On: October 17 at 02:51 PM
The Stockton Arts Commission is giving Can Huynh a rare opportunity. It will provide him with public space to display one of his paintings.
The work of the 26-year-old spray-paint artist will be shown Oct. 19 as part of the commission’s 30th annual Arts Awards Celebration. Other young artists set to take part in the event include Mariachi Chavez, violinist Sebastian Vera and contestants from the Apollo Night talent show. Sophoan Sorn, 22, will premiere three short films during the ceremony that will culminate in the commission bestowing its Stockton’s Top Arts Recognition (STAR) Award on Apollo Night founder Tony Washington.
The initiative is part of the commission’s efforts to reach out to local young artists. Huynh and other up-and-coming local artists, however, emphasize that they need more such opportunities, and that organizations like the arts commission should work to encourage the creation of more arts venues. Stockton has only a handful of art galleries and music clubs.
“Finding places to show off the work is really, really important,” said Stockton photographer Jesse Jones, 29, above. “There’s not many outlets (here).”
The Stockton City Council founded the arts commission in 1976 to promote awareness of the arts and help local artists and aligned groups. Members include local artists, businessmen and women, former city officials and faculty from area colleges.
A group that’s unrelated to the arts commission and led by Mayor Ed Chavez and former Mayor Gary Podesto has discussed studying the feasibility of building an arts center here. Group members have said the center would be open to all local artists, but noted that any construction is several years away.
Arts commission director Deena Heath said most of her group’s efforts to help young people are directed through its grant program. She said grants awarded this year included $6,000 to ‘Anapa Nui, a Polynesian dance group; $3,000 to the Valley Concert Band; and $1,000 to John Vaughn, whose Yosemite Sound Festival experimental music event. ‘Anapa Nui and the concert band each features several young members, while the Yosemite Sound Festival included an event for children.
The commission also offers an annual writing contest for young people.
“There is a need for young people to express themselves via their writing,” Heath said. “This is a good vehicle for them doing that.”
Tony Washington said he believed the commission has been progressive in its efforts to reach out to young artists. As organizer for the annual Apollo Night talent show, Washington has given encouragement to hundreds of young musicians and performers over the past decade.
“I’m accepting the STAR Award for all the people in this community who have taken part in Apollo Night,” Washington said.
But while many young artists know of Washington and his show, fewer are aware of the arts commission’s work. Those that have heard of the organization often confuse it with he arts center group.
Stockton rapper Christine “Playgyrl Slim” Scroggins, 26, praised Washington but noted that she hadn’t heard of the arts commission. Like other local artists, she said arts groups need to provide more opportunities for young people to show off and develop their creative talents.
“More shows, more conferences, a teen summit,” she suggested. “Places for artists to put out work.”
Comments
Happy 30th Anniversary, Stockton Arts Commission! What an exciting evening for our community, our artists, and our young artists! Congratulations to all the recipients! Let's get together tonight at the Bob Hope (Fox California) Theatre - and celebrate and support the arts in our city of Stockton!