After more than 10 years on Ninth Street in Old Oakland, the gallery has relocated to Second and Clay after securing a three-year lease. It's been gradually moving for a month with the help of volunteers who are also painting and building walls in the new space.

"We've gotten tremendous community support," said Svea Lin Vezzone, exhibition and program director. "The lease gives us security that's important to our members as we celebrate our anniversary this year."

Oh, yes, Pro Arts turns 30 this year.

Back in 1974, it was the brainchild of Steven Minamora, a filmmaker who took his idea to then-Alameda County Supervisor and current Berkeley Mayor Tom Bates.

"He had an idea of bringing artists together, holding open houses and helping them with business practices," Bates recalled.

Bates got the necessary votes on the board and established the Alameda County Neighborhood Arts Program. (Minamora also made a film about Bates' first run for the Board of Supervisors, which has never been shown. "It's pretty bad," Bates said.)

Since then, Pro Arts has grown into an organization with nearly 1,000 members, 70 percent of them working artists. It sponsors between five and seven exhibits a year, including two juried exhibits. It's probably best known for its Open Studios program, which invites the public into artists' studios. This year marks the 23rd annual Open Studios program, and will be held over the first two weekends in June.

"There are over 500 artists participating in 400 locations," Vezzone said. The gallery hosts an exhibit from April 28 to June 13 that samples the works of participating artists, along with maps so visitors can plot their tours. Between 15,000 and 20,000 people visit the studios.

"People see that artists are huge parts of the fabric of their neighborhoods, they see the creative source. They see how the artists live and what a creative life force they are in the East Bay," Vezzone said.

The new gallery is more spacious with better lighting and a stage, allowing Pro Arts to present more events such as poetry readings and workshops.

Upcoming programs feature Asian-American spoken word artists, Native-American storytelling and traditional music, and an open forum on Haiti.

The new space will include a retail gallery that sells smaller and affordable works by exhibited artists.

"It should enable a lot more artists to support themselves and expand the patron base, demystifying the buying of art," she said.

Vezzone said Pro Arts embraces the idea of pushing the boundaries "with both displays and content that are not so much within mainstream values." For example, last year's exhibit of artists in their 20s and 30s addressed peace, just as the United States invaded Iraq. A recent exhibit, "Insomnia Awakening," presented in a salon style, was packed with 25 years' worth of Chandra Garsson's work focusing on sexual abuse and violence against women.

"Garsson curated her own show. She felt the amount of work she had and its breadth was more effectively shown all at once. It was interesting to allow the artist's vision to be part of the curatorial aspect," Vezzone said. "We focus on education and messages as well as the aesthetic value."

As a result, Pro Arts is sometimes criticized for presenting a political message.

"We've always thought of ourselves as an alternative space for artists who can't get in the mainstream. We see ourselves as the other gallery."

Pro Arts, 550 2nd Street, Oakland. New extended hours are Wednesday-Saturday, noon to 6:00 p.m.; Sunday, noon to 5:00 p.m. For more information call (510) 763-4361. The 30th anniversary gala benefit is May 8, 5:00 to 9:00 p.m. Tickets available on line at proartsgallery.org.

Listings
Auditions for "Annie," "Will Rogers Follies" and "Flower Drum Song" at Woodminster Amphitheater in Joaquin Miller Park, 3300 Joaquin Miller Road, Oakland, Saturday or Sunday, dancers 11:00 a.m., bring tap and jazz shoes; singers noon to 4:00 p.m., bring music and have one song prepared in the key in which it is written.

Dave Gleason's Wasted Days, with special guests Loretta Lynch and The Plain High Drifters, at Oakland Metro, 201 Broadway, Oakland, Saturday, 9:30 p.m. (doors 9:00 p.m.) $10, 21 and over.

Spring Open House and student art show and sale at The Crucible, 1260 7th Street, Oakland, including demonstrations, performances, music and refreshments, Saturday noon to 6:00 p.m.

"The Songbird Sessions" hosted by Andrej Hostynek and Deborah "DJ" Hamouris, exploring directed and improvisational singing, toning, sounding and rhythm at the First Congregational Church of Oakland, 2501 Harrison Street, Oakland, Monday, 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. (every first Monday). Donations accepted to cover costs; no one turned away for lack of funds.

The Oakland Tribune: Cityside
Leanne McLaughlin, Managing Editor
(510) 208-6447
(510) 208-6477 Fax
lmclaughlin@angnewspapers.com Email