The history of the Central Valley is often told through photographs, newspaper clippings, and family memories. Now, a new project is inviting artists to tell that story through their own creative lens.
As part of its 60th anniversary celebration, the Central Valley Community Foundation is seeking artists from across the region to create works inspired by the people, places, and moments that have shaped life in the Central San Joaquin Valley since 1966.
The project, titled “Celebrating 60 Years of People & Place,” asks artists to reflect on six decades of history across Madera, Mariposa, Fresno, Merced, Tulare, and Kings counties.
For residents of mountain and foothill communities, that history includes everything from the growth of local towns and schools to agricultural milestones, cultural traditions, community gatherings, and the countless individuals who helped build the region into what it is today.
The project arrives at a time when many communities are placing renewed emphasis on preserving local history. Across the Valley, longtime residents continue to share stories of changing landscapes, evolving industries, and generations of families who have called the area home.
Organizers hope artists will draw inspiration from those stories and memories, transforming them into visual works that capture the spirit of the Central Valley.
Eligible mediums include painting, photography, drawing, printmaking, mixed media, fiber arts, ceramics, woodworking, glass, and other visual art forms.
Selected artists will compete for multiple awards of $1,500 plus materials, providing both recognition and support for their creative work.
The initiative is a collaboration between the Central Valley Community Foundation and the Madera County Arts Council. Beyond celebrating the foundation’s six decades of service, organizers say the project is intended to create a lasting artistic record of the communities that have defined the region over the past 60 years.
For artists in Eastern Madera County and Mariposa County, the project presents a unique opportunity to highlight local stories that might otherwise go untold—from historic events and beloved landmarks to everyday moments that reflect the character of life in the Sierra foothills and Central Valley.
The application deadline has been extended to June 12, giving artists additional time to develop and submit proposals.
Additional information and application details are available through the project’s online submission portal.
Looking for Inspiration?
Artists might consider subjects such as:
- Historic moments that shaped local communities
- Agricultural and ranching traditions
- Yosemite gateway towns and their evolution
- Community celebrations and cultural events
- Local landmarks and landscapes
- Stories of resilience, growth, and service
- People whose contributions left a lasting impact on the region
As the Central Valley Community Foundation marks 60 years of service, the project offers a reminder that the history of a place is ultimately the story of its people—and that art can be one of the most powerful ways to preserve those stories for future generations.
