This project is part of ongoing efforts to promote community involvement by creating public works of art. Athen B. Gallery asked artists living around the Bay Area to transform the utility boxes located in Downtown and the Jack London District of Oakland. These project were funded by the Uptown Downtown Business District and the Jack London Improvement District
The boxes are unique works of art, protected by a sealant after completion. Each artist spent a series of days working on their live-painted boxes and interacting with locals. The artists’ participation brought a multitude of reactions from passers-by, and most artists returned with anecdotes from their short but impactful time spent working on the sidewalk All Photographers by Si-On Nguyen.
For Oakland downtown: Vernon and 27th, by Whole Foods - Nina Wright | Grand ave at Harrison, by Lake Merrit - Santos Shelton | Grand ave at Broadway, in front of Starbucks - John Felix Arnold | Broadway at 19th - Jack Chappel | Broadway at 14th, Frank Ogawa Plaza - David Polka | Broadway at 12th - Ernest Doty | Broadway at 11th - Marcos LaFarga | Broadway at 10th, in front of Marriott Hotel - Muzae Sesay
For Jack London: Jackson st between 5th and 4th, Troy Lovegates | 4th st at Harrison, Lynnea Holland-Weiss | 3rd and Broadway, Kate Klingbeil | 4th and Washington, Marcos LaFarga | 4th and Jefferson, Ricky Watts | 4th and Jefferson, Cameron Thompson | 6th and Broadway, Cannon Dill
