PROJECT

PROJECT: is a rolling series of exhibitions that present works which dialogue with topical issues and art practices from the wider contemporary art discourse--with an emphasis on exploring social practices, new genre, large scale installation, off-site projects and new media.

PROJECT: One Hundred Ton Line

Michael Patton and Jesse Schlesinger

March 18 - April 25
Artists' Reception: Thursday, March 20, 6-8 pm

The concept of weight is a fundamental experience of human existence.  Using our bodies, we measure the unfathomable vastness of weight through visual and physical experiences.  As the earth's horizon extends into infinity, our physical grasp of space occurs through movement in time.

PROJECT: Matthew Hopson Walker

January 29 - March 7, 2008
Artists' Reception: Thursday, January 31, 6-8 pm

PROJECT returns on January 29 with an exhibition of pop-culture-inspired paintings by Visalia-based artist Mathew Hopson Walker. His works contain finely detailed depictions of arcane and sometimes violent relations between groups of anthropomorphic animals.

PROJECT: Live Sketch

September 26 - November 10, 2007
Artist's Reception, Thursday, October 4, 6:00-8:00 pm

Juried Selections from 7th Annual Art & Soul Oakland's Live Sketch
Featured Artists: Elizabeth Agramont, Roberto Alejandres, Lisa Bass, Liz Berg, Laura Bernhard, George Bethurem, Brandon Callender, L Peter Callender, Mark Canto, Larry Chenk, Tashi Dorjee, Laura Fetherstonhaugh, Isis Fields, Kayla Frazier, Ysa Garder, Samara Geller, Michele Glick, Samantha Greenlee, Judy Johnson-Williams, Molly Junkins, Lauren Keehner, Jane Kwan, Sara Kwasnia, Miles Larson, Arianna Lee, Garry Limuti, Jarryd Ludvico, Cliff Magno, Ruth Paesch, Martin Picard, Judith Rosenblatt, Sarah Rubin, Jose Saenz, Terra Soper, Annissa Torres, Chelsea Troper, Elizabeth Verdell, Richard Woodul, Vanessa Yava

PROJECT: Jennifer Anderson

August 2- September 30, 2007
Artists' Reception: Friday, August 2, 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.

Inside of Me by Jennifer Anderson includes 100 eleven inch tall figures cut from printed Mylar and hung away from the wall to create a shadow effect. The repeated silhouette, taken from a clothing sizing chart, is a visual motif for our oversimplification of the human body. An Artists' Reception will be held on Thursday, August 2 from 6-8 pm.

Project: Tim Armstrong

January 26 - March 4, 2007

Employing everyday materials such as tile grout, flour and instant coffee, Tim Armstrong records his surroundings with traditional techniques that often utilize uncommon materials and processes.

On Disappearing: New Photographs from the California College of the Arts

November 24, 2006- January 14, 2007
Artists' Reception: Friday, December 1, 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.

On Disappearing consists of 14 undergraduate student artists from the California College of the Arts. The exhibition is the manifestation of coursework in which contemporary photographic practice is the main portal of investigation. The work was selected around the theme of withholding, and that which emanates from a constructed lacking. The culmination speaks of disappearing bodies, ideals, memories and places. The work collectively illuminates photography's mimetic capabilities and its capacity to represent absence inasmuch as it records presence. On Disappearing: New Photographs from the California College of the Arts was curated by artist and professor Tammy Rae Carland.

Artists include Christ Aivaliotis, Rebecca M. Andrews, Aly Su Borst, Sebastian F. Caceres, Ruth Dickson, Laurel Gunnarson, David Huff, Shidume Lozada, Amanda McCarthy, Moira McDonald, Michael Meyer, Tom Ruszel, Beau Wiley, Ashley Yoder.

The exhibition is on view November 24 - January 14. An Artists' Reception will be held Friday, December 1 from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.

