Monday, March 25 through May 18, 2008
Art Installation—Carol Tikijian: Why Abstract? Reflections on Saroyan
Fresno Art Museum
2233 N. First Street, Fresno, California
Tues. through Sun., 11:00 to 5 PM
Thursday 11:00 to 8 PM
Free Admission to Museum Members
Admission for Nonmembers: General $4.00 and Students/Seniors $2.00
Tikijian’s art installation will feature a large circle constructed of black and white dots on which are
imposed objects representing important elements of Saroyan’s life. The concept of the exhibition
is based on a book, Why Abstract?, authored by modernist Hilaire Hiler, a painter and costume
and set designer, and writer, who was born ten years earlier than William Saroyan. For Hiler’s
book, Saroyan wrote the introduction. The two became friends, sharing common life views. For
more information contact the museum at (559) 441-4221, or visit their website at www.
fresnoartmuseum.org.
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March 22 through June 1, 2008
Theatrical Performance: The Time of Your Life
Pacific Resident Theatre
703 Venice Blvd., Venice, California
8 PM on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays
3 PM on Sundays
Southern California's most honored resident theatre company stages William Saroyan's
masterpiece, The Time of Your Life. A not-to-be-missed production! For tickets and group
sales, call (310) 822-8392. www.PacificResidentTheatre.com
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April 2008
Saroyan Photograph Exhibition
University of Southern California, Institute of Armenian Studies
Free Admission
Exhibition Dates TBA
If you’re in Southern California, visit the Institute of Armenian Studies at the University of
Southern California to enjoy the exhibition of gallery quality black and white photographs of
Saroyan in Armenia. In a repeat performance, these exquisite pictures of Saroyan during his visits
to Armenia were taken by photographer Boghos Boghossian Armenian, who currently resides in
Armenia. There will be the opportunity to purchase these magnificent works of photographic
art. Contact the Institute of Armenian Studies at the University of Southern California for more
information.
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Wednesday, April 2, 2008
"Come On-a My House": Open House
Charlie Keyan Armenian Community School
108 N. Villa, Clovis, California
5:30 PM Light Dinner at $5.00 per plate
6:30 PM Open House with Blessing
Reservations required for the dinner only
Open House is Free to the Public
The Charlie Keyan Armenian Community School invites you to see the new school site and
classrooms. A light dinner will be served along with a school Blessing and entertainment. Dzovig
Kutumian will sing "Come On-a My House" in honor of William Saroyan. For more information call
(559) 323-1955.
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Wednesday, April 2, 2008
Reader’s Theatre
Auberry Library
33049 Auberry Road
Auberry, California
6:30 PM
Actors from the Woodward Shakespeare Festival will perform a reader's theater production of a
Saroyan work. A group discussion will follow the reader's theater. For more information contact
the library at (559) 855-8523.
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Beginning, Thursday, April 3, 2008 (for the month of April only)
Gallery Exhibit
Corridor 2122
2122 Mono Street, Fresno, California
Art Hop (April 3rd): 5 PM-8 PM
Hours: Thurs., Sat., Sun, 12 PM-4 PM
William Saroyan was a familiar sight riding through Fresno on his bicycle. This invitational exhibition
will showcase the bicycle as allegory for William Saroyan’s impact in the Fresno Community. Why
not take a bike ride down to Corridor 2122 to experience this exhibit.
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Thursday, April 3, 2008
“Saroyan: The Man and His Fresno” with Fresno historian William Secrest
Gillis Library
629 W. Dakota
Fresno, California
7 PM
Free to the Public
Fresno historian William Secrest, Jr. will present a multi-media program entitled, “Saroyan: The Man
and His Fresno”. For more information contact the library at (559) 225-0140.
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Thursday, April 3, 2008
Saroyan Film: The Time of Your Life
Fig Garden Regional Library
3071 W. Bullard
Fresno, California
7 PM
Free to the Public
Join the library for a film showing of The Time of Your Life that was written in 1935 and was a
winner of the Pulitzer Prize for best screenplay. For more information contact the library at (559)
438-4071.
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Saturday, April 5, 2008
International Symposium “William Saroyan at 100” (CLICK FOR EVENT FLYER)
Armenian Studies Program, California State University
Conference Location: Fresno State, University Business Center, Room 191
10 AM-3 PM
Free Admission
Professor Barlow Der Mugrdechian is heading the Saroyan Writer’s Conference, sponsored by the
Armenian Studies Program at the California State University, Fresno. The Armenian Studies
Program was established in 1977 and the Center for Armenian Studies was founded in 1991.
