The biggest story of the night for Oakland's
First Friday Art Murmur were the masses of people who turned out for what was likely the most popular Art Murmur to date. I estimated 3,000 to 4,000 people came out Friday, April 6 for Art Murmur in Oakland's
Northgate-Waverly district. My photographer
Joe Sciarrillo estimated that total turn out was closer to 5,000 people came to the 5-block area between West Grand and 26th Street between Telegraph Ave and Webster between 6pm and 10pm on Friday.
The
25+ art galleries open last night were over-brimming with people. Lines to see the exhibits extended into the streets, similar to
last month's Art Murmur. But what made last night's different from prior Art Murmur's I've attended was that Telegraph Ave was so packed with people from West Grand to 26th Street, it was difficult to even walk down the street. Across the street on Telegraph between 23rd and 24th, two different punk rock groups set up with full bands and were rocking out, playing live music for the attendees.
Art Murmur drew the masses not only to the galleries and mixed-use spaces, but also filled local businesses with people, including local bars and clubs like the
Stork Club and
Paradiso Lounge and restaurants like
Hawker Fare.
In addition to
Johansson Projects,
Chandra Cerrito Contemporary,
Krowswork galleries on 23rd Street packed with people, the street was active like it's been
in prior months with street performers.
Walking up to 25th Street, there was a lot of activity at the 10 galleries open on that block.
The wait to get into the
25th Street Collective was worth it. Inside there were several artists showcasing the best in the East Bay's "Do it yourself" (DIY) ethic.
Daniel Castillo creates hardwood percussion instruments and replicas of Pre-Columbian instruments from reclaimed wood. His Palm Shakers are like smooth, elegantly made maracas. These handmade instruments are made from richly colored hardwood and showcase his skill as a carpenter.
Nancy Nadel the chocolatier of the
Oakland Chocolate Company makes chocolate from the bean on 2nd Street in Jack London. Her $2 milk chocolate bar was exquisite, and I went back to buy some of her handmade Easter chocolate.
Dustin Page creates leather clothing from reclaimed car seats. His company
Platinum Dirt has a line of VIN jackets made from leather seats of Cadillacs and Mercedes, with the vehicle's VIN number as the breastplate. He also makes
Pocket Cuffs™ which is a wallet made out of recycled leather that fits around your wrist like a bracelet wallet.
Overall, Oakland's Art Murmur had more going on than one could check out in one evening. The street scene was jumping with live music, street artists, and local artists selling their art on the sidewalk. Inside the galleries, the crowds were so packed, that I recommend to truly appreciate the art, to visit Saturday afternoons during the less-crowded
Saturday Stroll.
By Matt Werner. Joe Sciarrillo also contributed to this report. All photos are copyright © Joe Sciarrillo. See more photos from the April Art Murmur on Google+.
Cross-posted to Oakland Local: http://oaklandlocal.com/posts/2012/04/massive-turnout-aprils-art-murmur-community-voices
