goodwin Gallery to create watercolor cards for the mother figures in your life. All materials will be provided.

All ages welcome. Youth must be accompanied by a guardian.

Join us for a relaxed, creative afternoon and make something meaningful to share.

While the sun comes out to brighten our day, join us for Cyano Saturdays and explore the magic of creating prints using sunlight and natural materials.

Participants will create unique prints using local foliage while learning a historic photographic process.

This relaxed, 20–30 minute activity is perfect for all ages and experience levels—whether you’re trying it for the first time or returning to experiment further. All materials are provided, and participants can create multiple prints to take home.

Drop in on select Saturdays throughout the season and enjoy a creative, accessible way to engage with art, light, and nature at the Goodwin Gallery.

Goodwin Gallery Hours

Next Drop-off / Pickup
Membership Show
June 25 12-4pm
June 26 12-4pm
June 27 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 (Complete)
• May 17 – Collage / Zines (Upcoming)
• June 21 – Expression Session Open Studio
• July 19 – Embroidery Activity
• August 16 – Expression Session 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]

California Arts Council Grants Now Open

The California Arts Council has opened applications for its 2026 grant cycle, offering funding opportunities for artists, nonprofit organizations, youth programs, and community-based cultural initiatives across California.

As part of our State Local Partner mentorship, the Stockton Art League is helping share information and encourage participation from across San Joaquin County. These grants are designed to support both established organizations and first-time applicants, with priority given to small organizations and communities that have not historically had access to state funding.

Application deadline: May 12, 2026 at 11:59 PM

If you are considering applying, we encourage you to start early, review the guidelines, and use available resources to prepare your application.

Learn more and apply: arts.ca.gov/grants

For additional resources and guidance: arts.ca.gov/grants/resources

Need Help with Grants?

The Stockton Art League is available as a local resource for artists, organizations, and community members navigating grant opportunities.

As part of our State Local Partner mentorship, we are building capacity to support San Joaquin County through shared information, guidance, and connections. While we are not a grantmaker, we can help point you to resources, clarify guidelines, and offer general insight into the application process.

We are also available to support grant writing on a percentage basis for funded proposals. If you have questions about fiscal sponsorship, eligibility, or how to structure an application, we are happy to help guide those conversations.

If you are considering applying for funding and are not sure where to begin, feel free to reach out.

Contact Jessica at gallery@stocktonartleague.org

We are getting fantastic responses so far!

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.

May
• May 8 – Arts + Lit Walk on the Miracle Mile
• May 16 6-8pm - Stockton Arts Commission Figure Drawing at Goodwin Gallery 
• May 17 | 12–2 PM – Expression Session: Collage / Zines
• May 23 | 12–4 PM – Spring Market at the Goodwin Gallery
• May 30 – Cyano Saturdays (11:30 AM–1:30 PM)

June
• June 21 | 12–2 PM – Expression Session: Open Studio
• June 27 – Cyano Saturdays (1:30–3:30 PM)
• June 30 – Quarter 2 Membership Renewal Deadline

July
•July Saturdays - Youth Art Program Sessions 
•July 19 | 12–2 PM – Expression Session: Embroidery Activity
•July 19 10:59PM PST – Haggin Museum Juried Show Deadline

August
• August 16 | 12–2 PM – Expression Session: Open Studio
• August 29 – Cyano Saturdays (1:30–3:30 PM)

September
• September 20 | 12–2 PM – Expression Session: Collage / Zines
• September 26 – Cyano Saturdays (1:30–3:30 PM)
• 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 led by the California Arts Council to strengthen arts ecosystems across every county and build sustainable support for artists and cultural organizations.

On April 19, 2026, SAL participated in the State-Local Partner Convening with the Coalition of County Arts Agencies, joining representatives from across California to collaborate on shared priorities and strategies. Discussions focused on key areas including arts education advocacy, the creative economy, data collection, equitable grantmaking, fundraising, infrastructure, and the role of emerging tools like AI in the arts .

This convening reinforced the importance of cross-county collaboration and highlighted the role of State-Local Partners as connectors between local communities and statewide resources. Through this growing network, SAL continues to build relationships, gather data, and align its work to better serve artists and organizations throughout San Joaquin County.

The Stockton Art League will be applying for the 2026-2028 State-Local Partner grant through the California Arts Council with the support of the San Joaquin County Board of Supervisors, a key step toward formal designation as the county’s official arts agency.

These efforts are part of a larger statewide framework designed to support cultural development through funding, technical assistance, and coordinated leadership between counties and the state. As we move forward, we remain committed to strengthening regional partnerships, expanding access, and advocating for a more connected and sustainable arts ecosystem.

Building a Central Valley Network

As a direct result of this convening, we were able to connect with neighboring State-Local Partner representatives across the Central Valley. These conversations have already led to plans for more regular meetings between counties to strengthen coordination, share resources, and support regional advocacy efforts.

