ABG in May
- Erica Enriquez
- Jun 23
- 4 min read
Spring is out and Summer is here, and so is a new season of creativity, collaboration, and community. This past month, we're celebrating fresh projects, exciting partnerships, and the artists who continue to inspire us.
Here’s what we’ve been up to—and what’s ahead.
HERE ARE SOME THINGS WE DID
Graffiti Wall in Downtown Oakland by Kalani: A Tribute to Roots, Resilience, and Community
This spring, ABG had the honor of supporting Oakland-based artist Kalani Cecaci in transforming a prominent wall at the PG&E building in Downtown Oakland.
With the support and collaboration of his tight-knit crew of fellow artists (@om.28, @justonourgrind, @prettywhenquiet, @offspeedheat, @tressprays), and "uncle" Tsui Xiao Rui, who championed his growth as an artist and gave him the space to thrive, this mural exists.
The mural stands as a vibrant symbol of Oakland pride, community power, and the beauty of honoring where you come from while building something for the future.
🧧 Xiao Rui’s CBS Feature & Chinatown Mural Project
We’re proud to celebrate Sorell Raino-Tsui (aka Xiao Rui)—ABG co-director and longtime Bay Area muralist—who was recently featured in a CBS Bay Area special spotlighting his work in Oakland Chinatown for AAPI Heritage Month. The segment, titled "Painting a Different Image of His Community One Brush Stroke at a Time," highlighted his commitment to storytelling through public art.
For over a decade, Sorell has drawn inspiration from his Chinese heritage and the rich history of Bay Area communities to create murals that reflect culture, identity, and resilience. His work can be found throughout San Francisco—including the iconic Year of the Snake basketball mural near Portsmouth Square in Chinatown—and now, he’s bringing that same spirit of transformation to Oakland.
In partnership with the Oakland Chinatown Chamber of Commerce, Sorell recently completed the first of two murals planned for the neighborhood this year. These murals are part of a larger vision to uplift and energize the community, one wall at a time. As CBS put it, "Murals are art, and art is culture"—and Sorell’s work embodies this belief wholeheartedly.
Thank you to reporter Betty Yu, producer Lisa A. Chong, and the CBS team for telling this story with such care and heart.
SOMETHING WE ARE WORKING ON
2270 Broadway - Northlake project
Northlake is more than just a new neighborhood — it’s a canvas for creativity, a gathering place for community, and a platform for growth.
Once known as Auto Row, this stretch of Broadway is being reimagined as a vibrant hub where thousands of residents, cutting-edge companies, and beloved Oakland-born restaurants, bars, and retailers now intersect. What was once an ordinary parking lot at 2270 Broadway has transformed into Lot 2270 — a dynamic public plaza designed for everyday connection, weekly gatherings, and large-scale cultural activations.
At the heart of this transformation is a deep love for Oakland and a commitment to its people. Northlake was created with the belief that every Oaklander deserves a safe, clean, and thriving downtown — one that reflects the city’s history while making space for its future.
ABG Art Group is proud to be part of shaping this vision. We’re contributing a series of ground murals and site-specific art installations that bring color, storytelling, and a sense of place to the plaza. These works are rooted in Oakland’s spirit — bold, creative, and community-first.
Though it may be the city’s newest neighborhood, Northlake is about honoring what has always made Oakland great: its people, its culture, and its enduring sense of possibility.
Things we were part of
🎪 Thomas Jones Residency at RCCD HQ at Bay Street
We had the honor of co-hosting Thomas Jones for a special artist residency at the RCCD HQ at Bay Street, what an exciting month filled with events and activations featuring an opening ceremony, a bold Circus Cabaret - La Sandia night, and a vibrant closing event. The residency showcased the powerful work of the Los Pobres Artistas collective and brought together artists and community in unforgettable ways. .
OPPORTUNITIES
The First AnnualEmeryville Art & Culture Month October 2025
We’re thrilled to launch Emeryville Arts & Culture Month, a vibrant, month-long celebration of creativity, collaboration, and community. Presented in partnership with local artists, organizations, and businesses, this inaugural event highlights the extraordinary talent thriving in our city.
Throughout the month, explore a dynamic lineup of exhibitions, workshops, pop-ups, public art activations, immersive experiences, parties, and performances—all curated to ignite imagination and connection.
Each week features a distinct theme, offering something for everyone—from lifelong art lovers to curious newcomers. Join us in making this new tradition a true reflection of Emeryville’s creative spirit.
Visit the RottenCityCulturalDistrict.com to sign up for the following:
Participate in Open Studios
Creative Innovators Convening
Vendor/Table at the RCCD Block Party
Thank you for being part of our creative community! Stay tuned for more updates, artist highlights, and exciting projects in the coming months.
Visit our website to learn more: abgartgroup.com and follow us on Instagram @abgprojects.
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