Modesto is the cultural center of the Central Valley. Just get in your car, or jump on the train and try to find a city in our valley that has the kind of art, music, dining and general creativity. You will be amazed. Modesto is a destination for eating, drinking and entertainment and we have a lot of talented people here in down. From musicans like Aaron Durr, Jeff Bonilla, Not An Airplane, Jon Valenti, Dave Hanley, Ann Loureiro and Vinnie Smith to artists like Suzanne Staud, Yvonne Porcella, Becky Murphy, Ellen Rohne and Betty Salletta, photographers like Adrian Mendoza and poets like debbe lloyd and Sam Pierstorff, the canvas is large and the subject matter diverse.

You can read the special poem that Sam Pierstorff read at Buck Townsend's 70th Birthday. Click here to read.

Words from Life
The golden flair exists in everyone of us. How many of you actually put your pen to paper and pull the thoughts out of your head? Have you been to a poetry slam? Do you go to open mike night at Queen Bean and read your poems. Are you in print? If not, get your coffee, sit in a comfy chair, look out the window and let the words flow. Upload your text file and shout to the world. Consider ModestoView.com your first publishing gig. Express freely, but limit your expression to 15K. Go to the Words>>

Music Culture
Are you the next big thing. Do you care? Modesto is home to many great bands, including Grandaddy, that is critically aclaimed worldwide. There is new and emerging talent every day. The Modesto Area Music Association is your central point for local music and hosts the annual MAMA Awards in October. There are thousands of garages in Modesto, most of which should be host to a band. Burn an MP3 and send it to us. Upload it now. This will take some time but you know what you are doing. Listen to MAMA>>

Art Culture
The world is your canvas. Do you have a cool style that will wow the world. Do you have a minimalistic wave in the color of black? Post your vision. There are lots of critics that will let you know if you can quit your day job. Post images - max 100K, Post 3 D images - max 400K. We will have a section to post videos soon. Start editing.
Click here to see the works of local artists>>

Art Galleries
Did you know that there are some really good Art Galleries in Modesto? There are! Try these on for size.

Anderson's Gallery and Framing - 14th and J Street - (209)-579-9913
Bang Bang Studio's - Handborn 1526 J St. (209)-578-1251

Chartreuse Muse Gallery and Studio - 1217 H Street Hours 11-5 Wed-Fri 10-4 on Saturday 209-522-0935
Many gift items and jewelry by local artists as well. Moving to 10th Street in June 2007.

Act Of Kindness Boutique Gallery 619 14th St. Modesto, 209-523-2825 www.actofkindness.info
Big Valley Gallery - McHenry Village (209)-523-7877
Kristie Phippen Gallery @ Central Catholic High School 200 S Carpenter Rd. Modesto (209)524-9611
Lori's Framing and Gallery - 132 N. Third Street. Oakdale (209) 847-7116
Lost Art Gallery- 1006 H Street, Modesto 95354 (209)-338-0167 Tues, Wed & Thurs 10 am to 5
Modesto Arts Council/CCAA Gallery - Mistlin Gallery - 10th St. Place (209) 529-3369
Mark Lytle Design - 908 13th St. Modesto 95354
Modesto Junior College - 435 College Ave (209)575-6819
Modesto Framing - Awaiting a new location (209)522-2262
Prospect Theatre Project Gallery - 520 Scenic Drive (209)549-9341
Picasso Deli and Gallery - 10th and J Street
The Modesto Art Museum - Virtual Gallery- Also at Anderson Gallery
Photographer's Gallery - (Inside Camera Center) 1220 J. Street. Modesto. 95354 (209)-524-7361
Stone Galley - 115 Drake Avenue Modesto, CA 209-576-1910 Mon-Fri 10-6 Sat.12-5
Trewin Gallery and Framery - 1300 H Street, Modesto, CA 95354 (209) 521-5400

Gallery Walk- The 3rd Thursday of each month
Visit the ModestoView ToDo section to see all of the events in the Greater Modesto Area

Local Art is also on display at the:
McHenry Museum
Modesto Chamber of Commerce
10th St. Place
Borders Books
Barnes and Noble Books
Union Bank

Performing Arts Community
The Modesto Symphony
Central West Ballet
Townsend Opera Players
Modesto Performing Arts
Connecting Stanislaus - Arts and Culture
Stanislaus Arts Council - 1100 Kansas Ave, Suite F. Modesto, CA 95351
Central Cal Arts League
State Theatre
Gallo Arts Center
Prospect Theater Project
Modesto Community Concerts
Modesto Film Society

Local Museums
McHenry Museum - 1402 I Street - Modesto.209-577-5344
McHenry Mansion - 15th and I Streets, Modesto Sunday through Friday 12:30 pm to 4:00 pm Contact email
Great Valley Museum - 435 College Ave/1100 Stoddard. Modesto. 209-575-6196
Hillier Air Museum - 700 Tioga Rd. Modesto. 209-526-8297
Museum of Radio - Coming Soon
Graffiti Museum - In the planning stages