Under the direction of Dr. Dikran Koumyjian, the Center provides an opportunity for students and
faculty to interact. For more information contact the Armenian Studies Office at (559) 278-2669.
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Thursday: April 10 and 24, 2008
Book Discussion: Essential Saroyan
Reedley Library
1027 ‘E’ Street
Reedley, California
6 PM
Free to the Public
Librarian Ernst Vitovec will lead an in-depth discussion over four evenings of the book, Essential
Saroyan, a compendium of excerpts from Saroyan’s fiction and nonfiction works along with
selected short stories and plays. Register for this program at the Reedley Library by February 15,
2008 and receive a free copy of this book. For more information contact the library at (559) 638-
2818.
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Thursday, April 10, 2008
Saroyan Film: The Time of Your Life
Clovis Regional Library
1155 Fifth Street
Clovis, California
7 PM
Free to the Public
Join the library for a film showing of The Time of Your Life that was written in 1935 and was a
winner of the Pulitzer Prize for best screenplay. For more information contact the library at (559)
299-9531.
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Monday, April 14, 2008
“Saroyan: The Man and His Fresno” with Fresno historian William Secrest
Sanger Library
1812 7th Street
Sanger, California
7 PM
Free to the Public
Fresno historian William Secrest, Jr. will present a multi-media program entitled, “Saroyan: The Man
and His Fresno”. For more information contact the library at (559) 875-2435.
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Monday, April 14, 2008
Film Discussion of the Saroyan Years
Woodward Park Library
944 E. Perrin
Fresno, California
7 PM
Free to the Public
Film historian, Paul Kaser will discuss the Saroyan years in Hollywood, his works which were made
into movies, and his relationship with famous stars and film studios. Film clips will be shown. For
more information contact the library at (559) 433-3135.
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Thursday, April 17, 2008
Armenian Folk Story
Cedar-Clinton Library
4150 E. Clinton, Fresno, California
7 PM
Free to the Public
Celebrate traditional Armenian tales with storyteller Terrance McArthur and the Armenian fable
Three Apples Fell From Heaven. For more information contact the library at (559) 442-1770.
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Saturday, April 19, 2008
Saroyan Town Walk
Start walk: Saroyan Theater in Downtown Fresno at Inyo and M Streets
9:30 AM
The Saroyan Town Walk will take you on a tour of the area in downtown Fresno in which William
Saroyan lived during his early years and will present information on his early life and times. A tour
of the lobby of the Saroyan Theater and of the sanctuary of Holy Trinity Apostolic Church will be
included. For more information, see www.williamsaroyansociety.org.
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Saturday, April 19, 2008 NOTE: EVENT DATE CHANGED TO OCTOBER 18, 2008
Saroyan Musical Celebration!
William Saroyan Theatre at the Fresno Convention Center
700 ‘M’ Street. Fresno, California
7 PM
Join the Academy of Classical Music and Art in celebrating the genius of writer, William Saroyan,
with a musical extravaganza, featuring virtuoso duo pianists Gianeh and Ovanes Arakelyan, violinist
Patrick Contreras, and musical friends. Along with this tribute, enjoy video interviews of “Saroyan
Memories” from family and friends of this legendary writer. For more information, contact the
Academy at (559) 230-2262 or (559) 577-8495.
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Monday, April 21, 2008
Armenian Mania: Stories for the Kids
Leo Politi Library
5771 N. First, Fresno, California
3:30 PM
Free to the Public
Celebrate William Saroyan’s Armenian heritage with stories and fun for preschool and school-age
children. For more information contact the library at (559) 431-6450.
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Monday, April 21, 2008
Memorial and Reception
Baird Middle School's Armenian Genocide Dedication Memorial
Peace and Tolerance Plaza
5500 N. Maroa, Fresno
5:30 PM
Please join Barid Middle School for a dedication of the Armenian Memorial with award-winning
journalist, Mark Arax, as guest speaker.
