Bruce Campbell (Martinez Music Mafia) and Nate Holbein with MMM’s donation check to MAA. | |
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A Message from the President
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Hello everyone,
As summer approaches, May is shaping up to be a busy month for the Martinez Arts Association, with a couple of events that we’re really looking forward to!
On May 1, we’ll be hosting a student art show reception in the downtown plaza next to Five Suns Brewing. First Friday will be in full swing, with lots to see and do along Main Street throughout the evening. It’s a great way to help young local artists get their work out into the community, so be sure to drop by our table and have a cupcake!
Later in the month, on May 16, we’ll be celebrating SWAN Day at the MRC Clubhouse, highlighting and supporting women artists here in Martinez and beyond. There will be plenty of locally made art, along with live music and food from Luigi’s Deli—we hope to see you there!
I just want to take a moment to sincerely thank all of our new and returning members. It means so much that you choose to support MAA, and your involvement is what allows us to keep putting on events and creating opportunities for artists in our community.
The same goes for our sponsors: Martinez Music Mafia, Kiwanis Club, MRC and ARTSCCC, just to name a few. Your continued involvement really does make a difference, and we’re grateful to have such strong backing from the community behind what we do.
Hope to see you out and about this month!
Cheers,
Nate Holbein
President, Martinez Arts Association
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Save the Dates:
Check out the Event Calendar on our website
- May 1 - Student art reception at Five Suns/Main Street Plaza 5:30p
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May 4 and June 1, 6pm - MAA Board/Member Meeting: All MAA members are welcome! Please email us if you would like to attend.
- Studio 55, 55 Howe Rd., Martinez
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First Fridays - May 1 and June 5, 6pm - 9pm Downtown Martinez
- May 16: SWAN DAY 10a-4p, MRC Clubhouse
- June 13 - Beaver Festival, Susana Park 10-4
- August 16, Art in the Park, Susana Park 10-5
Thank you to all of our supportive members! Join or renew here. Membership is only $25 a year and tax-deductible. Memberships are good for 12 months. Your dues help support local teacher art grants and student scholarships as well as sponsor community events. As a member you get the opportunity to show your art in local exhibits, and member discounts for Art in the Park. Please note, membership is increasing to $35/year in 2027.
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Fun at John Muir Earth Day!
MAA was proud to once again take part in the John Muir Birthday/Earth Day celebration on April 18th! At MAA’s booth, kids were invited to get hands-on with a fun and creative activity - making their own pin-back buttons. Young (and young at heart) artists had the chance to express themselves while taking home a personalized keepsake from the day.
The Martinez Arts Association was grateful for the support of volunteers who helped make the day a success. Among them was Lillian Padilla (pictured with MAA volunteer Gina Garitson), who generously contributed her time and enthusiasm while earning hours toward her high school community service requirement. Her involvement—and that of others like her—highlights the important role that community engagement plays in sustaining local art in Martinez!
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Art & Craft Festival
International SWAN Day or Support Women Artists Now, is a day devoted to celebrating the work of female creatives around the world.
One day only, Saturday, May 16th!
Come enjoy live music, and meet 40 local artists who will be showing and selling their handmade items.
More info here
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Student Art Exhibit
Don’t miss a special exhibition of local student artwork on display in the windows of Five Suns Brewing. The pieces were created with support from MAA teacher art grants. Join us for an outdoor cupcake reception on Friday, May 1, from 5:30–6:30 PM in the Main Street Plaza.
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Here Comes the Beaver Festival!
The Martinez Beaver Festival is a beloved annual community event held at Susana Park. Beaver Fest highlights urban beavers and brings together friends and nature enthusiasts. Join us for live music, education and nature exhibits from all over the Bay Area and innovative children’s activities. MAA will be there! Stop by our booth and say hi.
Saturday, June 13, 10-4, Susana Park, Martinez
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Mark Your Calendars!
Every month from now until the end of the year, First Fridays will be happening!
First Fridays run from 6pm-9pm in Downtown Martinez! The 600 block of Main Street is closed off to traffic.
Many businesses along Main Street AND side streets will be open late with special events and activities.
And you can always attend an art reception at the Main Street Arts Gallery on First Fridays!
Follow the event on social media for updates.
Instagram
Facebook
| | "Rock Music" by Iretta Hunter | Ceramic fish by Olga Jusidman | | |
Main Street Arts Gallery News
Main Street Arts is excited to announce its 10-year anniversary since opening its location in May 2016. The gallery was established by eight members of the long-time Martinez Arts Association (MAA) Gallery, which had recently closed after losing its location at Court and Marina Vista Streets.
