Mission 8: What Happened to Culture?

Corrupt Angel Investigates:  Hey this super hero isn't uncultured!! I enjoy all forms of the arts and am a HUGE believer that the Arts are beneficial for making a well rounded, happy, productive society. Modesto is full of cultural expression......IF you know where to find it, that is. Sadly, much of the events that would be considered culturally beneficial are not available in the areas that need it the most, or cost too much for many who need it. Anyone remember the International Fest that happened annually out at Graceada Park? That was always fun and something that was educational and FREE. I was looking forward to it this year and when this super hero got all fueled up with excitement in its anticipation, that excitement quickly turned to disappointment. That's right.....no International Fest!!! No money = no festival. :(   Now to find other ways to get cultured.......


Act: My search for everything and anything cultured was long and cumbersome. Lets just say this super hero's wallet quickly becomes a problem. I thought "Hey I'll get some culture by seeing a show at the Gallo Arts Center". That didn't pan out.....live theatre in such a classy venue costs some major dough. So I settled for something I'm familiar with......going out and seeing the work of some local artists in some of the downtown galleries. I headed out to the Mistlin Gallery and (my favorite) The Chartreuse Muse (that name alone is awesome!). Seeing local artists inspires me and I can drag my boyfriend along to show him what other artists are doing. Lets just say I really recommend seeing the work at The Chartreuse Muse....its BEAUTIFUL. My alter-ego was even inspired to pick up watercolors again.


Imagine: This super hero says that the downtown free art walk is an excellent idea that should happen more often and should partner with schools. Secondly, the International Festival needs to come back. Every year that I went it was always a fun experience and I noticed that this festival might be one of the only ways that many under-privileged children are exposed to art and other cultures. Well, I'm going to use my super duper mind warp to get plenty of money to advertise more for the Art Walk and fund the International Festival. I will also organize with local schools to make an art activity and culture field trip day for all schools, so that they can experience the Arts and other cultures at a young age.........


five years later..... The Art Activity and Culture Day has become a huge hit with parents and kids throughout Modesto. Students are even participating in the Art Walks and International Festival and have become inspired to create their own artwork. Modesto now embraces all cultures and has made the International Festival a well-organized, city-wide event. 


Here is another awesome comic documenting my efforts to give Modesto a big dose of culture: