Overview:
The exhibition at Scarab Creative Arts will be open until the end of February, featuring a diverse collection of artwork, including paintings, sculptures, ceramics, mixed media, and collages.
Tyler Alcé grew up in a matriarchal family where stability was linked to a traditional 9 to 5 job and spent years working in government positions in Fresno.
Despite this, she always dreamed of making a living through art, though she was told that pursuing a career as an artist wasn’t realistic—a belief she carried with her for many years.
This struggle, she recognizes, is common for many Black creatives who lack the support to pursue their passion. However, Alcé eventually made the decision to fully commit to her artistic path. Now, she is a senior at Fresno State, double majoring in studio arts and Africana studies, and a member of Scarab Creative Arts, a local art center.
After attending a previous exhibition at Scarab featuring a Black artist, she envisioned an exhibit dedicated to Black artists in Fresno. She shared her concept with the owner of Scarab, who she said immediately supported the idea.
“There are many Black folks who see themselves as creators or who make things—Black folks who have been inventors since the beginning of the establishment of the U.S.,” said Alcé. “However, many Black folks don’t always see themselves as creatives, or they’re hesitant to pursue it as a profession because they haven’t been given the support or resources to believe it’s possible.”
Alcé created “Down with the Clique,” an art exhibit now in its second year, showcasing 22 Black artists from across California. The exhibit will open at Scarab with a reception on Feb. 6 as part of this month’s ArtHop.
Alcé, whose work will also be featured in the exhibit, wanted to create an exhibit dedicated to Black artists to provide them with the support and encouragement she didn’t always have. She hopes to encourage Black artists in Fresno to redefine their understanding of what it means to be an artist and to claim that identity for themselves.
The opening reception, held from 5 to 8 p.m., will include both visual and performing artists, including an African drumming session. The exhibition will showcase a diverse range of artwork including paintings, sculptures, ceramics, mixed media, and collages.
As one of about three dozen members of Scarab and the only current Black member, Alcé recognized her unique position and saw it as an opportunity to use her platform and network to uplift other Black artists.
This includes uplifting Black artists from not just the Central Valley, but from the Bay Area and Los Angeles to demonstrate that everyone can take up space together and be celebrated.
The exhibit will feature many artists, including Taliah Walls, a UCLA art student, and Demetri Tyler, an Oakland-based film photographer, and will remain open until the end of February.
The reception will also feature cuisine from Black communities and cultures from around the world, with the help of Alley in the Valley, who played a key role in connecting with local Black food vendors.
Featured chefs will include Jerkman559, specializing in Jamaican BBQ; DiCookieMan, known for gourmet cookies; Angela’s Taste of Soulfood with a Twist, offering soul food with a unique spin; and Carla’z Kream-Cakez, showcasing a variety of cakes.
Since November, Alcé has served as the primary organizer of the exhibit, but Alcé credits the Scarab community and her friends for their invaluable support throughout the process. They provided feedback on exhibit titles, helped select the right pieces, offered guidance on curation, and assisted with the installation, ensuring the exhibit came together seamlessly.
“The show is inspired by the power of community and how artists and creatives can come together to shape Black culture,” said Alcé. “The community comes out, and the artists see the support, feel the love, and hear encouraging words. In that way, they realize, ‘Oh, my community is down for me,’ and in that sense, the artists become the clique.”
