Gallery 25, located in downtown Fresno, is one of the oldest cooperative galleries in the country. It was formed in 1974. The gallery has been a forum for contemporary art since it's inception.

In 1974 the founding 25 artists established a space to exhibit their unique work at 1936 Echo Street. A subsequent move to 1526 Fulton Street in 1981 added exhibition space.

Gallery 25 is a nonprofit organization dedicated to educating the public. Seminars and discussion groups involving classes of local students and others are held in relation to specific exhibits. The gallery participates in international exhibitions and gallery exchanges.

Its origins are in the feminist art movement of the early 1970's when Judy Chicago established the first program for women artists at California State University Fresno.

The Gallery's leadership continued under Professor Joyce Aiken. The program focused on women creating artwork out of their own experience.

In 1989 the gallery opened it's membership to include men as well as women. in april 2004 Gallery 25 moved to expanded quarters at 660 Van Ness Street, placing the Gallery in a desirable downtown location adjacent to several other galleries and half a dozen artists' studios.

The current membership has grown to approximately 45 artists. Artists wishing to join the Gallery are encouraged to submit a professional portfolio of visual work and a biography to be reviewed by the membership.

The cooperative nature of Gallery 25 requires all members share responsibility for its function including exhibit installation, maintenance of the space, publicity and fundraising. Members' dues and art work sales support ongoing operations of the gallery.

The exhibition schedule includes alternating monthly solo, two and three-person exhibits. Group exhibits are held several times a year and may include invited guest artists.

Information about exhibitions at the Gallery is featured weekly in the Sunday edition of the Fresno Bee Gallery Calendar, ArtScene Monthly Digest, Artweek and at www.gallery25.com.