For years, the Fresno art scene seemed to operate below the radar. It has always been there but it took some effort to find it. Over the course of the past year, more and more "blips" have been recorded on the screen. To those people responsible I want to say thanks, keep up the good work — your efforts have not gone by unnoticed.

An incomplete list of art "blips" on the 2005 Fresno radar screen (in no particular order)

Fresno Famous
Consistent, intelligent and user friendly arts coverage. Famous' impact was felt immediately, and will last for many years to come. Thank you Jarah.

Rogue Festival
First rate performance festival that even had a mention in the NY Times.

Broadway Studios
Validating the importance of artists to a community by providing affordable work space.

ArtHop
ArtHop has taken off. I was amazed at the crowds and traffic throughout the entire year. When ArtHop began over ten years ago, having five visitors show up was a good night. Now, many venues enjoy anywhere from two to four hundred visitors. Not to mention, its still the cheapest date in town, and what good is art without a little grab ass.

Downtown Mural Projects
An explosion of creativity in a once neglected area, and I always like it when money goes directly to the artists.

Citywide Drawing Festival
The local arts community comes together around a central theme, one of my favorite shows of the year was the Drawing Matters exhibition at Fresno City College.

Off-site Project
Innovative, experimental, thought provoking.

First Friday Films
Great way to enjoy those wonderfully warm Fresno evenings.

Club Jinnaka
I have a soft spot in my heart for artist run spaces and Club Jinnaka is a true gem.

CSU Summer Arts
Always inspiring. This past year I particularly enjoyed comic book guru Scott McCloud's presentation.

New Fig Tree Gallery
Over 40 years of operation has made Fig Tree one of California's oldest artist cooperatives. Forced to relocate this year, Fig Tree members have created an elegant and intimate space worthy of the Gallery's heritage.

New Gallery 25
Also forced to relocate this year, Gallery 25 continues its series of ambitious projects in an equally ambitious space.

Fresno Art Museum
For many years the Fresno Art Museum has carried the torch of Modern and Contemporary art in Fresno. Their exhibits continue to teach, inspire and nurture the community.

I want to thank all of you for improving my quality of life here in Fresno.