On Sunday, March. 8 at 11:11 a.m., the excitement and pride of community members, vendors and local artists was tangible as many gathered to celebrate the first anniversary of maarte., a creative third space lovingly curated by Christine Rose.
Fresno creatives and businesses gathered to celebrate the success of maarte., including DJ sets by Princess Rose and Project Lo, coffee and matcha from Hapa California Coffee, an acoustic set by Fresno State student Mary Hadjirul, art by Raquelle Mendiolla, ube gelato from BB’s Gelateria, delicious food from Chef Ana and merchandise by Endure Jewelry, jewelsby.rayne and Amber Aura Beauty & Co.
As guests strolled from one vendor to the next, the sunshine, thoughtfully selected music, and busy street reflected the atmosphere that Rose worked to create.
However, this celebration was more than just a party. Every detail was deliberate and ripe with meaning. From the uplifting workshops held by Rose herself, to the intentionally set time and date to the sincere hugs and words exchanged by organizers and attendees alike, the one-year anniversary of maarte. represented culture, community and the success of Filipino spaces.
“Celebrating one year is something that I’m extremely proud of, but it was not just a celebration for me and to say ‘Okay, wow, I made it.’” said Rose. “It was a celebration for everyone who was a part of it, which is why it was important for me to have the vendors that I had here… to have music that was uplifting… to have the workshops to empower everyone to do something different, to create.”
The success of a creative space like maarte. signals the need for safe, uplifting third spaces and encouragement of the arts in the Central Valley. Third spaces are free or affordable, neutral gathering spaces outside of work and the home. maarte has sustained this energy through workshops like intentional yoga, journaling and figure drawing sessions as well as through offering a space to unwind, connect and experience a second home base.
Love poured in the comments of maarte.’s Instagram page following the event.
“Such a beautiful day! Thank you for creating this space! My home away from home,” shared one commenter.
Rose reflected on the success of the event and what motivated her to organize it.
“To be a female, queer and Filipina artist who has lived my very vibrant life, to empower friends to come here to find themselves is truly an honor. We need spaces that help us feel authentically us. That allow us to just exist, because existing alone is a lot of work, right?” Rose said.
Rose shared that her upbringing, her organization of the first Filipino festival in Fresno (FIL FIESTA 559), her hunger for knowledge and her circle of creative friends inspired her to create the space that would become maarte. The space has become a thoughtfully sewn patchwork quilt that uplifts local creatives, nurtures the higher self and inner child and showcases Filipino culture.
Rose imparts the wisdom, “If you build it, they will come.” She encourages others to follow their hearts and their dreams and never stop learning.
Find out more about maarte. and their upcoming events at www.maartefresno.com or on instagram @maarte.fresno.
