Oakland Art Scene

Listen to Live Bands. Drink Beer & Wine. Help Build a Plaza

Montclair Beer, Wine & Music Festival 

WHEN: Saturday, June 15th 12noon – 6pm

WHERE: Mountain Blvd. @ La Salle in the open air of Montclair Village (2000 Mountain Blvd. between Medau Pl. and La Salle Ave.) in Oakland

WHAT: 7th Annual Montclair Beer, Wine & Music Festival

  • Live performances by local bands on the Mister Beever’s Paws & Claws stage
  • Music Lineup
  • Pedal powered music by Rock the Bike – riders are festival volunteers
  • Play Palooza Fun Zone provided by Toni Mikulka of Giant Puppets Save the World (interactive performance art)
  • Unlimited tasting packages featuring over 40 craft beers and artisan wine ($30 in advance; $40 at the entrance day of). Purchase your tickets at MontclairVillage.com 
and take home your commemorative glass!
  • Wine & Beer tastings include Alameda Island Brewing, Altamont Beerworks, Dr Hops Hard Kombucha, Drake’s Brewing, Farmstead Wine & Cheese’s international varietals, Gowan’s Cider, Old Kan, Rock Wall Wines and more!
  • The best part is that proceeds from the festival directly support the Village Plaza Capital Campaign, a $750,000 fundraiser to create a public plaza for community engagement, public events, cultural arts and youth enrichment by rebuilding Antioch Court. Donor Bricks directly support the Plaza and can be purchased at MontclairVillage.com where you can find more event details.

Montclair Village is a charming and vibrant community, nestled in the beautiful, tree-covered Oakland Hills.

By |2020-07-08T21:00:56-07:00June 13th, 2019|Tags: , , |0 Comments

Meet the Artists on the Sidewalks of Montclair & Discover Unique & Whimsical Treasures!

  • When:  Fri. & Sat., June 22-23 -10am – 6pm; Sun., June 24 – 10am – 5pm
  • Where: Montclair Village – La Salle & Mountain Blvd.
  • What: Montclair Village Summer Art Walk Boutique – A Handcrafted, Art Alfresco Experience

65 Bay Area artists celebrate art in the outdoors on the sidewalks of Montclair against the scenic backdrop of the Oakland Hills. Visit the event, connect with the artists and find a unique treasure among all the handcrafted works to take home. And it is free!

Among the celebrated artisans participating in this year’s event:

Mixed Media

Dani Arrecis of Oakland starts her mixed media portraits from a collection of odd and unique things. Over the last ten years Dani has amassed a significant collection of art. “Each piece is unique and has a story to be told and these little trinkets inspire each and every work I create.” From rolls of caution tape to vintage Monopoly game pieces, Dani has applied them in such a way that encourages viewers to see the beauty behind everyday objects. “I deliberately choose floral fabrics that are audacious and bright, or may even remind you of your grandmother’s old couch,” she adds.

Dani created a series of selfies inspired by strangers she met walking around Oakland. “Each face represents an interaction that allowed me to see a bit of myself in them or vice versa, so respectively, the portraits are merger of myself and the stranger that I identified with. Staying true to my mixed media background I used vibrant floral fabric that I felt embodied the personality of the given stranger and embellishments that embodied my own.”

Bird Vest By Lorna

Hand Painted Designs by Lorna (in Napa) are one-of-a-kind hand painted garments and accessories effusing creativity. Her line includes jackets, vests, pants, tops, dresses, handbags, and pillows. Ever since the age of 12, Lorna has been fascinated with fabrics and color, “I locked myself away in the bedroom with my mother’s Singer Featherweight sewing machine. And then with pattern and paints in one hand and an enduring passion to create, I discovered my unique talent for hand painted designs as I experimented with paints and cotton fabrics.” Inspired by the beauty and ambiance of Napa, Lorna says she has the privilege of bringing joy, beauty and a little bit of fun to those wearing her whimsical collection.

