The Modesto Art Museum is presenting the world premiere of “Modesto Modernism,” a short film about Modesto’s noteworthy architecture of the mid-20th century, on Friday, September 20, 2013 (6 p.m. reception and 7 p.m. screening), at the State Theatre. The film was created through a collaboration with media artist Jessica Gomula-Kruzic, art professor of time-based media, and Steve Arounsack, assistant professor of cultural and visual anthropology, at California State University, Stanislaus. As part of the Museum’s and artists’ shared Building a Better Modesto project, “Modesto Modernism” is meant to spark community conversations about livability and environmentalism in a city that has been disparaged as one of the least livable in the United States. At the premiere, “Modesto Modernism” will be part of a program of 12 short films from seven countries that are being shown during the Modesto International Architecture Festival.
A second screening will take place on Sunday, September 22, at 2:00 p.m. at the Carnegie Art Center in Turlock; and a third screening is planned for December 5 at Modesto’s State Theatre.
An article about the project appeared in Modesto View Magazine‘s September Issue. Pictured here is the Heckendorf residence, an important modernist building that inspired other builders and homeowners in Modesto.