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Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Book Discussion: Essential Saroyan
Woodward Park Library
944 E. Perrin
Fresno, California
7 PM
Free to the Public
Barlow Der Mugrdechian, California State University, Fresno, faculty member in the Armenian
Studies Program, will lead a discussion on the book, Essential Saroyan, a compendium of excerpts
from Saroyan’s fiction and nonfiction works along with selected short stories and plays. Register
for this program at the Woodward Park Regional Library by April 1, 2008 and received a free copy
of this book. For more information contact the library at (559) 433-3135.
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Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Saroyan, Steinbeck, Cheever: An Exploration of Family Literary Traditions
CSU Fresno Student Satellite Union
2485 E. San Ramon, Fresno
7 PM
Free to the Public
The Fresno County Library and the Henry Madden Library invite you to a panel discussion featuring
authors Aram Saroyan, Thomas Steinbeck, and Susan Cheever moderated by Steve Yarbrough.
These authors are children of Pulitzer Prize winning authors (William Saroyan, John Steineck, and
John Cheever). Learn what it is like being the child of a celebrated author and how their fathers
have inspired their writing. A book signing and refreshments will follow the program. Arrive early
as seats are limited for this free program.
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Thursday, April 24, 2008
Book Club Discussion
Kingsburg Library
1399 Draper, Kingsburg, California
6:30 PM
Free to the Public
Join the Kingsburg Library Book Club in discussion of William Saroyan’s The Human Comedy led by
Faythe Arredondo. For more information contact the library at (559) 897-3710.
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Friday, April 25, 2008
Special Guest Appearance by Mickey Rooney at Screening of the The Human Comedy
Fresno County Library and Friends of the Library
Tower Theatre
7 PM and After show Reception
Reservations
$20 Screening and Talk About the Movie by Mickey Rooney
$50 Screening, Talk About the Movie, and After-show Reception with Mickey Rooney
Take great pleasure in viewing Saroyan’s 1943 film version of The Human Comedy, starring Mickey
Rooney. Mickey Rooney plays Homer Macauley, a young telegraph worker who remains in a small
town looking after his widowed mother and younger brother. Homer's older brother is fighting
the war in Europe. The screening will have a special guest appearance by the star of the movie,
Mr. Mickey Rooney, who will discuss the making the movie. Mr. Rooney will later mingle with
guests during the after-show reception in his honor. For more information, contact Ms. Jeanne
Johnson, Adult Services Manager, Fresno County Library, (559) 488-3856.
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Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Book Discussion: Essential Saroyan
Sunnyside Library
5566 E. Kings Canyon
Fresno, California
7 PM
Free to the Public
Barlow Der Mugrdechian, California State University, Fresno, faculty member in the Armenian
Studies Program, will lead a discussion on the book, Essential Saroyan, a compendium of excerpts
from Saroyan’s fiction and nonfiction works along with selected short stories and plays. Register
for this program at the Sunnyside Library by April 1, 2008 and received a free copy of this book.
For more information contact the library at (559) 255-6594.
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Saturday, May 3, 2008
Concert of Choral Music by Hovhaness, Stravinsky, and Brahms
Fresno Community Chorus
California State University, Fresno
Concert Hall
7:30 PM
General Admission $15.00; Students $8.00
Dedicated to the memory of William Saroyan, as part of the 2008 International Saroyan Festival,
celebrating the centennial of his birth, the Fresno Community chorus will perform choral music by
Hovhaness, Stravinsky, and Brahms. For more information, contact the California State University,
Fresno at (559) 278-2654.
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Saturday, May 3, 2008
Richard Hagopian and Grandsons—In Concert!
Fresno Art Museum
2233 N. First Street, Fresno, California
2 PM
General Museum Hours 11:00 AM to 5 PM
Free Admission to Museum Members
Admission for Nonmembers: General $4.00 and Students/Seniors $2.00
Sponsored by the Armenian Museum and the Fresno Art Museum, Richard Hagopian and his
Hagopian Ensemble are well-known world music and traditional Armenian musicians. Richard
Hagopian has been a musician since childhood. He started playing the traditional Armenian
instrument, the oud, at the age of twelve. Now Hagopian is sharing this rich tradition with his
grandsons, who will share the stage with their grandfather.
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Tuesday, May 6, 2008
Reader’s Theatre
Woodward Park Library
944 E. Perrin
Fresno, California
7 PM
Free to the Public
Actors from the Woodward Shakespeare Festival will perform a reader's theater production of a
Saroyan work. A group discussion will follow the reader's theater. For more information contact
the library at (559) 433-3135.
