A True Manifestation: Live Event Calligraphy at Fresno Yosemite Intl. Airport (FAT)
FAT Forward Terminal Expansion Grand Opening 2025
December 17th, 2025. This date marks the grand opening of the Fresno Yosemite Intl Airport’s FAT Forward Terminal Expansion. It’s a privilege to have been a part of this significant event in the Central Valley. Spearheaded by the late Director of Aviation Henry Lee Thompson, the expansion will boost the economy of Fresno as it leads to more domestic and international flights. A tremendous fondness filled the atmosphere for the late director, Mr. Thompson. Unfortunately, he passed unexpectedly in July. He was a vibrant soul who saw the potential of having a larger airport in a city geographically located between San Francisco and Los Angeles. Mr. Thompson is an inspiration to many, and he leaves behind a strong legacy. Mayor Jerry Dyer, along with the Interim Director Francisco Partida were among many VIPs who celebrated the opening with great food from Los Amigos, a violinist, and yours truly.
With Darlene M. Smith, Marketing Coordinator at Fresno Yosemite Intl Airport. Thank you Darlene! =0)
As a small town live event artist, I manifested this day would come. At first I thought, who else can I outreach to here in this little corner of the world? I have had success with the Fresno Convention Center, and the Manager of Events and Integration at Community Health System found me, but now I’m thinking to myself is that it? Fortunately, I found the Fresno Airport’s Instagram page. After months of communicating, the grand opening finally came. It was business as usual when I arrived at the airport with passengers going about their travels. As I approached the entrance to the event I felt a surge of excitement as I thought: I bet this will be a new experience for most of the guests. I thought to myself, “Do your best, leave God the rest.”
Guests filled the brand new building chatting about the expansion, a presentation by the speakers and the mayor, and walking up to my station at different times of the evening eagerly requesting or awaiting the creation of a personalized ornament. I was right. Many had never seen a live event artist do a unique activation such as this. Majority asked either myself or the volunteer staff questions like “What’s happening over here?” Or, “Ooooh that’s neat.” Another, which is my personal favorite: “Oh, you’re doing it now? Ahh…” I slightly chuckle, and politely say “Yes, give me a fun short phrase or tell me what you would like on your ornament.” I am hopeful the Terminal Expansion event will plant a seed here in town, to give Fresno that Los Angeles or San Francisco Bay Area feel at corporate gatherings.
Pictured here with Mayor Jerry Dyer of Fresno, Ca.
Another highlight of the evening was meeting the Mayor of Fresno, Jerry Dyer. If you know me, I’m a personable individual who will say hello to anyone (though as a child I was pretty shy and hardly spoke), so I knew more than ever here is a VIP who is pretty active on social media. There I was busy as a bee and realizing I may not have the opportunity. When the evening’s pace slowed down and I completed requests, I was finally able to say “Excuse me, Mayor Dyer.” It took about three attempts since he was walking at a distance, and turned to me saying “Yes?” I excitedly said , “Are you busy?” (with a sly smile) It resulted in a fun interaction where I asked if he remembered my husband at Casey’s Health Club. (Fun Fact: My husband used to be a local competitor in body building and earned the title of Mr. Clovis back in the day. Jerry Dyer didn’t compete, but they lifted weights at the same place.) He laughed and said “Yes, back in the 80s!” The Mayor was kind and personable. Luckily, I was able to snap a photo as shown here.
This event will definitely be a core memory for me meeting VIPs in local government, business owners, and other individuals who came alongside Mr. Thompson to ensure the completion of this project. It was truly an honor being part of it. A huge thank you to Darlene M. Smith for hiring me.
Historically, have corporate parties been too much of the same formula? The same giveaways such as pens and keychains with random items in a swag bag? Have they ever felt memorable with something customized that will be cherished and displayed for years to come? I’m leaning towards the latter as we move into this trend of Live Event Artists in the year 2026 and beyond. In case you didn’t know, I also travel to different cities doing personalization. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out. You’ll be greeted by a friendly voice ready to elevate your event.
Michelle Ramolete is a luxury calligrapher, engraver, and live event artist based in Fresno, California. She offers on-site personalization for weddings, brand activations, corporate events, and milestone celebrations. All work is done freehand with love.
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