Exploring Cultural Stories: Brandon Hernandez's art featured at Plumas Bank Chico

When art meets community, magic happens. And it's no metaphor when we talk about the latest partnership blooming in the heart of Northern California in Chico. The Museum of Northern California Art, known as monca, is reaching bold new horizons by curating a unique art experience in partnership with Plumas Bank. 

Within the walls of Plumas Bank's 900 Mangrove Avenue location, clients are greeted with an environment enriched by art. This partnership transforms the banking experience, allowing customers to engage with the work of local artists, including the talented Brandon Hernandez. It’s a sophisticated blend of artistry and finance, where every piece displayed is a subtle nod to the creativity that thrives within the community.

The Artist: Brandon Andres Hernandez

Brandon Hernandez isn't just an artist—he's a historian, a custodian of culture, and a voice for the stories that form the tapestry of America. His work, typically resonating with Mexican-American undertones, reveals a personal connection to a past often misunderstood. His canvas isn't just a medium for ink and colors; it's a window into familial journeys, struggles, and triumphs.

Brandon's artistic voyage is rooted in his experiences as a second-generation Mexican American, tracing the footsteps of a family's immigration to a land that promised a new beginning but wasn't devoid of its challenges. Brandon exposes the backbone of the migratory family experience as well as the personal cultural disconnect that follows.

The Art and Its Impact

Hernandez's work, gracing the walls of Plumas Bank through June 2024, isn't just about arresting pieces that draw the eye; it's about dialogues they initiate. Each of his seven original prints on display is a testament to the heritage that anchors his identity. 

Plumas Bank and monca: A Match Made in Community

This partnership between Plumas Bank and monca is an example of community empowerment. By showcasing local artists, the collaboration humanizes the bank space, turning it into a locality where not just transactions, but also experiences, are molded. In her appreciation for this blending of banking and art, Patricia Macias, the Director of monca, shared, “An emphasis on art and healing is a strong component of the museum and being able to share with all parts of the Chico community is key.”

Ian Macmillan, the Vice President and Branch Manager at Plumas Bank’s Chico location, resonates with the community sentiment, acknowledging the positive rapport between art and everyday life. The bank’s clientele, he notes, enjoys the evolving art at the branch, a tangible demonstration of the community's appetite and appreciation for local talent.

The Journey Continues

Hernandez's artistic odyssey is merely one chapter in a burgeoning novel of cultural appreciation curated by Plumas Bank and monca. Artist Paula Busch was featured earlier this year. More local artists with globally resonating stories are to come and will share their visions with all who pass through these unconventional galleries.

For Chico, this isn't just a new way to experience art; it's a redefinition of community spaces. This engaging way to showcase local talent turns a regular bank visit into an enriching experience, proving that art doesn't have to be kept behind museum glass to be appreciated. 

To see the prints up close, community members can stop by Plumas Bank at 900 Mangrove Avenue, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. any weekday the bank is open. Learn more about Plumas Bank’s Chico branch at plumasbank.com/chico. 

Also on permanent display are fine art landscape prints on metal by Paradise artist Jeremy Vesley and Plumas Bank’s featured outdoor mural by Chico artist Dylan Tellesen. Follow Brandon Hernandez online at instagram.com/bah_printmaker_.