Rooted in Art: South Valley Art Tour

The South Valley Art Tour is back on March 29 & 30 from 10 AM - 5 PM, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the creative process of 34 local artists. Some will open their personal studios, while others will be featured in community spaces and galleries throughout the region. This free event gives art lovers the chance to meet artists, explore their work, and even take home unique pieces!

My Voice Media Center will be part of the excitement, with a featured space at the Arts Consortium's Peter Carey Gallery, where visitors can view artwork from our participants and meet two of our incredible artists, Mike and Sheila (aka Zofea), who will be on-site showcasing and selling their beautiful work.

Meet the MVMC Artists

Mike: The Spirit of the West

Mike's artwork blends history and heritage, capturing both the grit of cowboy life and pivotal moments from the past. His distinctive style brings galloping horses, working ranchers, and even historical military scenes to life, telling stories through bold strokes, and rich textured colors. Each piece offers a glimpse into the strength, movement, and history that shape the American West.

Sheila (Zofea): Whimsical Worlds in Art & Music

Sheila, known artistically as Zofea, brings a playful, imaginative touch to her paintings and prints. Her work blends vibrant colors and dreamlike imagery, creating pieces that spark joy and curiosity. In addition to her visual art, she is also a talented musician and singer, often incorporating elements of rhythm and storytelling into her creative process. Visitors can explore her artwork and perhaps even catch a glimpse of her musical inspiration at work.

A Tradition of Creativity

In past years, My Voice Media Center participants have taken field trips to explore the South Valley Art Tour, visiting open studios, meeting artists, and finding inspiration in different mediums and techniques. This annual event has been a wonderful way to connect with the local art scene and experience firsthand the many forms creativity can take.

Join Us!

Whether you're an artist yourself or just love to experience art up close, the South Valley Art Tour is a can't-miss event! Stop by the Peter Carey Gallery to support our artists, browse incredible artwork, and be part of a vibrant celebration of local talent. With FREE ADMISSION, it's the perfect weekend activity for art lovers of all ages. We hope to see you there!

Best wishes,

My Voice Media Center

Cultivating Creativity With CASA Youth

At My Voice Media Center, creative expression is the heart of what we do, and when it comes to our work with the incredible youth from CASA of Tulare County, we're constantly inspired by the way art helps these young people express themselves. Together, we've explored a wide variety of creative projects, and we're excited to share some of our favorites with you!

Exploring Art & Self-Expression

From Heartstring Cards to Painted Skies, our CASA youth have explored a variety of mediums. Whether creating heart-shaped designs with colorful string, or blending vibrant hues for a beautiful sunset scene, each project allowed the youth to express their unique voices and emotions.

We also had fun with more hands-on projects, like DIY Tote Bags and Wood Frame Perspective Art. Designing tote bags let the youth create something both functional and personal, while building layered perspectives within wooden frames helped them understand depth and space in a playful way.

One of our favorite projects was cyanotype art. Watching the youth use sunlight to develop their prints was such a magical process. Similarly, diamond painting butterflies helped them practice patience as they placed each tiny gem to create beautiful, shimmering artwork.

We also worked on heart-shaped boxes of self-appreciation and painted spring ornaments. These projects were designed to help the youth reflect on their strengths, express gratitude, and celebrate their growth. The heart-shaped boxes became a safe space for storing positive self-affirmations, and the spring ornaments symbolized fresh beginnings.

Creating with Heart

These projects weren't just about the finished product; they were about the experience. Working with their hands allowed for a deep sense of mindfulness and accomplishment, and it was amazing to see the pride in their eyes when they finished their beautiful pieces.

Through every brushstroke and design, these young artists have shown creativity, resilience, and heart. We're so proud of their work and grateful for our partnership with CASA. Thank you to the CASA youth for sharing your talents with us! We can't wait to see what you create next!

Refresh & Grow: March 2025

Greetings from the My Voice Media Center!

March has arrived, bringing a refreshing burst of color to the Central Valley landscape. Our color-of-the-month, Shamrock Green, offers a cool reminder that nature always finds a way to thrive. This month, we're focusing on Planting Seeds of growth, nurturing fresh ideas, and watching our creativity take root.

Featured Session: Photography (Wednesdays 1-3pm)

We're thrilled to introduce our brand-new Photography session! Whether you're new to the camera or looking to sharpen your skills, this session offers a fresh perspective on capturing the beauty around you.

At the same time, we bid a heartfelt farewell to our Guitar and Art of Movement sessions. We are grateful for the wonderfully creative moments Hector and George brought to our community, and we look forward to offering additional inspiring sessions in the near future!

At-home Activity: Plant a Seed!

This month, try a fun and rewarding hands-on activity by literally planting a seed! Start with a small pot, give it water and sunlight, and watch as it begins to sprout. As your plant grows, take a moment to reflect on your own personal growth and the small steps that lead to big changes. You can even sketch or photograph your plant's progress as a creative way to connect with the process. If you need seeds, visit your local library for free seeds, resources, and growing guides!

Resources & Links

10 Mental Health Benefits of Gardening

Tulare County 211: Access to various health & human services resources in Tulare County.

Upcoming Events

March 7th 5-8pm - F1rst Friday (Arts Consortium)

March 11th 5:30-6:30 - Community Meeting (Arts Consortium)

March 26th - MVMC Closed

March 29th & 30th - South Valley Art Tour (various locations, including Arts Consortium)

Whether you're planting seeds in your garden or within yourself, small steps can lead to something beautiful. We look forward to creating with you this month!

Best wishes,

My Voice Media Center