Janice Stevens named as lateset inductee to the Clovis Hall of Fame

Janice Stevens will be inducted to the Clovis Hall of Fame at the annual Clovis Hall of Fame Awards and Community Gala on June 18 at the Clovis Veterans Memorial Building. The reception will be at 6:30 followed by dinner at 7:15 p.m.

Stevens, a Fresno-based author, has been a creative writing instructor at Clovis Adult School for many years. Her memoir class with veterans from Clovis and other nearby areas led to the publication of the 2007 book, “Stories of Service: Valley Veterans Remember World War II.” The book was a highly acclaimed collection of personal World War II histories and recollections for which Stevens received a Certificate of Award for Women in American History from the Daughters of the American Revolution. She is currently compiling a second volume.

Stevens is also known for her work with Fresno artist Pat Hunter and their best-selling collaborative efforts illustrating California history, art and architecture. Their three previous collaborations were “Fresno’s Architectural Past, Volume I” (2006); “Fresno’s Architectural Past, Volume II” (2007); and “William Saroyan: Places in Time” (2008). The pair has collaborated on a new book called “Remembering the California Missions,” which will be released by Craven Street Books in July. It is a lushly illustrated, artistic and historical survey of the Roman Catholic missions of Spanish California. Stevens wrote the book’s text, which traces the history of each of California’s 21 missions from its founding to its current condition, whether as a lovingly restored historical monument, a ruin, or a working parish church, while Hunter’s rich watercolor illustrations showcase the missions, their most interesting architectural and historical features, and the landscapes surrounding them.

There will be a public reception for Stevens’ and Hunters’ latest book, “Remembering the California Missions,” from 5 to 8 p.m. June 3 at Fresno City Hall, 2600 Fresno Street. The reception kicks off an exhibition about the book, featuring many of the paintings used in it. The exhibition will run June 3 – 25.

Stevens’ and Hunter’s contributions to the study of California history will be recognized June 17 by the Native Daughters of the Golden West, who will award the authors the prestigious Native Daughters of the Golden West Image Award, given annually to individuals and organizations that publically portray the positive image of California.

Stevens and Hunter will be signing copies of their new book, “Remembering the California Missions,” at Fig Garden Bookstore in Fig Garden Village on Saturday, July 17, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Fig Garden Bookstore is located at 5084 Palm Ave.