Community Artwork Project

Valley Public Radio reached out to the art community, seeking donated two-dimensional paintings from artists living and working in the Central Valley. Requirements called for the artwork to be representative of the Central Valley – the people, places, and things that make our Valley unique. Winners were chosen by a panel of judges – and their work is now on permanent exhibit at the station. 

 
  Nancy Kilmer
 
is an award winning Fine Artist and Arts Educator, now teaching at Reedley College.  She moved to the Fresno area eight years ago from a remote town in Northern California.  Her deep connection to nature growing up in Oklahoma has informed her art all of her life.  She has lived in urban (New York City, Los Angeles) and rural areas (Oklahoma, Northern California), but feels most at home living close to nature.   “Through my art, I seek to inspire a sense of reverence and awe for the natural world, our source of sustenance and renewal.”  Her work can be viewed online at: www.nancykilmerart.com.  Original art, commissions and prints are available. 
 
  

Pat Hunter
 
, one of the San Joaquin Valley’s most recognized artists, is best known for her watercolor depictions of historical landmarks. Pat and her business partner and author, Janice Stevens, co-own Gallery II in Fresno, where her work is exhibited. Pat’s commissioned art can be found in numerous corporate and private collections, including more than 25 McDonald's restaurants throughout the United States. Pat has also been an invited artist-in-residence at Yosemite National Park on a continual basis since the early 1990s. 
 
  

Terrie Sorensen
 
 has been painting for more than 40 years.  Her perspective, skill, and success have been influenced by Gus Madrigal, Carlene Kostiw, and other fellow artists.  Her award-winning art hangs in private collections, offices, the cover of agricultural magazines, and the sides of agricultural semi-trucks. It has also been displayed in Fresno City Hall, The Big Fresno Fair, The California State Fair and various other venues and galleries.  Terrie has taught art to all ages in the public schools, private schools, and in her home.  
 
 
  

Marilyn Torchin
 
 is a Signature member of the A.C.A (Alliance of California Artists),  Committee chair for Plein Air Group, and has been featured in galleries throughout the California Central Valley and Coast.  She has won numerous awards for her work.  “The goal of my work is to assimilate my everyday experiences with the physical world into a form of art that I call abstract-realism. The artistic nature of the physical world combined with my love of paint and color has allowed me to create the work you see. I continually try to challenge
myself to create paintings that capture my imagination and creativity and hopefully inspire anyone who happens to gaze at them whether in a home or at a work place.”
 
 

FM89 is also thrilled to feature a piece by longtime station supporter Arminee Shishmanian in our studio café.  In 1995, at an age when most people are considering retirement, Arminee began a new career in art. She was invited to learn to paint with an accomplished watercolorist and subsequently followed a new path. Her works are dynamic, lively, energetic and refined. She enjoys creating art in various media and has been commissioned to create sculpture and paintings for public agencies as well as private clients. 
 
We thank these Valley artists for their talent and generosity.