Community
Nine Oakland Public Art Displays You Can Explore While Social Distancing
By Cathy Niland | 3.25.2020
Oakland is a city known for its art—it’s often listed as one of the main attractions for visitors. And normally, we have the privilege of seeing art come to life in our studio on a daily basis. But since our own studio is shut down, we’re looking for new, creative ways to engage with Oakland while staying safe. That’s why we’ve pulled together a list of nine public art displays you can explore while still practicing social distancing. All these pieces are outdoors in public spaces, so you can get some fresh air, take in some art, and still stay six feet away from other humans. Bring your whole family along for a creative adventure.
Feel free to follow along using the map above, and don’t forget to mark down other art you see along the way. What are your favorite pieces of public art in Oakland? Share with us by emailing communications@thecrucible.org.
VITALITY
Artist: Bruce Beasley
Location: Across from Frank H Ogawa Plaza, Downtown Oakland
This towering 30′ tall bronze sculpture sits in Oakland’s downtown at the end of San Pablo Avenue. The piece was installed in the early 2000s after Beasley, a West Oakland-based sculptor, won a contest for a public art display following the Loma Prieta earthquake in 1989.
THERE!
Artist: Roselyn Mazzilli
Location: Oakland City Center near 12th Street BART, Downtown Oakland
This colorful sculpture will be familiar to anyone who commutes through Oakland’s City Center. Standing 20′ tall, this sculpture has been an unmissable fixture of Downtown since the late 80s when Mazzilli installed her tribute to Gertrude Stein.
MID-CENTURY MONSTER
Artist: Robert Winston
Location: Lake Merritt
Last year, the long ignored Mid-Century Monster, a fixture of Lakeside Park, received. a long overdue refurbishment. Now back and greener than ever, this decades old icon—half sculpture, half play structure—is ready and waiting for your arrival. What’s great about this piece is you don’t have to tell your kids not to touch the art!
PARK GATES FOR THE GARDENS AT LAKE MERRITT
Artist: Shawn Lovell
Location: The Gardens at Lake Merritt
This functional public art is a brand-new addition to The Gardens, forged using ancient techniques by Alameda blacksmith, Shawn Lovell. No two leaves are alike and the details demand close study. Lovell had to create two of every element–once for the front gate, and once for the back gate.
OAKLAND’S MURALS
Artist: Various Artists
Location: Various locations
When you hear the words public art in Oakland, you can’t help but think of the countless murals covering our city. There are so many incredible pieces of art we couldn’t begin to dive in deep enough, but as you explore, you are bound to cross paths with a few. Check out Visit Oakland’s page on Oakland murals for more information and keep an eye out for information on Oakland’s Mural Festival.
SEA REMEMBRANCE
Artist: James Allen King
Location: International Maritime Center, Port of Oakland
Sea Remembrance is a brand new addition to the Oakland waterfront, unveiled in February, 2020. This sculpture is meant to commemorate the sacrifices seafarers make and their relationship to Oakland’s history as a port city.
THREE LADDERS & THE OAKLAND MEMORIAL PARK
Artist: Katherine Keefer, April Philips, Steve Gillman
Location: Mandela Parkway, West Oakland
This collaborative project was created to commemorate the lives lost in the Cypress Freeway collapse during the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake. The three ladders sculpture refers to the men and women of West Oakland who rushed to help the injured.
DIAMOND WAYFINDING MOSICS
Artist: Gina Dominguez
Location: Near the intersection of Fruitvale and MacArthur, Diamond District
These vibrant and colorful mosaics (five in total) were commissioned by the city council for the shopping area in the Diamond neighborhood of Oakland. Where some of the pieces on this list ask you to do a lot of looking up, these will help you stretch your neck in the other direction.
IN THEIR ROOTS ALL TREES KEEP THE LIGHT
Artist: HYBYCOZO
Location: Outside The Hanover on 27th St., Uptown Oakland
HYBYCOZO duo, Yelena Filipchuk and Serge Beaulieu, have installed sculptures around the world, but this recent Uptown installation is extra special as the pair calls Oakland their home. This piece is impressive any time of day, but worth a visit during evening hours when it lights up, revealing stunning shadow patterns on the ground.
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