Richard D. Serros: World Bank building would make great art museum

The city of Modesto does not have a venue for exhibiting art of the highest level. Unlike other Central Valley communities such as Bakersfield (established in 1956), Fresno (1949), Merced (1993), Stockton (1928) and Sacramento (1885), we lack a regional art gallery/museum.

When the Gallo Center for the Arts was being planning, it included art studios and galleries. These components were removed late in development.

Tony Mistlin came forward and funded the 5,450 square foot space at 1015 J Street so that artists of the Central California Art Association could continue having a space to show their work. The association would like to lead a private-public campaign to acquire the 13,000-square-foot former World Savings Bank on 10th Street.

This beautiful structure is across the street from the Gallo Center, and was certainly the inspiration for its arcaded facade. This space, with its second-floor loft could be used for displaying arts of all art levels, from K-12 to professional artists. There is even space for a small cafe/bar that could be used as an elegant after-event meeting place for those leaving Gallo Center performances. We invite anyone interested in supporting this initiative to contact me, Richard Serros (on behalf of the CCAA), at serrosr@yahoo.com.

This story was originally published March 26, 2015 at 5:15 PM with the headline "Richard D. Serros: World Bank building would make great art museum."