The Center for Creativity and the Arts (CCA) at Fresno State and Darden Architects is hosting a Celebration of Creativity, 5:30 p.m. Friday at the Smittcamp Alumni House on the university campus. The late Edwin Darden, Sr., an architect who designed and built over 150 local landmarks, will be honored. Martin E. Dietz and Dr. Floyd B. Buchanan will provide insight into Darden’s distinguished career.
During his 60-year career as an architect, Darden constructed over 150 schools including McLane High School, Ahwahnee and Tehipite Junior High Schools. He was the first architect to be retained by the Clovis Unified School District, designing Clovis High School and other Clovis schools. He also was project architect for the Fresno Greyhound Terminal, the Fresno Elks Lodge and numerous local churches and buildings.
Dr. Floyd B. Buchanan will lead the celebration of Darden. Dr. Buchanan was a driving force behind the creation of the Clovis Unified School District and served as superintendent of the district from 1960 to 1991. Darden will also be recognized by Fresno State President John D. Welty, and architects Art Dyson and Martin Dietz.
“Edwin’s career spanned 60 years and is marked by professional practice at the highest level and works that stand the test of time,” said Dietz, architect and principal at Darden Architects. “We are so pleased that we are able to honor him with this celebration.”
The event will also celebrate the CCA’s artist-in-residence, Patrick Dougherty. Dougherty is currently working on the Fresno State campus with university students and community volunteers to construct a massive sculpture using natural materials including sustainable growth trees. The project site is located on Fresno State’s Maple Mall, west of the Conley Art building. The public is encouraged to observe the project construction 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday. Admission is free. The renowned sculptor has created more than 230 sculptures worldwide.
Dougherty’s visit to the Central Valley was made possible by a gift from the Central Valley Foundation’s McClatchy Fresno Art Endowment as part of the Fresno Green Art Project, a collaboration with the Center for Creativity and the Arts, Fresno Art Museum and Arte Americas.
The Center for Creativity and the Arts is an institution designed to bridge people, disciplines and ideas through art and exploration. Each academic year explores a common theme, addressing a current and complex issue facing our society. The theme for 2012-13 is “Consumption and Sustainability.” Through exhibitions, films, lectures, debates, and performances, this topic is approached from a cross-disciplinary perspective garnering input and expertise from a variety of colleges at Fresno State.
For more information, contact Suzanne Crosina-Sahm: 559.392.1685, scrosinasahm@csufresno.edu.
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