• Date: February 9, 2009
• Time: 5:00 – 8:00 p.m.
• Location: Broadway Studios, 1416 Broadway (map)

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The February exhibit is recognition of the increasing need for affordable housing in Fresno.

Amidst a global financial crisis, the population of displaced persons is rapidly increasing. The issue has recently received a jolt of energy through the Fresno City and County adoption of the Ten Year Plan to End Chronic Homelessness. The issue has also gained momentum through the support of newly elected Mayor Ashley Swearengin, Chair of County Board of Supervisors Susan Anderson, and the City of Fresno Housing Authority.

In order to realize physical progress on this issue, a new paradigm for housing and lifestyle must emerge. Learn more, and view the completed exhibit, at February’s archop!

Over the weekend I discussed archop’s past, present and future with Sevag Tateosian of KFSR’s San Joaquin Spotlight (listen online or download the recording).

I give Sevag some inside scoops on archop that you can only hear in the interview—so I encourage you to listen!

The planning for the February 5 opening of the Urban Housing Choices exhibit and Habitation Installation are moving full steam ahead. We are still pulling together construction materials for the 400 square foot habitation, so if you’ve got any materials please let us know.

The American Institute of Architects San Joaquin Chapter is proud to announce the anniversary exhibit of ArcHop.

A little over a year ago this was just an idea. After four successful exhibits that continue to grow in ambition and popularity, it is clear that our commitment to this idea is a success. What was the idea? To improve the San Joaquin Valley’s built environment through education and interaction.

While that is a long term goal, we are making strides in that direction. The fifth and most ambitious of the ArcHop exhibits opens this Thursday, October 2nd 5-9pm in the Broadway Studios, 1416 Broadway @ Tuolumne in downtown Fresno. The topic is art and architecture.

For the anniversary event we felt it appropriate to reinforce the links between the two disciplines as well as acknowledge the genesis of ArcHop from Art Hop. We will be pairing the artwork of local architects with artists to look at them in a common light. The exhibit is sponsored by Parrish Hansen Structural Engineers and DKSJ Architects. Below is a list of those whose work will be on display and available for purchase in silent auction.

Nine artists:

• Adam Longatti
• Adam Wall
• Dean Dallin
• Joan Sharma
• Linda Koch
• Frank Jackson
• Ramiro Martinez
• Robert Weibel
• Steve Dzerigian

Seven architects:

• John Wiens
• Marvin Armstrong AIA
• Riitta Vepsalainen
• Robin Gay McCline AIAE
• Xinyi Pan AIA
• Gene Zelmer AIA
• Michael Fennacy AIA
• Imelda Golik

Three architecture associates:

• Brianna Smeds
• Haley Gipe
• Kiel Famellos-Schmidt

Also on display is an installation designed by artist Ramiro Martinez in collaboration with architect and Fresno State professor Riitta Vepsalainen. This design was made reality through material donatins of Patton Air Conditioning and the volunteer work of Fresno State interior design students and Fresno City architecture students. The resultant 23 foot long 9 foot tall interactive installation is wonderfully unique and a must see/experience.

Along with pride and joy, I must also express sadness. Wednesday September 24th legendary artist and architect, Robin Gay McCline, passed away. You may know Gay for his art, architecture, community involvement, or kind heart. I know him best for his support and involvement in ArcHop. He was on our Legends panel discussion in April and his donation of two water color paintings to be shown at the upcoming ArcHop exhibit on Thursday. With his passing the gesture now carries so much more meaning.

We will be taking a moment at ArcHop before the 7pm panel discussion to honor Gay, and his lifelong commitment to art, architecture, and Fresno. Please join us in enjoying the fusion of art and architecture, as well as cerebrate success and remembering one of Fresno’s greatest artist and architect Thank you, Kiel Famellos-Schmidt ArcHop curator archop@gmail.com In loving memory of Robin Gay McCline.

Architecture students engage in cutting edge design to push themselves, the profession and the built environment forward. Architecture schools emit a culture of creativity and rigor. In the San Joaquin Valley that energy isn’t captured with the lack of a school of architecture.

In July we gather valley students for a regional exhibit. from them we will learn about design outside the valley walls and witness the talent they have. A panel of distinguished educators will discuss architectural education, including all of its competition, diversity, creativity, and sleepless nights.