So much art this week, Oakland! Visual art gallery openings, music, maker events, culinary art, expression promoting community healing, fashion, films: you name it, we’ve got it. We’re hoping that even the meetings this week will be at least a little artistic, just to keep up with the theme. Enjoy!
Friday, April 11
Kaleidoscope Youth Fellows at Pro Arts
6 – 8 p.m.
150 Frank H Ogawa Plaza
Pro Arts is pleased to present Kaleidoscope, a new exhibition featuring artwork by young artists participating in the 2014 Youth Fellows program. Kaleidoscope brings together new work by over 70 students, showcasing the creative talent of the next generation of Oakland artists. The exhibition includes work in a variety of mediums by young artists from Fremont, Oakland, Oakland Unity, and Skyline High Schools, as well as Lighthouse Community Charter Schools. The exhibition also includes highlights from Pro Arts’ Youth Arts programming in elementary and middle schools. For more information, visit www.proartsgallery.org.
57th Street Gallery Presents Yolandra Rhodes
8:30 – 11 p.m. (doors open at 6 p.m.)
5701 Telegraph Avenue
Yolandra has a love for music that motivates the audience, uplifts the spirit and revives the soul. When asked about her vocal aspirations, she simply says, “To be the very best that I can be.” She doesn’t mention that the very best includes rivaling the likes of Rachelle Farrell, Anita Baker, Whitney Houston and the greats like Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughn and Nancy Wilson. Musicians are Yolandra Rhodes, vocals; Ben Flint, keys; Vince Lars, saxophone; David Daniel, bass; and Omar Maxwell, drums. Admission is $15. For more information or to make reservations (recommended), visit www.57thStreetGallery.com.
Saturday, April 12
Three Corners Neighborhood Group Saturday Neighborhood Cleanup
9 – 10 a.m.
The corner of 66th and San Pablo
It’s the second Saturday of the month: time for a Saturday Neighborhood cleanup! Join neighbors to walk the block and pick up the trash that’s accumulated. Bring a pair of gloves and a trash bag and meet up. It’s a great way to meet neighbors and make things cleaner, too! For more information, visit groups.yahoo.com/group/ThreeCornersNeighborhoodgroup/cal.
Free “Science of Art” Open House
11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
The Crucible, 1260 7th Street
This free public event features super-cool demonstrations of the industrial arts that are taught at The Crucible, fascinating mobile exhibits from partner organizations, and an opportunity to save 20% if you sign up for a class or youth camp. Food and drink vendors will be present. For more information, visit www.thecrucible.org.
Jack of All Trades
11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Jack London Square
Rain or shine, the Jack of All Trades will fill the Jack London Square Market building with a curated mix of local makers, indie designers, antiquers, collectors, artists, start-ups and more, brought together by the Treasure Island Flea. Free to the public, this eclectic market will feature one-of-a-kind items, live music and several free DIY workshops for all ages. For more information, visit www.JackofAllTradesOakland.com.
Knowland Park: Oakland Before Urbanization
Noon – 2 p.m.
Knowland Park, Malcolm Avenue
Have you ever wondered what Oakland looked like before thousands of people lived here? Knowland Park is one of the remaining examples of what this wilderness would have been like. Join the California Native Plant Society and tour the native grasslands. Participants may see wildflower displays, and have a look at the East Bay’s largest fairy ring of puffballs, oak woodlands, lichens, and rare maritime chaparral. Meet at Cameron Street, a cul-de-sac off of Malcolm that dead-ends at the park. Wear sturdy hiking shoes, long pants and a long-sleeved shirt to protect yourself from poison oak, and prepare for rain, as this walk will happen rain or shine! Bring water, a hat, binoculars, and a magnifying loupe if you have one. For more information about the park, visit www.saveknowland.org.
How to Patch a Bike Tube
2 – 3:30 p.m.
Rock Paper Scissors Collective, 2278 Telegraph Avenue
Patching a tube is much less expensive than buying a new tube every time you get a flat tire on your bicycle, but you have to have the right tools and knowledge to effectively execute a permanent patch. Come learn everything you need to know to patch your bike tube. Get hands-on practice in a calm and stress-free environment before you need to DIY in the real world. Or, if you already have a flat, bring it in and we can work on it. Sign up early: the first ten people get a free patch kit!
The Dumpling Wars 2: The Hungry Games
6 p.m.
Oakland Asian Cultural Center, 388 9th Street, Suite 290
Kearny Street Workshop’s Dumpling Wars returns for Round 2 in the melee for culinary supremacy! Battling amateur chefs will scramble to serve up their best recipes to a panel of local foodie judges. Attendees will have the opportunity to sample delicious food in an all-you-can-eat buffet, enjoy musical selections by DJ Slum B (ISA Collective), and vote on their favorite dumplings. Click here for tickets, and may the odds be ever in your flavor!
