County arts council opens ‘Yosemite Renaissance 36’

Madera County Arts Council will host a public reception for “Yosemite Renaissance 36” at the Circle Gallery (424 N. Gateway Drive) on Nov. 11 starting at 5 p.m. Admission is free.

Now in its 36th year, “Yosemite Renaissance” features over 60 pieces of art and showcases works by artists inspired by Yosemite National Park and the California Sierra Nevada. Founded in 1985, “Yosemite Renaissance,” according to their mission statement, was created “to inspire artists to share new interpretations of the region, and to teach the public to understand, preserve, and protect our parks, wild lands and natural places.”

The current exhibit has been on tour in several California exhibition spaces since March 2021 and The Circle Gallery will be the final stop.

Jonathan Bock, executive director of “Yosemite Renaissance,” is “profoundly grateful to the many talented artists who have shared their vision, and to our supporters and partners for making it possible.”

“We are thrilled to be able to host this long-standing California tradition.” says Madera County Arts Council executive director Jim Kocher. “The show was adjudicated, with $4,000 in prize money awarded in several categories, and what visitors will see is really top-notch.”

“Yosemite Renaissance 36” will be on display in The Circle Gallery Nov. 11, 2021, through Jan. 14, 2022. Hours are Tuesday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Some weekend dates to be announced. CDC safety guidelines will be in place.