Artists hold “farewell sale” before Chris Sorensen Studio closes

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) – Just days after being told they had to vacate the Chris Sorensen Studio space, local artists are now holding a farewell sale.

The current owners of the building issued a statement saying, “We would love for the Chris Sorensen Art Studio to continue operating, but until a viable entity can be found to run the gallery, unfortunately this is the status.”

Empty spaces are now a reality in the legendary Chris Sorensen Studio on Van Ness.

“When I heard that we had three days to get out, I thought: What?” said artist Paul Stommel.

Paul Stommel is just one of the artists who now have to move their works elsewhere.

“This is like my second home,” said Stommel. “I enjoy being with other artists. You have something in common with them.”

The mass exodus comes just months after Chris Sorensen died in March at the age of 99.

It is another tragedy for artists like Gerard Jessurun, who has been working in this field for 15 years.

“This is not what he wanted – not for this to happen. It’s sad, it’s sad for everyone,” Jessurun said.

I asked Stommel what he would say to Sörensen, the “Man of Steel”, if he were here today.

“I think he’s disappointed. I would say, Chris – I would give anything if you could come down and help us,” Stommel said.

The sudden closure is also discouraging for long-time supporters.

“It’s a staple in the community for arthop nights and for artists whose work I enjoy following,” said buyer Lauri Leone.

Lauri Leone stopped by the sale on Friday and said she had made contacts with the innovative people there.

“We will really miss this place because there are a lot of creative people here who have created great art in our community,” Leone said.

She hopes they all find a new space soon, and the artists want to keep Sorensen’s legacy alive, but they know all good things take time.

“Some of us are trying to find property and move in together so we can continue the community that Chris started,” Jessurun said.

“Go back to the glimmer of hope that maybe it will come back and it will be Sorensen Studios,” Stommel said.

The artists say they now have until the end of the month to leave the building.

The farewell sale will continue this weekend from 9am to 1pm, and there will also be a food truck to keep shoppers entertained.

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