The East Bay arts community, friends, and family will gather on Friday, August 21, to honor the life, brilliant career, and lasting cultural legacy of beloved local artist Dan Fontes. The public memorial, themed “Celebrating Dan Fontes: A Night of Life, Art, and Pinball,” will take place at the Pacific Pinball Museum, 1510 Webster Street, from 6 to 10 p.m. (ceremony at 8 p.m.).
[1]Fontes, who passed away from cancer in late April 2026 at the age of 67, leaves behind an unparalleled visual stamp on the San Francisco Bay Area. Best known for his monumental public works, Fontes famously transformed concrete urban expanses into vibrant sanctuaries of nature. His most legendary creations include the “Giraphics” giraffe murals and striking zebra portraits under the Interstate 580 overpasses in Oakland, as well as the colossal “Emergent Sea Turtles” mural off Interstate 880.
Beyond his public street art, Fontes was a foundational force in the regional art scene, starting in the radical driftwood galleries of the Emeryville Mudflats in the 1970s. He later lent his immense talents to the preservation of history as a longtime board member and painter of signature interior historical murals for the Pacific Pinball Museum, making the venue the perfect backdrop to celebrate his spirit.
[2]A major highlight of the evening will be the presentation of an official proclamation from the City of Oakland, honoring Fontes’ massive impact on the culture, beauty, and vibrance of the city he loved so much. The evening’s formal ceremony will begin at 8 p.m. and will be officiated by spiritual healer Brenda Salgado. Musical tributes will be performed throughout the night by Amie Penwell.
“Dan gave so much color and joy to Oakland and the Bay Area,” noted event co-hosts Kristine Holohan and Julie Lucchesi. “Let’s gather to remember him the best way we know how, with community, music, pinball, and love.”
All who were touched by Dan’s life, mentorship, or art are invited to attend, share their favorite stories, play pinball, and raise a glass to a legendary artist and beautiful soul.