More photos are on the MAA website

THANK YOU EVERYONE!

This year's Art in the Park was a big success!

We were treated to a gorgeous, mild day and a fantastic turnout. Hundreds enjoyed live music, delicious food and drink, and a wide variety of art from 60 talented vendors.

MAA is deeply grateful for the incredible support from our community. Thanks to you, the event raised over $8,000 to fund programs including teacher grants, student art scholarships, public art projects, and celebrations like Día de los Muertos and SWAN Day.

And yes—we heard your feedback! Next year’s Art in the Park will feature greatly improved restroom facilities.

We can’t wait to see you again in 2026!

Get Ready for First Friday September 5

From 6pm-9pm it's all happening in Downtown Martinez! The 600 block of Main Street will be closed to traffic. Many businesses on Main Street AND side streets will be open late with special events and activities.

Stop by Main Street Arts for an art reception with refreshments.

If you missed out on Purge A Tory at Art in the Park, it will be back with lots of creative, reusable Art Parts for jewelry makers & artists! Find us on the 600 block of Main Street from 6p-9p in front of Busywork Craft Supply. All monetary donations go towards our Cathy Riggs Scholarship fund. Stop by!

It's Teacher Grant Season

The MAA Teacher Grant and Scholarship Committee recently had their first meeting for this school year and will be reaching out to district teachers very soon for their grant submissions for art supplies. Teachers will tell us about a specific project they'd like to offer to their students this year. Depending on the number of responses, the MAA annually awards up to $300 per teacher from a total budget of $3000. The funds are raised by membership dues as well as events like Art in the Park. Watch for the completed art showcase of student projects in the windows of 5 Suns Brewing next spring!

Fall 2025 at Studio 55 – Call for Artists + New Classes & Exhibitions!

Studio 55 is excited to share our Fall 2025 lineup, featuring new classes, exhibitions, and a special Call for Artists!

We're now accepting submissions for Joy in Small Things, a fundraiser for Stand Together Contra Costa, and a great opportunity for artists to display small works that may be purchased and given as cherished gifts for the holidays. This exhibition is open to all emerging and established artists! Apply on our website.

Upcoming classes include:

Watercolor- When Less Is Plenty! with artist Anna George (Fridays, 9/5-10/24)

Oil & Acrylic Landscape Painting with Dean Evans (Sundays, 8/31-9/28)

Push/Practice, a creative workshop led by Carl Heyward (Sunday, 10/12)

Mark your calendar for two new exhibitions opening in September:

PixelPat.Art Presents – Opening September 7

DISLOCATIONS: The Global Arts Project Art Book Exhibit – Opening September 28 (on view through November)

Visit studio55martinez.com for full details on classes, workshops, and events. We look forward to seeing you this fall!

Fernandez Ranch, oil painting by Dean Evans

September Happenings at Main Street Arts

The Main Street Arts Gallery welcomes the Lamorinda Arts Alliance for a special group exhibition called Picture This featuring 29 artists from September 5th - November 1st.

Main Street Arts is one of 15 galleries participating in the East Bay Gallery Tour from September 1 – October 31. Visitors can have a special postcard stamped by galleries for a chance to win a gift certificate up to a $300 value. Details on the Main Street Arts website. 

September's free prize drawing is for a beautiful oil painting by Dean Evans. Stop by, fill out an entry form, and you might take home a unique new work for your collection!

Main Street Arts Gallery is located at 613 Main Street, Martinez, and is openWednesday-Saturday 11-4 and Sunday 10-3

Martinez First Fridays open until 9

Visit us online at mainstreetarts.net.

Save the Date for Dia de los Muertos

The annual Dia de los Muertos celebration will take place this year on Saturday, November 1 from noon to 4pm. The event is being held in Ignacio Plaza Park across from Martinez City Hall. There will be music, dancers and many altars (ofrendas) created by individuals and businesses in the community. This event honors the rich traditions and cultural significance of this beloved Mexican holiday, bringing people together to remember and celebrate the lives of those who have passed.

CALL FOR ALTARS

You don't have to be an artist to create an altar. It's a beautiful way to celebrate a loved one's life. Here is the link with more details. Information is available in both English and Spanish. Submissions are due October 24.

Photo from the 2024 celebration in Ignacio Plaza.