Fair Oaks Pharmacy 

Dan Graziano’s “Fair Oaks Pharmacy” is a contemporary painting that captures a ubiquitous scene in the American landscape, and hints at the intersection of commerce, health, and community. Graziano, born in 1953, carries on a tradition of American realist painting which gained prominence in the early to mid-20th century. His choice of subject - a corner drugstore - is reminiscent of Edward Hopper’s interest in the everyday. The artist frames the scene in a way that invites contemplation on the role that local businesses play in shaping our lived experience. Pharmacies, for example, often represent both healing and economic exchange. This idea is further complicated when considering the socio-economic disparities in access to healthcare, especially amongst marginalized communities. The painting's strength lies not just in its visual accuracy, but in its ability to evoke a sense of place and perhaps even a touch of nostalgia, reflecting on how our identities are intertwined with the spaces we inhabit.