Central Valley Table
Left to Right: Dominique Johnson (Stanislaus), Amanda Stone (Kings), Colton Dennis (Merced), Michael Kreps (Tulare), Jessica Fong (San Joaquin), Andrea Mele (Fresno), Merry Miller-Gass (Tulare). Nicole Hoke (Madera) not pictured.

These growing regional relationships are an important step toward building a more unified and collaborative arts infrastructure across the Central Valley.

These efforts are part of a larger statewide framework designed to support cultural development through funding, technical assistance, and coordinated leadership between counties and the state. As we move forward, we remain committed to strengthening regional partnerships, expanding access, and advocating for a more connected and sustainable arts ecosystem.

Call For Support

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

Music Go Round T-Shirt Design Contest

Artists are invited to submit original designs for the upcoming Music Go Round Stockton, CA t-shirt.

Submission Window:
May 8 – May 14
No late submissions will be accepted.

Guidelines:

• One entry per person
• Designs must be original
• Do not use or replicate others’ work
• Keep designs appropriate (no explicit content)
• Must include the text:
  “Music Go Round Stockton, CA”

How to Submit:
Send your completed design as a JPEG file to:
[email protected]

Subject line: Tshirt Submission
Include your full name, cell phone number, and Instagram handle in the body of the email.

On View
- Local and Regional Works

Hatch Workshop

Tuleburg Press

Huddle, Stockton CA

Zen Den, Lodi CA

Unbound School

Stockton Youth Symphony

Lodi Community Art Center

Cast Iron Trading Co.

San Joaquin Fairgrounds

Reynolds Gallery

The Department of Art, Media, Performance & Design invites you to experience Echoes in Creation, an exhibition exploring the ripple effects of ideas, inspiration, and artistic expression. Opening on April 7 in the Reynolds Gallery and the Art Building’s hallway, the exhibition showcases student work across a diverse range of media. Join us for a reception on Thursday, April 9, 6—8 PM.

Echoes in Creation isn’t just a title—it’s a reflection. Every piece carries a trace of something that came before: a memory, a movement, a moment of inspiration that resonates in the present. Follow the echoes as they unfold, revealing how past impressions transform into living, evolving expressions.

This exhibition highlights the creative voices of students in both graphic design and studio arts through:

● Visual storytelling: Works that layer meaning through image, form, and composition.

● Experimental design: Projects that push boundaries across digital and physical media.

● Conceptual exploration: Pieces that reflect identity, culture, and personal narrative.

● Immersive experiences: Installations that invite interaction and deeper engagement.

● Sculptural and material studies: Forms that transform space and perception.

The artists featured are Graphic Design Seniors: Manuel Barrientos, Lucas Campainha, Aruelle Fernandez, Molly Keighran, and Sharan Satish as well as Studio Arts Seniors: Melary Alcazar, Hyunsoo Kim, Mahnoor Mahmood, and Maria Marquez. Interdisciplinary work of Junior Graphic Design, Studio Art and MPRO majors is displayed in the Art Building lobby. These students are Nico Blum, Alexa Carranza Mendez, Erik Guerrero-Rodriguez, Mikayla Henry, Gia Hung Tran, Noah Valdez, Quoc Hung Vu, and Jhih-Ci Wang.

The show will be on view from April 7 — May 7, 2026 in the Reynolds Gallery, Jeannette Powell Art Center, University of the Pacific. Admission is always free. The gallery is open Monday — Friday from 9:00 AM — 4:30 PM. Parking is available on the street at 1071 Mendocino Ave, Stockton, CA 95211. For more information, please contact the Marie Lee [email protected] and follow us @reynolds_gallery.

Tracy Grand Theatre

Haggin Museum

Picturing America’s Pastime

A Snapshot of the Photographic Collection at the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum

Since the 19th century, baseball and photography have grown up together. From the grandeur of the early game to the vibrancy of today’s sport, every facet of our national pastime has been captured in sepia, color, and black-and-white.

The National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum’s collection of over a quarter million images is the world’s premier repository of baseball photographs, spanning some 150 years of the sport’s history. Picturing America’s Pastime, a new exhibit curated by the Hall of Fame, features a selection of these timeless photographs, each accompanied by the words of those who were there and those who echoed the sentiments of photographer Charles Conlon.

“The greatest of all, the game which seems to breathe the restless spirit of American life, that calls for quick action and quicker thinking, that seems characteristic of a great nation itself, is baseball.”

— Photographer Charles M. Conlon, 1913

Organized by the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum, Cooperstown, NY. Exhibition Tour Management by Photographic Traveling Exhibitions, Los Angeles, CA.

All images in the exhibit are ©National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum. All Rights Reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part is prohibited.

City of Manteca

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