Arte Verissima Gallery Hosts “Imagine,” Showcasing Artist Kazuhiko Sano
6 – 10 p.m.
4432 Piedmont Avenue
Kazuhiko Sano (1952-2011), known as “Kazu” to his friends, was best known for his extensive work as an illustrator and instructor in San Francisco. Born in Tokyo, he moved to San Francisco in 1975 to attend the Academy of Art College (now University) and graduated with one of the very first MFAs it ever handed out. He returned to the University in 1986 to begin teaching and continued to teach until 2011. Some of his more popular works included the Star Wars Episode VI: The Return of the Jedi movie poster and the Frank Sinatra commemorative U.S. postage stamp, as well as many editorial pieces for National Geographic and Scientific American magazines. A portion of the sales from the exhibition will be donated to the Kazu Sano Memorial Scholarship Fund.
Moonlight Paddle
6:30 p.m.
California Canoe and Kayak, 409 Water Street
Join California Canoe and Kayak for moonlight kayaking along the waterfront. The water is calm and glassy on the Oakland Estuary, and the city lights add to the ambiance of the evening. Enjoy a leisurely paddling pace as the sun sets and the moon rises.
57th Street Gallery Presents Lloyd Gregory and Friends
8:30 – 11 p.m. (doors open at 6 p.m.)
5701 Telegraph Avenue
Lloyd Gregory is a well-established classic jazz guitarist whose style is smooth, soulful, melodic, flowing and immediately likeable. What makes his approach distinctive is that it evokes unique hints of his extensive R&B roots. He is a master of both acoustic and electric guitar, having released five critically-acclaimed albums. Musicians are Lloyd Gregory, guitar; Glen Pearson, vocals; Joe Thomas, bass; Richard Howell, saxophone; Richard Aquan, drums; and James Henry. Admission is $15. For more information or to make reservations (recommended), visit www.57thStreetGallery.com.
Sunday, April 13
OMCA Family Drop-in Workshop: Make A Bee Hotel
Noon – 3 p.m.
Oakland Museum of California, 1000 Oak Street
Celebrate the return of spring by making your very own bee hotel! Bee hotels are a great way to attract buzzy little pollinators to your garden and help jumpstart your flower or vegetable patch for the season. Included with Museum admission, no reservations are required, and all ages are welcome.
North Oakland Restorative Justice Youth Day
1 – 5 p.m.
Dover Street Edible Park/Healthy Hearts Garden, 57th and Dover Streets
On April 24, 2013, Donitra Henderson, a young woman, was murdered right off of Dover Street in North Oakland, in front of her 4-year-old son. To honor her life and the many other youth who have senselessly lost their lives to violence in North Oakland, neighborhood organizations and affected families are coming together with the North Oakland Restorative Justice Council to plant and dedicate fruit trees in the honor of these victims of violence. Bring something to barbecue, come meet neighbors, and learn more about how to make North Oakland safer place using Restorative Justice and community initiatives that support a safer, more just North Oakland. This event is very kid-friendly. For more information, visit www.NorthOaklandRestorativeJustice.org.
Fashion Illustration
4:30 – 6:30 p.m.
Rock Paper Scissors Collective, 2278 Telegraph Avenue
This class introduces basic fashion illustration for the design of clothing. Click here to register.
Monday, April 14
Oakland Landmarks Preservation Advisory Board Meeting
6 – 8 p.m.
Oakland City Hall, 1 Frank H. Ogawa Plaza
For additional information, call (510) 238-3941 or visit oaklandheritage.org. It is recommended to confirm the date and location at www.oaklandnet.com.
Stay Up Late with Chabot for the Total Lunar Eclipse
9 p.m.
Chabot Space & Science Center, 10000 Skyline Boulevard
Join Chabot for a special open evening on their observatory deck to watch the total eclipse of the moon. Watch this incredible astronomical phenomenon as the moon is engulfed in a deep red color. Bring binoculars, blankets and warm clothes. Hot beverages will be available for sale. Click here for tickets.
Tuesday, April 15
Oakland City Council and Oakland Redevelopment Agency Meeting
5:30 p.m.
City Council Chambers, Third Floor, Oakland City Hall, 1 Frank Ogawa Plaza
The City Council is the governing body of the City of Oakland, and consists of eight members who are elected directly by the citizens of Oakland: one representative from each of seven districts, and one at-large representative. The Council sets goals and priorities for the City, as well as approving the City budget, adopting ordinances to help the City serve its citizens, and appointing members to various boards and commissions. The City Council meets 2 – 3 times per month, on the 1st, 3rd, and 5th Tuesdays. A downloadable agenda is available here. For more information, click here or call (510) 238-7370.
Wednesday, April 16
Fruitvale Unity NCPC Monthly Meeting
6:30 – 8 p.m.
San Antonio Senior Center, 3301 East 12th Street, Suite 201
Join this monthly community meeting to share strategies to resolve community issues and concerns. An agenda is posted by the Fruitvale Unity Council on the day of the event. For more information, email steinwaytna@yahoogroups.com.
