ABG in October
- Erica Enriquez
- 6 days ago
- 4 min read
October was a milestone month for ABG Art Group, we as the facilitators of the Rotten City Cultural District celebrated Arts and Culture Month in Emeryville the whole month of October. This month also marked the completion of a major new project—one that showcases our commitment to transforming spaces through art and storytelling
Arts and Culture Month Highlights
Beyond the Lamplight - 10/10/2025
A Magical Grand Opening at Gallery 4509
October was an unforgettable month as we celebrated the grand opening of Celebration of the Arts new space "Gallery 4509", the ignaural show featured “Beyond the Lamplight,” an inspiring exhibition showcasing personal artwork by renowned Pixar artists, offering a rare glimpse into the creative worlds behind some of our favorite films. A special highlight of the night was the raffle—where one lucky Pixar superfan won a private tour of Pixar Studios for themselves and seven friends. The pure joy and emotion that followed captured the spirit of the night: art, connection, and imagination coming together.
If you missed the opening, there’s still time to experience the show.
Exhibition Dates: October 11 – November 15, 2025
Gallery Hours: Fridays & Saturdays 2 PM–6 PM
Don’t miss this incredible exhibition! Step inside Gallery 4509 and immerse yourself in the personal artworks of Pixar’s most talented artists—where creativity leaps beyond the .screen and into the heart of Emeryville’s artistic community
Jered's Pottery "Clay with your Food" - 10/12/2025
October brought one of the most delicious events yet to the Rotten City Cultural District — Clay With Your Food at Jered’s Pottery, a live chef competition that blended the artistry of fine dining with the unpredictability of the pottery studio. Imagine Chef’s Table meets The Great Pottery Throw Down meets Nailed It — and you’ve got the recipe for this wildly creative afternoon.
Three fearless Bay Area chefs — Nico Peña (previously of Octavia), Lacey Sher (Encuentro Café and Wine Bar, Down to Earth), and Henry Hsu (Dumpling Club, Hodo Foods) — faced three high-heat challenges: cooking food in a 1,000-degree kiln, plating on custom sculptures made by Jered himself, and throwing their own pottery on the wheel under the clock. In the end, Chef Nico Peña took home the title of Clay With Your Food Champion !
Guests enjoyed wood-fired pizza, salads, and appetizers from Anaviv Catering, and sipped on crafted cocktails featuring Oakland's own Longman’s Gin. Highlights included a “Jered’s Mugshot” photo booth, a glaze-naming contest, and plenty of laughter and clay-splattered fun.
A huge thank-you to all the chefs, pottery coaches Bruno, Jen, and Saadi, competition judges Grant Faulkner, Sarah Rich, and Nico Peña, and to our generous host, former Mayor John Bauters, for helping make this unique collaboration of food, fire, and creativity come to life.
Photos by Bart Nagel
Art Tours - Week of 10/12-10/18
Exploring Emeryville: Art & Culture Month Tours
As part of Emeryville’s Arts & Culture Month, the Rotten City Cultural District partnered with various members of the Emerville art community to facilitate a vibrant lineup of tours that brought the city’s creative landscape to life. From murals to light installations, each experience offered a new way to connect with the people and stories shaping Emeryville’s cultural identity.
Highlights included Art Hops (hosted by Amber Evans), a bar hop and illuminated art walk that lit up the night; the PangeaSeed Mural Tour, showcasing large-scale works inspired by ocean conservation; a guided Greenway Public Art Tour (hosted by John Bauters) , where participants explored sculptures and installations along the beloved trail; the Wareham Development Public Art Tour (hosted by Judy Wetterer), offering a rare behind-the-scenes look at their impressive corporate art collection; and the Emeryville Historical Society Art Tour (hosted by Rob Arias) which traced the city’s rich creative roots through time.
Each stop revealed a different facet of Emeryville’s ever-evolving arts scene — a testament to the city’s commitment to creativity, community, and collaboration.
Harvest Festival, Sherwin Community Gardens Mural - 10/4/2025
Transforming Space: The Sherwin Community Garden Mural
During Emeryville’s Harvest Festival on October 4, RCCD produced the new Sherwin Community Garden Mural—a vibrant collaboration that turned a long-overlooked wall into a stunning placemaking feature; a colorful celebration of creativity and community pride.
Created in partnership with local artist Pat O’Neil and featuring inspired designs from Emery High art students, the mural captures the energy and imagination of Emeryville’s next generation of artists. Their ideas blossomed into a work that reflects growth, connection, and the beauty of community collaboration.
This project stands as a shining example of how art can transform space—cultivating not just gardens, but a sense of belonging and shared identity in Emeryville.
Project update: Willow Pass Finished!
New Public Art Spotlight: The Willow Pass Murals
In October, we completed the Willow Pass Murals in Concord, a striking series of artworks that bring color, texture, and dimension to a new housing development. These murals go beyond paint—each features custom relief elements that add depth and tactile interest, transforming the walls into sculptural statements.
The project celebrates the intersection of art and architecture, turning everyday spaces into visually engaging environments that reflect the spirit of community and renewal. With thoughtful design and craftsmanship, the Willow Pass Murals stand as a testament to how public art can enhance the experience of place and create a welcoming atmosphere for residents and visitors alike.
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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