Because every piece is hand made, some garments will vary slightly. This makes each piece a unique work of art. Lorna’s tagline: “Dare to wear whimsy!”

Painting

Berkeley Hills by Oakland Artist Enrico Antiporda

Enrico Antiporda of Oakland creates vivid oil paintings including Caribbean and Asian Pacific landscapes, nudes and still life. His newest paintings were inspired by French Fauve artists and can be described as a merging of pop art and folk art. “I create colorful, whimsical paintings,” says Enrico. “They are meant to be enjoyable and uplifting. If a painting makes my customer smile and feel good whenever he or she looks at it, then I would have done my job as an artist.” He also is an author. Check out the story about Jimbo, the Homeless Cat.

Jewelry

Mi Jung is a graduate jewelry designer from the Gemological Institute of America.

Mi Jung Penzien of Alameda visualizes her jewelry as wearable art. She aims for simplicity in her jewelry which incorporates sterling silver and gems. “I like to create pieces that are not defined by tradition or boundaries, to free our minds and connect our hearts,” she says. “The process of creation from conception to completion is intimate and meditative. Each material has its own life.”

Mi Jung believes that “Jewelry is nothing if not a reminder. Or an escape. Beauty in life is being able to enjoy what draws us in. To adorn, also to express who we are.”

Ceramics

Dog Treat Jar with Golden Retriever ‘Ball Dog’

Susan Troy was born and raised in Berkeley. She creates functional and whimsical ceramics, striving to bring the poetry of nature, the magic of color, and the warmth of humor into every day life. Much of her decorative work is painted freehand onto raw clay, fired, glazed, then fired again to create a smooth, food safe and watertight surface. “The challenge of transferring painting techniques on paper to the ceramic surface has been a long and often frustrating journey, but also a rewarding one,” she says.

The Montclair Village Summer Art Walk takes place in the Montclair business district on Mountain Avenue at LaSalle, off highway 13, between Park Boulevard and Thornhill Drive. For more information, contact the Montclair Village Association at (510) 339-1000 or Pacific Fine Arts Festivals at (209) 267-4394, www.pacificfinearts.com. You can also see more information on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest.

Classic Books contain secret compartments to hide jewelry and other valuables

 

 

By |2018-06-22T10:36:12-07:00June 22nd, 2018|Tags: |0 Comments

Fine Art Festival on the Sidewalks of Montclair this Saturday & Sunday

Saturday  & Sunday, June 24/25 vibrant colors, serene landscapes, fine animal drawings, exquisite jewelry and beautiful Japanese inspired vases plus more fill the sidewalks of Montclair in the Oakland hills. It’s such a fun event and going into its 42nd year! 

“I’ve been attending the Pacific Fine Arts  art shows since 2000,” says artist Enrico Antiporda. “I keep coming back because it’s a good sales show with a nice mountain town setting in an urban area.” Enrico also lives in Montclair. “I have to come for my community.” And the community does come out. All the stores and restaurants are open so you can wine, dine, shop and fill your afternoon talking with artists and enjoying their creations in this fun outdoor art gallery.

65 artists will display their wares along Mountain Blvd. and La Salle Ave. in Montclair Village. The Pacific Fine Arts show is a free two-day event from 10am-6pm on Sat. and 10am – 5pm on Sun. On Sunday you can also shop for fresh produce as the Farmers Market is from 9am – 1pm on La Salle Ave.

  • Montclair Fine Arts Sidewalk Festival THIS weekend!
  • Saturday, June 24th – 10AM – 6PM
  • Sunday, June 25th  – 10AM-5PM
  • Montclair Village
  • Along Mountain Blvd. and La Salle Ave.

Sewn Seeds: Oakland’s Artistic Fashion Performance Steals Show at the Metro

Join your community for the third annual Fashion Performance Sewn Seeds and help support the operation of Oakland Women’s Center! 

