Many Alameda residents are unfamiliar with the address of 1435 Webster Street, though they may remember the former parking lot where the farmer’s market was once held. That spot has become a rather remarkable location for outdoor dining, art, music, and theater.
[1]Now known as Webster Park—previously The Healing Garden—this reclaimed location was host on Saturday, April 25, to an art and music event called Throwing Shade. [2] Its central celebration was the unveiling of seven new murals organized by Katie Connell from the Creativity Center of Alameda [3]. Assisting Connell was Elissa Glickman of West Alameda Business Association [4] (WABA) and Amos White of 100K Trees for Humanity [5].
[6]Throwing Shade marks the third generation of murals displayed on the inner walls of this location. The first, Black Lives Matter themed, and the second, titled Difference is the Essence of Humanity, were supported by WABA and West End Arts District [7]. Combined, these works of art were significant in changing the practical asphalt lot into something found nowhere else on the island—a remarkable fusing of SF MOMA, the Exploratorium, ACT, and Stern Grove, but smaller and more adorable. But far more than pretty, Throwing Shade brought attention to the disparity of greenery in the West End, relative to higher-income areas. As Connell’s mural states: “Even after accounting for density and development, income remains strongly tied to access to urban greenery, highlighting a persistent environmental inequity.”
[8]The weather was chilly and foggy, but the spirit of the day provided a wonderful contrast—colorful, textured, vibrant, and ebullient. Free green bottles were given away by neighboring business Replenish Marketplace [9], along with Alameda Post post-it notes for the taking, and there was also a demonstration on worms and dirt. Local musician Sean Glaze strolled in to share his instruments and Apama Krishnamoorthy graced the stage with an Indian dance celebrating spring.
[10]But the headliners at this event were the seven new murals that made their debut that day, each displayed on the east side of the inner wall. From left to right, as you face the facades, they were created by Jenn Crane, Jean Chen, Arianna Castillo, Marcy Voyevod, Jo Anne Yada, Art Jam, and Katie Connell. They are visual stories, horizontal and vertical, united by theme but distinct in expression, a gift to all of us from these creators. Equally joyously displayed was a medley of smaller works painted by smaller artists the previous weekend at the Art Mob. Along with the adult art, the efforts of the youngsters remind us all that art is from everyone for everyone.
[11]The heart of this heartfelt day belonged to primary organizer Connell, who wears many hats and paints with multiple brushes. As leader of the Creativity Center of Alameda, she oversees Alameda Arts Alliance, runs Bare Walls Bazaar, and hopes to turn the long-vacant Carnegie Library into an arts center. At Throwing Shade, Connell, assisted by fellow artist and supreme helper Marcy Voyevod, dashed about wearing a paint apron as she set up tables, displays, and items for visitors to make a beautiful mess of their hands making mini-murals. Honestly, this was the kind of event that makes participants say to themselves or out loud, “Wow, I love where I live.”
[12]The new murals are on permanent display so you are welcome to visit anytime, and perhaps combine the visit with lunch from any of the many nearby restaurants, and then shop and breathe in some West End bliss.
Gene Kahane is the founder of the Foodbank Players [13], a lifelong teacher, and former Poet Laureate for the City of Alameda. Reach him at [email protected] [14]. His writing is collected at AlamedaPost.com/Gene-Kahane [15].