Fresno Famous

DO YOU REMEMBER . . . . . . .

Back in the 90’s the Fresno Bee, The Advocate, and Vita newspapers wrote articles about a muli-talented young Fresno boy whose ambition was to succeed in the art world regardless of any obstacles he would encounter on the way. His fascination with markers, colored pencils, and crayons lead him into working with mediums like oils, acrylics, and pastels. While attending middle school, Isaac was introduced to Bob Ross’ Joy of Painting classes, which taught him the step-by-step techniques to learn the basics in painting landscapes and luscious florals. However, due to the high cost of art materials and art lessons his parents could not afford to continue to pay for them.

Through Isaac’s persistence and drive and help from his mother, they were able to raise money by selling cookie dough and individual pizza’s door-to-door to earn money to cover his art supplies and lessons.

WHERE IS ISAAC RILEY NOW?

Isaac graduated from Bullard High School and attended Fresno City College where his artwork was on display in the Art Space Gallery, Administration Building, and Friends of the Library in 2003. His work was printed on a page in the Ram’s Tale: Book of Poetry and Art 2003 and 2005 Editions. He has shown at the African American Historical and Cultural Museum, Fresno City Hall, the June Teenth Festival, local churches, and other places in the Fresno area. That exposure led him to receive awards for Artist of the Year at Bullard High School, Congress of the United States, NAACP, The Joy of Painting, and six first place ribbons at The Big Fresno Fair.

Currently, he is at California State University, Fresno, majoring in Fine Arts in hopes of becoming an art instructor. Recently, he has begun the medium of photography, and loves capturing the human face at a particular moment in time. He is now dabbling in landscapes and weddings as well. All in all, he believes that photography is a perfect complement to painting, which is his first love.

PLANET JAVA proudly announces ISAAC RILEY as “September’s Featured Artist.” ArtHop reception in his honor is scheduled for Thursday, September 6 from 5 PM to 8PM. You are cordially invited to meet this incredibly gifted artist in person.
His work will remain on display at Planet Java throughout the month of September.

Location: 2225 West Shaw (SE corner of Van Ness Ext. and Shaw Avenue)
Open: M – F 6AM to 7:30PM
Sat. 6AM to 5:00PM

Location: Planet Java, 2225 West Shaw Avenue, Fresno
Starts: 2007 Sep 5 - 6:00am
Ends: 2007 Sep 29 - 5:00pm