WHEN: Sat., Mar. 25 – Doors open at 6:30pm Show starts at 7pm

Photo/Ewan Duarte Productions 2016

WHAT: Sewn Seeds ~ Growing Strong ~ A Unique Oakland Fashion Performance 

  • Showcasing local designers, vendors and performers.
  • Appetizers and desserts provided
  • Two full bars at the event venue where guests can purchase drinks
  • Exciting new designers each year  
  • Clothes, jewelry and other innovative fare for sale by local vendors
  • Honoring Community Warrior – three nominees in the running who have championed service to women
  •  Veronica Dangerfield, financial educator, award-winning speaker, published poet and professional comedienne, is the emcee

WHERE: Oakland Metro Operahouse, 522 2nd St in Oakland

ADMISSION:  Support those who are helping others! Buy tickets!

HISTORY: Sewn Seeds – Cycles of Fruition premiered in Sept. 2014.  Ten local designers, performers, artists and  vendors came together to stage an amazing event at the California Ballroom.  With the money raised, and the support of Womens Centers International,  Oakland Women’s Center opened in May 2015 at 2811 Adeline in West Oakland.

2017 is the event’s THIRD year. Take a look at fun highlights from the 2016 Sewn Seeds~Blossoms of Spring event ~ which attracted 200 attendees to the Uptown Nightclub. With the proceeds, Oakland Women’s Center  hosted a variety of workshops to enhance the skills of members. Learn more about the mission and services of Oakland Women’s Center, supported by Women’s Centers International.

Photo/Ewan Duarte Productions 2016

“Sewn Seeds is our premier fundraising  event,” says Alison Mata, program director and event producer. “And it’s tons of fun! Each year there are great performances and unique new designers. People are always happy. The energy is great and changes from eclectic to inspiring  – all dependent on the  different designers and host of performers each year. It’s very Oakland!”

DESIGNERS (partial list):

Fantabela is an ethnic fashion line. Founder Esther Fame’s vision  is to share the African culture in its beauty and complexity through her designs. “Most of my designs and products are inspired by my African themed paintings.I also have a passion to help improve the lives of Third world countries’ artisans. As I, work with local seamstresses and tailors from Cameroon to help me manufacture my designs.”

Elena Zlokazova is a Russian fashion designer (now local), artist, author and founder of the ideological line of clothing Elena Zlokazova.

Field Day emerged from the desire to make timeless, impeccably crafted clothing from completely conscious materials that transcend trendy and were made to make history. Made in Oakland at 329 19th st.

UGRW is based in Oakland and inspired by U. The Craft is the first collection of made-to-order designs designed by Tiffany Stewart   -apparel for people ever-changing and evolving. Unique craftsmanship and quality apparel. 

Designer and founder is fashion artist Tiffany Stewart. “UGRW’s first collection Craft was inspired by being an individual and expressing that through fashion,” says Tiffany. “As a designer I really wanted to focus on clothing that resonates with people. Representing that through fashion reflecting the inner person, thus, generating their own unique style. UGRW is an Oakland based brand made and crafted in the Bay Area. Oakland plays a major role in the inspiration as well as foundation of the clothing brand. UGRW represents clothing for the people ever-changing and evolving. Matching comfort and style while enhancing craftsmanship and quality.

Photo/Ewan Duarte Productions 2016

“As a member,” continues Tiffany, “Sewn Seeds is a wonderful opportunity to participate in the community in a positive way as well as artistic. This event is a perfect way to connect, support and strengthen the community. The Women’s Center plays an important role in advocating for women and generating the community support. It’s my pleasure and duty to support those who help others!”

Photo/Ewan Duarte Productions 2016

WOMEN’S CENTER INTERNATIONAL:

WCI invests in the power of women, opening centers in low-income neighborhoods around the world. According to executive director and founder Susan Burgess-Lent, “Women and girls are key to building a sustainable prosperous future for humanity and yet, that vast potential languishes. Worldwide. women still have no choice about bearing children. Domestic and sexual violence are epidemic. The gender pay gap has not narrowed in a generation. Education and healthcare remain out of reach for many. WCI plans to establish 70 women’s centers globally over the next six years. These centers provide a safe environment where women can access the knowledge training and ongoing support they need to survive.” WCI launched the Oakland Women’s Center in 2015.

