SFMOMA Teen Mural Project in DeFremery Park Chapter 3 Posted on February 14, 2009 by ashap
Last week we had our first site visit to Town Park in DeFremery Park & met up with some key players in the Teen Mural Project: Internationally renowned local artist Brett Cook [left]; mural artist, and artistic director of our program, Fred Alvarado from Precita Eyes; and Bay Area activist, artist, teacher & skateboarder, K-dub.
We all piled into cars and headed over to Emeryville to Brett’s incredibly gigantic and light filled studio. Upon entering, many “wows” were heard when Brett’s very large spray paint collection was discovered. Brett’s studio is amazing: two levels of wall-sized paintings and almost an entire floor filled with books. A plate of oranges welcomed us. Brett gave a presentation beginning with images of his early days as a graffiti artist in San Diego. From there he traveled to the east coast, Mexico, and back to California, leaving his politically and socially minded art everywhere from outside walls of dilapidated buildings to construction walls surrounding the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts, and eventually into museums and galleries world-wide. He stressed the importance of community, soul, and collaboration in creating public art. It was an inspiring two hours, for teens and adults alike.
Heading back to the park, we chowed down at the DeFremery House where Fred and K-dub introduced themselves. Both artists work closely with their local communities, and will play a large and committed part in this year’s Teen Mural Project.
After the intros, Steve Lavoie, from the Oakland History Room at the Main Library, gave us a run-down of Oakland history since the 1800’s, including the completion of the First Transcontinental Railroad & the formation of the Black Panthers, giving us a better understanding of this very historic site.
This week: Fred will walk us through the mural design process; the teens will meet and interview Kerry James Marshall himself, and watch the muralists who are working on Kerry’s murals in the Atrium. Next week: questions and answers from the Kerry James Marshall Teen Mural Project interview.