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Sunday, May 11, 2008
St. Paul Armenian Church
A Saroyan Mother’s Day Luncheon
Berberian Hall
3767 N. First St., Fresno
12:30-1:30 PM hors d'oeuvres; 1:30 PM Lunch and Program
Paid Reservations Required
Contact Church at (559) 226-6343 or Diane Boyajian (559) 433-0787 for Reservations
$25 Adults
$10 for children 10 years old and under
A delicious Armenian luncheon to show appreciation to all mothers in the style of William Saroyan.
Saroyan's thoughts and writings about mothers will be part of the program.
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Monday, May 12, 2008 NOTE: EVENT DATE CHANGED TO MARCH 31, 2008
Theatrical Reading
2nd Space and The Good Company Players
928 E. Olive
7:00 PM
Free to the Public
Enjoy an after-Mother’s Day gathering at 2nd Space for a reading of excerpts of William Saroyan’s
wonderfully poignant and humorous Sons Come and Go, But Mothers Hang in Forever. The
reading was organized by New York actress Jacqueline Antaramian, an alumnus of the California
State University, Fresno, Theatre Department. Other distinguished readers include some of
Fresno’s favorite members of the stage. There is a suggested donation of $10.00, at the door,
to benefit the Good Company Players.
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Monday, May 12, 2008
Reader’s Theatre
Sanger Library
1812 7th Street
Sanger, California
7 PM
Free to the Public
Actors from the Woodward Shakespeare Festival will perform a reader's theater production of a
Saroyan work. A group discussion will follow the reader's theater. For more information contact
the library at (559) 875-2435.
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Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Reader’s Theatre
Sunnyside Library
5566 E. Kings Canyon
Fresno, California
7 PM
Free to the Public
Actors from the Woodward Shakespeare Festival will perform a reader's theater production of a
Saroyan work. A group discussion will follow the reader's theater. For more information contact
the library at (559) 255-6594.
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Wednesday, May 14, 2008
Saroyan's Driver: Adventures with William Saroyan
Woodward Park Regional Library-River Room
7 PM
Free to the Public
Reminisce with Author and Poet Brenda Najimian Magarity as she speaks of the times she drove
Mr. Saroyan around Fresno in the 1970s. Ms. Najimian Magarity currently is working on her
memoir: Driving Saroyan. The Fresno County Public Library is a co-sponsor of this event. This
event is sponsored by the William Saroyan Society. Call (559) 221-1441 for more information
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Thursday, May 15, 2008
Saroyan Film: The Human Comedy
Clovis Regional Library
1155 Fifth Street
Clovis, California
7 PM
Free to the Public
Join the Library for a film showing of The Human Comedy. This 1943 film, starring Mickey Rooney,
tells the story of a young telegraph worker who looks after his widowed mother and siblings while
his brother is off fighting the War. For more information contact the library at (559) 299-9531.
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Saturday, May 17, 2008
“Saroyan: The Man and His Fresno” with Fresno historian William Secrest
Bear Mountain Library
30733 E. Kings Canyon
Squaw Valley, California
Potluck Dinner 6:00 PM
Program 6:45 PM
Free to the Public
Fresno historian William Secrest, Jr. will present a multi-media program entitled, “Saroyan: The Man
and His Fresno”. For more information contact the library at (559) 332-2528.
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Thursday, May 22, 2008
Richard Hagopian Assemble Salutes Saroyan
Vineyard Farmer’s Market
Northwest Corner of Shaw and Blackstone, Fresno, California
7 PM
Admission $5.00
Celebrate William Saroyan under Richard Erganian’s beautiful Vineyard Farmer’s Market with music
and dance. Under the evening stars, traditional Armenian music will be provided by the Richard
Hagopian Ensemble. Food and drink will be made available. This evening is sponsored by a grant
from the Alliance for California Traditional Arts and the Armenian Museum. For more information,
please contact (559) 243-5880.
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Monday, May 26, 2008
Memorial Day Service
Ararat Cemetery
1925 W. Belmont, Fresno, California
10 AM
Free to the Public
First Armenian Presbyterian Church, Holy Trinity Armenian Apostolic Church, Pilgrim Armenian
Congregational Church, and St. Paul Armenian Church will honor William Saroyan with a Memorial
Day Service at the Ararat Cemetery. All family members and friends will be remembered on this
day. For more information, contact Larry Balakian at (559) 222-8323.
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