OAKLAND WOMEN’S CENTER:

In three to four years, the OWC hopes to become self-sustaining and able to continue to serve its community of women in Oakland. “People come to us for a variety of reasons,” explains Alison Mata. “We help them with housing and jobs and offer counseling and a safe place to go as they are transitioning from homelessness to transitional housing. Some just need an advocate to navigate the system. It’s not easy to sign up for services.”

(Besides being program director for OWC, Alison Mata was a co-lead of the Women’s March that drew 100,000 members to march in Oakland on Jan. 21, 2017. When interviewed on KPIX5 that morning, she said she was expecting maybe 30,000!)

 

James Taylor: Six Degrees of Separation. In Oakland.

Grammy-nominated songwriter/pianist John R Burr and renowned singer songwriter Jenna Mammina will be joined by John Shifflett on bass, Jason Lewis on drums and Scott Sorkin on guitar to present a tribute to the music of beloved singer-songwriter James Taylor at  masthead-logo-1the Musically Minded Academy  in Oakland’s Rockridge District on Sat., Jan. 21.

This special concert celebrates the enduring and vast musical legacy of James Taylor, as well as the music of other artists who have been a part of his career such as Carol King, Joni Mitchell, Don Grolnick and the Beatles. Jenna and John R’s new arrangements of many of Taylor’s classics, are true to the essence of James Taylor’s wonderful writing, yet provide plenty of room for improvisation and spontaneity.

This Tribute to James Taylor, as well as other KCSM’s In The Moment concerts, JazzLogo_Master_Draft2are curated by art director Jim Bennett, continuing the legacy of Jazz as a living art form.

About the musicians:

John R Burr was first drawn to the piano at the age of 10 when he heard Vince Guaraldi’s playing on the Peanut’s animated TV specials. He started out as a child prodigy drummer; he was the only child out of 5 siblings not forced to study the piano. It wasn’t until he was in high school that his focus turned to the keyboard. He then discovered that there were too many drummers to compete with and the piano became his instrument of choice.

John has performed with Robben Ford, Sherie Friedlander, Suzanna Smith, Jackie Ryan, Maria Muldaur, The Alison Brown Quartet, Paul McCandless, Michael Manring and Kathy Kallick, among many others. John on piano – Blackbird variation.

“Pianist extraordinaire John R. Burr has the most sparkling style since former Allman Brother- turned-Rolling Stone hired hand Chuck Leavell,” according to The Philadelphia Weekly.

Jenna Mammina is recognized as one of the leading women of jazz/pop crossover for three years in a row by Jazziz Magazine, she has shared the cover alongside Diana Krall and Norah Jones. Jenna has been awarded Jazz Performer of the Year for the SF Weekly, a nomination for Best Jazz Album for her Meant to Be cd, by the California Music Awards, and the Goldy Award for her tireless work with children through her Scat for Cats program.Golden Gate Bridge

Jenna has performed with a vast array of legendary talent, such as Bobby McFerrin, June Millington, Rickie Lee Jones, Al Jarreau, Phish, David Sanborn, Ray Obiedo, Wil Ackerman, Liz Story, Tuck Andress, and Rosemary Clooney. Jenna has performed at esteemed venues like Yoshi’s in Oakland, California, Town Hall in New York, The Green Mill in Chicago, and festivals such as Jazz Aspen, New Orleans Jazz and Heritage, Monterey, San Francisco, Big Sur and Mount Hood.

Details:

John R Burr and Jenna Mammina:
“James Taylor: 6 Degrees of Separation”

Sat., Jan. 21, 8-10pm

Tickets at the door. Mention KCSM In the Moment for a $5 discount.

Musically Minded Academy, 5776 Broadway in Oakland

By |2017-01-20T13:46:24-08:00January 19th, 2017|Tags: , , , , |0 Comments
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