Welcome to the NEW ABG Newsletter, we have been up to a lot and are excited to share some of the exciting things we have been busy working on. In this issue we have some BIG news, some new opportunities on the horizon and lots of projects!
CATCHING UP ON SOME THINGS WE DID
"彩色布" “Colorful Fabrics” Chinatown Oakland Mural by ABG’s own Sorell Raino-Tsui AKA
On the corner of 7th street and Webster street you can find Tsui Xiao Rui’s first Chinatown Oakland Mural. As an Oakland native it was an honor to be able to leave a mark on this historic district. Being half-Chinese Tsui Xiao Rui intended to create a piece that would pay homage to the cultural vibrancy of his roots interpreted in his personal artistic style.
This piece has re-energized the area with color, character and celebration of Chinese Heritage. Tsui Xiao Rui’s official mural unvieling was held on Dec 2nd with yummy food by new tenant Creek House Dim Sum Restaurant set to open in 2024.
Housing is a Human Right Gala
December 7th marked the 1st Annual Fundraiser for Firm Foundation Community Housing, held at 369 3rd Street in Jack London. This event was put together by ABG partners, "Elliot" Trent Thompson as the featured Artist and Erica Enriquez as the Event Producer. "Pictures For People" is an exhibit that showcases portraits of people who were formally homeless and have gone through the Tiny Home Villages built by Firm Foundation Community Housing and have successfully moved into permanent housing. The portraits painted by Elliot were inspired by commissioned photographs of the subjects, shot by the amazing photographer, Cinque Mubarak. The purpose of the event was to raise funds and awareness to support efforts to build more Tiny Home villages to battle homelessness and the housing crisis. The event featured a wonderfully catered array of delicious food from 5 local food trucks, Hula Truck, Cielito Lindo, Curveball Sliders, Curry Up Now, and Marley's Treats. Event photography by Nick Beymer
To learn more about this amazing organization and to find way to support and make a difference, visit their website: https://www.ffchousing.org/
We Got Headshots!
We had a fun day doing a photo day with Cody Smith at Oakland's most collaborative workspace 1528Webster. ABG Art Group headquarters has been located at 1528 Webster since 2017. 1528 is a creative community of startups, agencies, freelancers, and mentors sharing a passion for innovation. This is a space where companies, freelancers, and artists can grow their ideas, connect, and find support and mentorship while celebrating diverse people, ideas, and the importance of building community. For more information on how to become a member visit: http://www.1528webster.com/
SOME THINGS WE WERE A PART OF
Throughline
ABG Art Group is very honored to be a producer of this stunning show. ABG art Group assisted and supported this "idea" from inception, planning, experience design, installation and promotion. Throughline was a 1 year old dream, that grew into a reality that captivated the hearts, minds and palates of all who had the pleasure of attending.
THROUGHLINE, is a 3-hour multidisciplinary, multi-sensory journey through art in various forms. This immersive experience is a celebration of 12 female pillars of Oakland, unveiled through 5 different interpretations brought to you by the following artists in their own mediums
Taylor Smalls - Artist
Brandon Ruffin - Photographer
Michael Wayne Turner III - Poet
Mara Hruby - Vocalist
Last Supper Society - Culinary Creator
The Loom
Over the last year we had teamed up with High Bridge Equity Partners to lay the foundation for building an Artistic Hub in Oakland. As part of that initiative, ABG Art Group established anchor tenants for the space in working artists studios located at Loom Creative. The anchor tenants include local heavy hitters:
It is incredible to have this level of talent operating in one place.
SOME IRONS IN THE FIRE
Broadway
After 2 years in the works, ABG embarked on a month long adventure in collaboration with artist Fernanda Martinez on her biggest project to date. This project is located at 233 Broadway, formerly the ZHotel near Jack London Square. Fernanda's ability to lead a team with ABG by her side as the production company behind this project, led to the flawless execution of the largest mural of her career. It took exactly 30 days, over 200 hours, 4 production assistants, a scissor lift, 2 boom lifts, ladders, rollers, brushes, sprayers about 10 trips to Home Depot, not to mention the endless amounts of 5 gallon paint jugs in 13 different colors, to achieve this monster of a mural that spans all four sides of the building.
HUGE Congratulations Fernanda Martinez!!!
Alamo
The Mission of this project is to create a dynamic and artistic identity for the Alamo Plaza. ABG's task is to create artwork that is inviting and consists of bright and colorful designs. The work aims be universally enjoyed, culturally relevant, and includes way-finding elements. This project includes artwork in 13 different locations by the artist Elliot, scattered around the plaza that is actively transforming and bringing vibrancy and color to the entire complex. Pop on by to see this colorful work in progress!
Production Assistants on this project:
OPPORTUNITIES
EMERYVILLE 2024-2025 GRANT PROGRAM
Community Promotions and Visual Arts Grant Programs
The City of Emeryville is pleased to announce the Annual Grant Program for Funding Year 2024-2025. These grants support the creative life of Emeryville. The Community Promotions Grant Program expands public access to literary, video and film, culinary, historic, and performing arts and events in our community and the Visual Arts Grant Program offers opportunities for new installations from murals and mosaics to street mandalas and shade structures designed by an artist or an installation yet to be conceived of, by supporting the work of the individual artist or organizations. The City welcomes applications from a variety of nonprofit organizations or individuals or organizations. Contracting requirements for grant recipients will be discussed at a pre-bid seminar to be held in advance of the grants’ application deadline. This event is scheduled for Feb 8, 2024 at 10AM at the City Council Chamber at 1333 Park Avenue, Emeryville, CA. A Guided workshop will be held on February 13, 2024 from 5pm-7pm. Location for the workshop to be announced at a later date. The City of Emeryville encourages these organizations or individuals to apply for Community Promotions grants up to $10,000 and Visual Arts Grants of up to $17,500.