The Annual Fund Drive has Begun!
FAM makes this digital funding appeal to you during our 75th Anniversary Year!
Dear Friends of FAM,
The Fresno Art Museum is Fresno’s nationally-recognized fine art museum, best known for exhibiting modern and contemporary art from California, art by women artists, and works of art on paper, along with exhibitions that reflect the visual arts traditions of the ethnic groups that contribute to the rich diversity of the San Joaquin Valley. The Fresno Art Museum’s permanent collection of over 3,800 paintings, prints, and sculptures by important local, regional, national, and international artists includes a superlative collection of art of the ancient Americas which spans more than 2,500 years of the major artistic traditions of cultures in West Mexico, the Yucatan Peninsula, and the Peruvian Andes. Founded in 1949, the Fresno Art Museum has been located at First Street and Clinton Avenue in Radio Park since 1960.
It is so exciting that the Fresno Art Museum celebrates its 75th anniversary in 2024 and continues to provide its energetic and scholarly programs, exhibitions, and educational opportunities for the central San Joaquin Valley. Our Summer Annual Fund Drive kicks off now intending to raise $75,000 to commemorate our 75 years and thus generously fund this beloved Fresno fine art museum!
Twice a year, FAM conducts an Annual Fund Drive, in the summer and again at calendar year-end. For the first time in 75 years, our Annual Fund request is in digital format, not hard copy. Many of our sister institutions across the country conduct this semi-annual outreach in this way, and we are joining them! Please know that your financial donation to FAM at this time helps us present the robust schedule of exhibitions and programs we develop for our community, and ensures we end our Fiscal year on June 30, 2024 in the black!
We truly appreciate your belief in our Museum’s mission and your commitment to FAM making a positive impact on our community. Your donations, no matter the size, make a difference and contribute to the success of the Museum as we celebrate 75 years. Your participation today helps the Museum meet its cultural and aesthetic mission in several immediate ways:
1. FAM seeks to establish deeper and broader connections with its diverse communities by developing new programming that brings art, ideas, and creativity together. Contributing to this challenge will help the Museum create inclusive and engaging experiences for all.
2. The Museum aims to expand and enhance opportunities for community engagement through its, exhibitions, permanent collection, educational initiatives, and public programming. Your gift to this Drive contributes to the growth and improvement of these essential community-focused activities.
Thank you for your monetary contribution in helping to cement the current and future impact of the Fresno Art Museum. We also thank you for being a valued member of our Museum community. We look forward to welcoming you soon to explore the wonders of art and culture together as we have done for the last 75 years! Thank you for celebrating this milestone with us!
With appreciation and gratitude,
Michele Ellis Pracy
Executive Director and Chief Curator
Thank you for helping us meet our
Annual Fund GOAL!
A few examples of what visitors are saying about FAM:
Came in with no expectations. Was wonderfully delighted by how much I learned. The exhibits were delightful and thought provoking.
- Jen H., San Jose, CA
So nice to have a museum in town. We all need a little more culture to appreciate our differences.
- Lovella, Fresno, CA
Such interesting artwork. I really enjoyed my afternoon here.
- Kate Domshy, Alberta, Canada
Nice, knowledgable staff! Beautiful galleries with amazing exhibitions. Mary Blair! Maurice Sendak! Excellent!
- Donna & Tony Natsoulas, Sacramento, CA
So glad we have the opportunity to experience the arts in a venue like this here in Fresno.
- Clare Nadores, Clovis, CA
We enjoyed the playful art and the more serious. Beautiful. Very nice. I hadn't been here since the 1980s. Different place!
- Lew & Karen Steinhoff, Clovis, CA
What teachers are saying about their field trips to FAM:
We have had the opportunity to attend a few field trips at the art museum. The exhibitions are magnificent and full of content that can be brought back to the classroom. My students really enjoyed connecting our science, SEL, and writing to this art lesson.
- Bianca Origel,third-grade teacher
Birney Elementary School, Fresno Unified May 2024
We all enjoyed the visit and information that was given at the museum. They loved the hands-on art lesson and the follow-up lessons. They are well-made and paced. Excellent experience!
- Cindy Martinez, third-grade teacher
Wishon Elementary School, Fresno Unified May 2024
This was definitely a great experience. Integrating art into our learning is fun and very meaningful. I learned that my students need more opportunities like this to help them explore their creativity. Please continue this amazing opportunity for students.
- Regina Prum, third-grade teacher
Roeding Elementary School, Fresno Unified May 2024
The students still talk about their time at the museum. They have asked when they will be able to return. I think that is proof of the impact of our visit.
- Juliana Bonilla, third-grade teacher
Jefferson Elementary School, Fresno Unified December 2023
Students always enjoy a good story. I always enjoy when we return from the museum and they begin to see illustrations in a new way. Builds their confidence.
- Jennie Cortez, third-grade teacher
Jefferson Elementary School, Fresno Unified December 2023
