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Exhibition
10,000 Steps: A Profile of Four Squares
Exhibition Dates: September 8 - October 9, 2009
Artists' Reception: Thursday, September 17, 6 - 8 pm
First Friday Walking Tour: Friday, October 2, 5:30 pm
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Oakland, CA: Pro Arts presents 10,000 Steps: A Profile of Four Squares, an exhibition of the artist group marksearch's multi-year participatory stewardship project in and around Oakland's historic downtown parks. These parks-Jefferson Square, Lafayette Square, Madison Square, and Lincoln Square, each occupying only one city block-are tiny spots of open space in the urban fabric of downtown, places where tai chi practitioners, men gathering for a pick-up game of basketball, kids in after-school programs, mothers with strollers, and the homeless can all come together.
This multimedia installation at Pro Arts will showcase the history of these parks and the diverse communities that surround them through image, text, maps and video. In celebration of the first phase of the 10,000 Steps project, the exhibit will incorporate an innovative series of events to familiarize the public with the parks and their neighborhoods, including guided walking tours (sponsored by the Oakland Heritage Alliance) and lunchtime demonstrations. For detailed information about 10,000 Steps, please visit www.10000stepsoakland.org.
 Equipped with friendly uniforms and whimsical work cart created from reused materials, marksearch regularly visited Jefferson, Lafayette, Lincoln and Madison Square Parks over 9 months. The cart, 4' x 4' x 3', with a fold out bench and native plants, allowed them to take the park experience anywhere.
 Collecting stories from long time residents was an important part of their stewardship. marksearch spoke with basketball legends of Jefferson Square Boone, the 80-year old mentor to Byrd, a Harlem Globetrotter. Other stewardship activities included: creating native plant gardens, collecting detailed needs assessments and hosting clean-ups.
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