What comes to mind when you hear mention of Oakland, California? If it's not a resurgence in civic renewal and the arts and humanities, then perhaps whatever you once thought you knew about Oakland needs to be updated.
Oakland's reincarnation is well underway. For in the last decade, not only has Oakland seen a dramatic transformation in its urban planning, educational systems and overall economics, it now also enjoys the benefits of a hip and thriving art scene, in spite of a souring economy felt across America.
Evidence of beautification projects can be found throughout the city. The soaring, humanist, sculptural figures of Karen Cusolito seem ubiquitous as well.
There's an enthusiasm felt and expressed throughout the arts community in Oakland right now, of which Ben Cooper, who recently curated a show for Chandra Cerrito Gallery, entitled The Moderns, says "Although my knowledge of the scene only goes back a few years ago... even in that time, the volume of the gallery, for instance, has exponentially increased." Adding that "The awareness of that is just starting, I think, to permeate the general atmosphere. Were getting a lot of people coming to visit us now, where in the past, it wasn't even on their radar." And though Cooper says that doesn't necessarily measure success, it does "speak to quality and vibrancy of the artistic community and the moment in Oakland right now," he says.
Some have been on the scene a little longer sharing Cooper's observation, including Jordan DeStabler who says of an arts organization he heads "There was a dearth of this type of organization in Oakland... in the last 6 to 7 years that has entirely changed, in part to the hyper gentrification in San Francisco." This DeStabler says in reference to the growing trend for some up-and-coming urbanites choosing Oakland as their home, instead of San Francisco, because of San Francisco's often prohibitive rental rates. "We have a lot of 20 to 30 something's that would have been in SF and are now in Oakland," he says.
An artist who grew up surrounded by artists, DeStabler is the Studio Manager of Creative Growth art center, which describes itself as a "unique environment" from which art created is included in prominent collections and museums worldwide... serving adult artists with developmental, mental and physical disabilities, providing a stimulating environment for artistic instruction, gallery promotion and personal expression."
Part of Oakland's artistic success may be the result of its once a month Oakland Art Murmur. It's a "First Friday" meet and greet, for which 24 participating galleries located in relative proximity host receptions and open-house gatherings from 6 to 9 pm. "On First Friday you see thousands of people out in galleries and bars...for the last 5 or 6 years ago that didn't exist," say's DeStabler. And in addition to the positive impact of First Fridays, he says "Jerry Brown's 10k initiative had a big impact on this as well." Of Brown, he says that "one of his primary goals was to create 10k units of housing within the city, particularly in the downtown. Some people were critical of that saying it's all about gentrification, not addressing entrenched problems in Oakland. But however you look at it, there are now people living in those buildings... despite a severe recession, more and more restaurants are going up because there are more people now, more arts organizations."
Matthew Draving, an artist who graduated from the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) with a BFA in Sculpture, is currently Assistant Director at Johansson Projects. Draving, who arrived in Oakland in 2009, says he was "drawn to Johansson Projects for its consistently impressive shows, and very calculated yet unorthodox curation." In the larger scope of scene he appreciates other aspects of what's emerging, saying "I think the best change that I've seen is the emergence of small alternative spaces, which showcase local artists whose work might not be as easily sold, but is just as interesting...venues like Important Projects and Sight School keep Oakland interesting for me, while providing developing artists an opportunity to get their name out there." Draving also believes the Oakland Art Murmur to be an important component. "It allows the socially inclined to get a glance at what each gallery is showing and to spread the word to their friends and families if they enjoyed the work. Another great aspect is the amazing independent vendors that line 23rd st. My favorite of which is some kids -- 7 or 8 years old I'm guessing -- selling zines they made for $1. What a deal!" he says.
Indeed.
Heather Marie Henderson is an artist based in West Oakland, the oldest, most historic part of the city. Currently she's working as a fabricator for a monumental project spearheaded by artist -- Mike Ross. The piece, entitled "Jet Kiss", is to be installed in the new Capitol Hill light rail station in Seattle. Henderson too is a fan of the Oakland Art Murmur. "Art Murmur gets great attendance, there are new mini-museums and galleries, small, independent market places, coffee shops... and that's where the 'scene' hangs out... the fact that the 'scene' is growing so fast shows that the city is becoming more accessible."
Danielle Fox likes what she sees happening in Oakland, as well, and like DeStabler, comes from a family of artists. Fox is the director of Slate Gallery, located just north of Uptown Oakland in the "up-and-coming" neighborhood of Temescale. "I feel my role is very much the translator between the art and the artist; in an educational role or writing or interpreting an artist's work for people that come to the gallery... giving people access to it."
Having lots of art experiences within reach -- being easily accessible -- is a reoccurring theme. To this, Fox puts in perspective the need to balance community enthusiasm with long-term, economic viability. "It's funky, urban, edgy and cool and not super developed, that's what gives [Oakland] its uniqueness and character, and we don't want to lose that. Yet on the other hand, it's got to be able to sustain itself."
That's true. Yet for the time being, most everyone seem blissfully content; taking in this surprising new experience.
My article, which by the way included Creative Growth--an arts center devoted to persons with disability--did not solely focus on the Oakland Art Murmur. As Karen Cusolito and Heather Marie Henderson are independent artists working out of freelance studios in West Oakland. As well, what not a single commenter has mentioned is the fact that though I interviewed both men and women for the piece, I wrote and used images about women artists. And for all this I get lumped into the category of the "homogeneous focus of the press"?
A couple months back I wrote an in-depth piece about Oakland for Truthout.org. Did you happen to see it: http://www.truth-out.org/bittersweet-revitalization-oaklands-reincarnation66198
Writers are human beings, we have feelings too. Yet, more than I am a writer, I am an artist. And like most artists, I know what it feels like to be under-appreciated and/or ignored. And on most days, I know what it feels like to exhaust financial resources for my craft(s).
What I do I do not for the money, but for the love of the experience, and in gratitude for the opportunity. If and when the money comes, I welcome it.
Thanks for your positive feedback.
There is a tremendous amount of [unknown?] cultural history here in Oakland, some of which I recently wrote about in a feature article for Truthout.org entitled "Bittersweet Revitalization: Oakland's Reincarnation": http://www.truth-out.org/bittersweet-revitalization-oaklands-reincarnation66198
Thanks for writing this Max, Oakland's art culture is a great one and it's worthy of recognition.
he comes through again. The photo of the Karen Cusolito sculpture gives a 'real' look to the location.
Thanks for this article!
Their business is called DevilZines and they WILL be at next month's Art Murmur in Oakland on Friday, Feb 4th
did you know if they lived in Chicago or Illinois they could be arrested for this? this is true. there is a case right now going to trial for an artist who was selling art for a dollar, was arrested in downtown Chicago, and due to his arrest and wearing a personal audio recorder now faces Class 1 Felony Eavesdropping. Californial is one of at least 40 or so states that DOES NOT have this law. He is currently going to trial. If interested, his name is Chris Drew.
you can also see videos on this on YouTube. Chris Drew-street artist.