About Mac Mechem
A brief personal history as it relates to my artistic expression.
I went to Fresno State College to play football. When my eligibility ended I found myself dazed and confused about the future. Instead of facing the problem I chose to do the irresponsible thing and, like the nitwits in the movie Animal House, take a road trip. I sold my car, took a few hundred dollars I’d saved loading trucks at night for Pepsi Cola and bought a round trip ticket to Europe. I spent a year hitch hiking throughout the continent, receiving a wonderful education in all the great museums and came home determined to be the best artist/teacher I could be.
Teaching as it relates to my artistic expression
To me, teaching has always been a critical component in my artistic life. Observing my students absorb technical and creative instruction then produce amazing works of original art has inspired me to push harder in my own artistic journey. In turn, I complete the creative circle by sharing the new concepts I’ve learned with my students.
My artistic expression
I am a figurative painter who comments on the social, political, cultural, and religious aspects of human nature. Satire and humor are important components of my expression as I attempt to lampoon and ridicule the vices, follies, and shortcomings of contemporary society. For me, the idea, or the content of the work, is key and determines the symbols and form visualized in my paintings. The classical techniques of composition, modeling of dark and light, perspective, and light source are critical elements in creating a powerful visual impact in my paintings. I believe that art can be a tool for promoting cultural awareness and expediting social change.
~ Mac Mechem
Resume
Education
B.A. Fresno State University. Fresno, Ca. 1963
M.A. Fresno State University. Fresno, Ca. 1971
Occupation
Art Instructor, McLane High school. Fresno, Ca. 1966-2003
Art Instructor, Fresno city College adjunct. Fresno, Ca. 1971-1998
Art Instructor, Reedley College adjunct. Reedley, Ca. 2006-present
Regional Exhibitions
Richmond Bi-Annual. Richmond, Ca. 1975
Southern California Open. Riverside, Ca. 1977
Northern Cal Open. Pacific Grove, Ca. 1978
Crocker Kingsley 50″^ Annual exhibition. Crocker Art Gallery. Sacramento, Ca. 1984
San Joaquin Painting Annual. Fresno Art center. Fresno Ca. 1982
San Joaquin Painting Annual. Fresno Art Center. Fresno, Cal. 1983
Nudes In November. Chris Sorenson Gallery. Fresno ca. 2007
Nudes In November. Chris Sorenson Gallery. Fresno, Ca. 2008
National Exhibitions
Four Palms National Painting Exhibition. Four Palms Gallery. Palm Beach, Fla. 1988
24th Annual Drawing Exhibition. Berkley Art Center. Berkley, Ca. 2007
Figures And Faces. Pacific Art League. Palo Alto, Ca. 2009
5th Annual Figure Drawing And Painting Competition Lore Degenstein Gallery
Susquehanna University Selinsberg Pennsylvania 2014
7th Annual Figure Drawing and Painting Competition Lore Degenstein Gallery
Susquehanna University Selinsberg Pa 2016
Arc Gallery San Francisco, Ca 2016
One Man Shows
Master’s Painting Exhibition. Fresno State University. Fresno, Ca. 1971
Fig Tree Gallery. Fresno, Ca. 1972
Fig Tree Gallery. Fresno, Ca. 1974
Fresno Art Museum. Fresno, Ca. 1980
Fresno Art Museum. Fresno, Ca. 1994
Fig Tree Gallery. Fresno, Ca. 2004
Transmission Gallery Oakland, Ca. 2017
Awards
Best of show San Joaquin Painting Annual Fresno Art Museum 1982
Best of show Nudes In November Chris Sorenson Gallery 2012
Best of show Nudes In November Chris Sorenson Gallery 2014
1st Place, Nudes In November. Chris Sorenson Gallery. Fresno, Ca. 2007
Best Of Show, Nudes In November. Chris Sorenson Gallery. Fresno, Ca. 2008
Artist In Residence. Fresno Art Museum. Fresno, Ca. August, 1994