Film Screening: aka Dan
7 – 9 p.m.
Oakland Asian Cultural Center, 388 9th Street, Suite 290
OACC is proud to present a screening of aka Dan, which documents hip hop artist DANakaDAN’s search for his birth parents as a Korean adoptee. DANakaDAN is a prominent API YouTube artist and has collaborated with the likes of Wong Fu Productions, Cathy Nguyen, and Clara C. You can find more of DANakaDAN’s music at tinyurl.com/akadanyoutube. OACC is also hosting a special Google Hangout Q&A session with DANakaDAN right after the screening. For more information on the screening, please email Steven Cong.
Allendale Park NCPC Meeting
7 p.m.
Allendale Recreation Center, 3711 Suter Street
For more information about this organization’s meetings, or to get on its mailing list, email allendale_ncpc@yahoogroups.com.
Golden Gate NCPC 10X Monthly Meeting
7 – 8:30 p.m.
Golden Gate Recreation Center, 1075 62nd Street
This monthly meeting of the Golden Gate Neighborhood Crime Prevention Council recurs on the third Wednesday of each month, except for December. For more information, or to get in touch with the organization, visit groups.yahoo.com/group/NCPC-10X/cal.
Thursday, April 17
Oakland City Council Rules and Legislation Committee Meeting
10:45 a.m.
Oakland City Hall, 1 Frank H. Ogawa Plaza, Hearing Room 1
The Rules and Legislation Committee usually meets at this time (although it is recommended to confirm the day and time, as this is subject to change). A downloadable agenda is available here. For more information, click here or call (510) 238-7370.
Oakland Food Policy Council Work Group Meeting
5 – 7:30 p.m.
1000 Broadway, 5th Floor, Room A or B
The mission of the Oakland Food Policy Council (OFPC) is to establish an equitable and sustainable food system in Oakland. It strives to: ensure access to healthy, affordable food within walking distance of every Oakland resident; bring under-served neighborhoods to the food policy table and increase “food literacy” among Oakland residents; put food, hunger, and food systems on the City of Oakland’s agenda and contribute to the national dialog on food policy; and turn the Oakland food system into an engine for local economic development and involve local and regional agricultural communities.
Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee Meeting
5:30 p.m.
Oakland City Hall, 1 Frank Ogawa Plaza, Hearing Room 4
Oakland’s Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee (BPAC) committee was chartered in 1995 to advise the City on the design of bicycle and pedestrian facilities and related issues. Meetings are held at City Hall the third Thursday of the month. Members of the public are welcome to attend all or part of any BPAC meeting. For more information, visit oaklandpw.com/Page124.aspx.
World Book Night Pick-Up Party
6 p.m.
Diesel, A Bookstore, 5433 College Avenue
World Book Night is a one-of-a-kind event, a special chance for people to share their love of reading with those who don’t regularly read, whether for reasons of means or geography. Every year, 25,000 passionate volunteers all across America give a total of half a million books within their communities. Why? Because they firmly believe that reading can change your life. And they’re not alone. According to the National Endowment for the Arts, “reading improves employability, social interaction, enfranchisement, and can have a positive effect on mental health and happiness. Book readers are more likely to participate in positive activities such as volunteering, attending cultural events, and even physical exercise.” Whether you’ve volunteered already for your box of books, are simply curious to know more, or would like to show your support, come to the pick-up party! Enjoy pie and libations, swap stories and share your love of reading! (And if you forgot to volunteer, come down anyway! We’ll have a handful of extra boxes for latecomers.)
OSD Advisory Committee Meeting
6:30 p.m.
Hunter Hall, Paul Robeson Administrative Building, 1025 2nd Avenue
Representative parents, staff, students and community members make up the District Advisory Committee (DAC). The DAC provides a community perspective to the Board of Education and the District leadership on important educational issues. They also assure the District and individual schools are in compliance with state accountability laws. Each school appoints a representative to the DAC.
Melrose High Hopes NCPC Beat 27X Meeting
7 – 8:30 p.m.
Horace Mann School, 5222 Ygnacio
The NCPC is the main organizing group for the neighborhood. The Steering Committee, which is the NCPC leadership team, makes decisions about monthly meeting agendas and major events (e.g., speakers, priorities for OPD, elections, and projects like the Thanksgiving Food Drive, annual block party, Courtland Creek Rejuvenation Project, support for our neighborhood school, redevelopment on Foothill, and the like). The monthly meetings at Horace Mann School are a great opportunity to let the designated City Council Member and Community Policing Officers know about neighborhood concerns and engage them in helping the neighborhood. Visit ncpcbeat27x.org for updated agenda items, general information, or to get on the mailing list for future meetings.
To list an event for April 18 – 24, email the details to meg@oaklandlocal.com by noon on Tuesday, April 15.