PROJECT: Recycled Runway by Sandy Drobny & Daphne Ruff

October 13 - November 5, 2006
Artists' Reception: November 3; 6:00-8:00 PM

Pro Arts has teamed up with the Society of St. Vincent de Paul of Alameda County (SVdP) to present artwork by SVdP Artists-in-Residence Sandy Drobny & Daphne Ruff.

SVdP's Artist-in-Residence program, launched this spring, allows artists access to SVdP's warehouse of donated good and its art studio to create artwork from otherwise unusable items, which are then sold at SVdP thrift stores throughout the Bay Area. Drobny & Ruff's work consist of wearable art pieces, such as theme-based aprons and purses made of found materials such as basketballs and belts. Drawing on their textile backgrounds, the artists have skillfully sewn untraditional materials into functional works of art. Collages and mixed media sculpture of recycled materials are also included in the exhibition.

During their SVdP residency, Drobny & Ruff also created art prototypes which are replicated by SVdP's Employment Development participants and sold at SVdP's thrift stores. The revenue generated from the sale of artwork help support the organization's direct services work.

Society of St. Vincent de PaulHeadquartered in Oakland, California, the Society of St. Vincent de Paul of Alameda County (SVdP) is a direct service non-profit organization that provides assistance to 100,000 homeless and low-income people each year. Services include a soup kitchen, a food bank, two daytime resource centers, two medical clinics and a workforce development program.

More information may be found on their web site: http://www.svdp-alameda.org

Download Press Release

PROJECT: Oakland Soul: Soul Salon 10 - Oakland's Visual Voice

October 13 - November 5, 2006
Artists' Reception: October 20; 6:00-8:00 PM

Artist collective, Soul Salon 10, present a "Soul Sampla Platta" of what they have recently "cooked up" in their respective studios. The artwork celebrates the rich diversity and talent of artists who Soul Salon refers to as Oakland's "Visual Voice." The group exhibition will also feature young and emerging artists, including two teen artists from Oakland High School's Visual Art Academy.

Soul Salon 10 consists of artists who exhibit individually throughout the world, but who share a connection with the Bay Area. Soul Salon 10 artists converge at least once a year to exhibit a sampling of current members' artworks. At least 10 core artists are featured in their diverse, thematic exhibitions. Soul Salon 10's exhibitions often relay on a balance of "magic" and "vibe" during their gatherings when exhibition themes are determined. Their shared trust and respect also offer the collective much power and guidance when shaping their exhibitions. Past Soul Salon 10 exhibitions include Trouble Man at the African American Museum of Art in Oakland, Swap Meat, and the installation We Want Fresh SH*T at Yerba Buena Center for the Arts in San Francisco.

Download Press Release

PROJECT: We Riders Exhibition

Saturday, September 9 - Saturday, October 8, 2006
Reception: First Friday - October 6, 6:00 - 8:00

WE Riders, a creative research project by the marksearch team (Bruce Douglas + Sue Mark), will help West and East Oakland residentsphysically locate, culturally define and celebrate theirneighborhoods. WE Riders is traveling via tandem bicycle around thecity throughout May, June, and July, 2006 collecting stories andimages that will be displayed on a trailer-kiosk towed by tandembicycle. The findings will be exhibited in the Pro Arts Gallery aspart of the PROJECT exhbition series

WE Riders launched their project on May 18, "Bike to Work Day," andwill participate in neighborhood parties and street fairs throughoutthe summer.

Check out http://weridersoakland.blogspot.com/ for opportunities tojoin WE Riders and to track their progress.

This project is supported by the Oakland Cultural Arts Funding Program.

PROJECT 10. Works on Paper: Works on Glass
Daisuke Nakabayashi

July 4 - August 6, 2006
Reception for the Artist: Thursday, July 20, 6-8pm

Works exploring the possibilities of randomness and the chemical process. Works on Paper - chemography on photographic paper, 2002 – 2005. Works on Glass - chemography on photographic glass plate, 2005

Curated by Eric Murphy.

