Sunday, March 2, 2014

A Mural Grows in the Urban Jungle


Completed Mural Feb. 2014 Oakland, CA



We are pleased to announce the planting of a brand new, beautiful mural underneath the overpass near our home.   ABC News covered this activity.  See the video.

The concrete walls beneath the freeway have long been a place where slack-jawed punks would constantly tag nonsense but now a mural adorns the entire space!  A group called 'Attitudinal Healing' aims to "combat violence in Oakland by offering creative and educational programs that transform the human spirit and build peaceful, loving communities."

Now I've always questioned the role of Art as a method to fight violence but this extraordinary mural has me thinking that this approach can work.  According to their website, the group works with local school children and artists to design and paint the mural.  Credit the City of Oakland too for letting this project happen which first started along San Pablo Corridor and will extend to the underpasses on West and MLK.

I've seen many murals all over the world but I am astonished and amazed at the incredible artistry that went into the creation of this mural.  It's heavy with symbolic imagery that strikes at our very cord including imagery related to Art, the Environment, Nature and Positive communication.

I've included pics here but this needs to be seen in person to really feel the full effect.  In the past, the underpass always seemed drabby and dark but now it is a fully realized art gallery with Art created by some of the finest mural artists around.

We love it and want to share this with you and perhaps you should see if your city offers such a program.

Also, there is a grand public unveiling on March 5th at 1:30pm.  I'll be there handing out lemons!

Attitudinal Healing is looking for donations to continue their great work.  We are donating, why don't you?



Mural in Progress
Mural in Progress

Mural in Progress

Mural in Progress