The 12 member artists in the gallery work in a wide variety of styles and mediums, and guest artists rotate through the gallery every other month. From May 1 through June 28, the gallery is pleased to feature guest artist Iretta Hunter, a watercolorist whose vibrant work explores a variety of subjects, often from unusual angles and close-up perspectives.
In addition, the display windows of the gallery will be featuring Martinez-themed art during May and June, in honor of Martinez’s 150th Anniversary of Incorporation. The public is invited to attend a reception on May 1 from 6 to 9 p.m., held in conjunction with First Friday and a festive celebration of the gallery’s 10-year anniversary. Guests will have the opportunity to meet the artists, enjoy refreshments, and enter a monthly prize drawing. In May, the featured artwork for the free drawing is a clay sculpture by Olga Jusidman.
Receptions on First Fridays
Now celebrating our 10th year in business.
613 Main Street, Martinez
925-269-8049
Open Wednesday-Saturday from 11-4 and Sunday from 10-3.
Open First Fridays from 6-9pm
Learn more at www.mainstreetarts.net
| | UPCOMING EVENTS & CLASSES at Studio 55 | | |
BI-WEEKLY FIGURE GROUP
Alternating Thursdays, no instruction.
$25
The Creative Reset with Tracy Randolph
Using mat board, scissors, glue sticks, and a curated collection of images, participants create personal collage cards that reflect aspects of their inner landscape - ideas, archetypes, challenges, and inspirations. May 10, 16, 23
Painting with Gouache with Jenna Hobbs - $90
Join award winning artist and high school art teacher, Jenna Hobbs, as she guides you through the basics and the benefits of painting scenes using gouache paint. Learn to consolidate details and articulate light and form with this fast and versatile medium.
Friday, June 12, 2026
1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
The Creative Reset with Tracy Randolph - $95
Using mat board, scissors, glue sticks, and a curated collection of images, participants create personal collage cards that reflect aspects of their inner landscape - ideas, archetypes, challenges, and inspirations.
Saturday, June 13, 2026
5:00 PM - 6:00 PM
THE IMPORTANCE OF FLOWERS with Mira M. White
This workshop is a celebration and a meditation on the flower kingdom.
We will be working with living flowers, a selection of seasonal images, arranged both individually and in bouquets for artistic focus. Our medium is watercolor because of its luminosity and capability to translate the subtlety, transparency and richness of this important gift from our earth.
Experience with watercolor is a necessity. Material list available upon registration.
Sunday, June 14, 21, & 28, 2026
10:00 AM 1:00 PM
$250
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Studio 55 Hours:
Friday 12-4pm
Saturday 12-4pm
Sunday 12-4pm
website
gallery@studio55martinez.com
(925) 457-0154
55 Howe Road
Martinez, CA 94553
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PUBLIC ART UPDATE
Celebrating a local Martinez WWII Hero 'Papa Jake' Larson
Jake Larson’s legacy is unforgettable:
- Distinguished service and multiple decorations (Bronze Star, Legion of Honour)
- Key role in planning one of the most pivotal operations of WWII
- Social media icon, connecting generations through honest storytelling
- Humble, inspiring, and unforgettable — he leaves behind a voice that brought history to life
Renowned sculptor Paula Slater has been commissioned to create a bronze statue to honor Papa Jake. The statue will rest on a base of bricks that can be sponsored by individuals and businesses.
The public is invited to the unveiling ceremony on Veterans Day, November 11th at 10am at the Martinez City Hall Ignacio Plaza.
Please consider sponsoring this public art sculpture by buying a brick.
Info here
| | Paintings by Nancy Roberts at the Martinez Library | | |
Check out all the new artwork around town:
- Electric Robot Wallpaper by MAA Member Todd Brown is up at Five Suns Brewing.
- The Campbell Theater is featuring artwork by Alexis Moorhead.
- Roxx on Main will be showing work by John Tullis.
- The Martinez Library (downstairs) has a beautiful display of plein air paintings by Nancy Roberts.
If you are a current MAA member and would like to inquire about showing your work, please email info@martinezarts.org
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About MAA
Founded in 1968 as a nonprofit organization, the MAA organizes and participates in many community events throughout the year. Our goal is to encourage art culture and education for local youth. Fundraising proceeds provide scholarships to graduating seniors as well as art grants for elementary through high school teachers.
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PO Box 2304
Martinez, CA 94553
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