By Ben Phillips

Wandering the streets of Downtown Fresno is an unusual experience. As I see the construction pylons and heavy equipment renovating the Fulton Mall or the new overpass where the HSR will soon bring trainloads of people to our town, I see the glimmer of the budding and vibrant Fresno of tomorrow. Stopping at the steps of the Veteran’s Memorial Auditorium to capture the golden light of the evening sun on the icon FAC Water Tower across the street, my heart flutters as my viewfinder transports me to a Fresno of days past, carved by hand out of the dust and weeds by those pioneer men and women who were eager to make a living from the land.

As I continue to develop my skills as a (very) amateur photographer, I am enchanted by the beauty of our city. I spent a few years living abroad and easily walked hundreds of miles along the streets of a large urban metropolis like Milan and Turin, Italy. But Fresno is home. There is a rough elegance to the architecture and familiar charm to the simple cityscape that makes this a beautiful area to shoot. Downtown is and will continue to be one of my favorite locations to capture the magic of “home.”

If interested in Fresno souvenirs, visit The Old Historic Water Tower, Tree of Life Cafe and Bakery, Gazebo Gardens, Root General, Kiku Floral and the Urban Umbrella in Old Town Clovis. All souvenirs are handmade and photos are taken by Pedro Urena local artist. He makes handmade Fresno photo coasters and tote bags as well as postcards, greeting cards, magnets, pins, bookmarks, prints and other items. If you’re interested in custom orders for your business or for celebrations contact purena111@gmail.com or visit: www.giftpic.work