by Dave Waddell
Art lovers came out in force Thursday evening for the ribbon-cutting opening of Chico’s Museum of Northern California Art (MONCA).
About 270 people attended the hour-long event at the museum, housed in the sprawling, historic Veterans Memorial Hall at 900 Esplanade, said Pat Macias, MONCA president.
“We signed up seven new members and also made many new friends,” Macias said.
Through Aug. 27, MONCA is displaying “paintings, prints, drawings, sculptures and photography from nearly 100 artists in Northern California,” says the museum’s website. Artists whose work is included in the collection include Ann Pierce, Claudia Steel, James Kuiper, Salvatore Casa and Richard Hornaday.
Beginning Aug. 31, MONCA will open a new exhibition titled “Affinity.” The admission price is $5 per person, with children and students admitted free.
MONCA’s educational mission includes taking art from the museum’s permanent collection into classrooms and senior centers. Annual MONCA memberships range from $25 for seniors and veterans to $750 for corporate members. More information may be obtained at 530-487-7272 or by visiting the MONCA website.
Editor’s note: This story was updated July 16. For more information on MONCA’s hours, see “Calendario ChicoSol.”