PROJECT: Catch-22

Exhibition Dates: March 2 - April 23, 2006
Artists' Reception Thursday, March 9, 6 - 8pm
Deadline: Saturday, February 18, 5pm

PROJECT: Catch-22 presents works on 81/2" x 11" paper by local artists exploring their personal response to military conflict and war.

Participating Artists:

Mandell Andres, Chris Beards, Melissa Bolger, Timothy Buckwater, Brent Bushnell, Tony D'Aguanno, Susan Feldman, Henry Fesler, Erik Friedman, Thomas Frongillo, Annette Goldberg, Lulu Hanna, Judy Hiramoto, Monica Johnson, Verlena Johnson, Mary Kandalian-Aslanian, Stefan Krikl, William LaRue, Elaine Maute, Nancy McHone, Laura McHugh, Ronald McKenzie, David Miller, Ibraim Nascimento, Anna Natille, Kathleen Ney, Lori Pino, Julia Pombo, Rob Prideaux, Courtenay Redis, Barbara Rogers, Tiffany Sankary, Joyce Shon, Sue Shuff, Alison Smith, Kathe Welch, Melissa West, Al Wong, Holly Wong, Julia Wren

PROJECT: Parallel Investigations II featuring Jason Mortara

November 26 - December 30

Second in a two-part exhibition series, Parallel Investigations II duringthe month of December features Jason Mortara's larger than life videoprojection "I Needed a Change" combines NASA footage with audio layering andoffers a visual exploration of the not-too-futuristic idea of commercialspace travel.

PROJECT: Parallel Investigations I featuring Andrew Kleindolph, Kin Kwok and Ruth Tabancay

October 8 - 30

The word "technology" comes from the ancient Greek word technikos which means "artistic professional".  With this historic blurring of boundaries in mind, Pro Arts PROJECT: Parallel Investigations I & II presents four artists whose creative practices parallel topical scientific and technological advancements. Parallel Investigations I opens on Saturday, October 8 and will be on view through October 30.  The second of part of the series, Parallel Investigations II, opens on Saturday, November 26 and will be on view through December 30.

In Parallel Investigations I, during the month of October, Kin Kwok?fs porcelain figurative sculptures feature combined human and animal aesthetic qualities--and give rise to the imagination on the resulting effects of animal-to-human organ transplants.  Andrew Kleindolph?fs retro mixed media sculptures with their blinking lights and disembodied limbs exemplify a futuristic vision of stem cell research and the ability to scientifically produce organs with humanistic features.  Ruth Tabancay?fs computer generated textiles of microbial imagery marry scientific and technological concepts with artistic production--both visually and technically.

Download the press release below:

Parallel Investigations I

PROJECT: Official Pep Talks by S.O.R.T.

July 19 - August 7

Sign up for your very own official pep talk in the gallery Saturdays July 23 and 30, from 1 - 3pm!

When was the last time you had a team cheering you on to be your best self? The Official Pep Talk, brought to you by the Pep Talk Squad and The Susan O?fMalley Research Team, focuses on what you need. Drawing references to the recent film "I ♥ Huckabees", S.O.R.T.?fs Offical Pep Talks are interactive conceptual performances rooted in generousity and social practice. Reserve a free pep talk or drop by the gallery to listen in! Space is limited Call 510/763 - 4361 or send an email to info@proartsgallery.org to make your reservation.

Download the press release below:

Official Pep Talks by S.O.R.T.

PROJECT: The Siamese Twins Series by Brooke Thomas

June 16 - August 7, 2005

Pro Arts is pleased to invite you to an exhibition of The Siamese Twins Series, an installation by Brooklyn-based artist Brooke Thomas. The exhibition opens on Friday, June 16 at Noon.

The Siamese Twins Series is a pair of two larger than life works comprised of block printing and sewing on fabric. The works simultaneously draw references to contemporary feminist concerns through the co-opting of iconic female imagery from lingerie catalogues and traditional artistic techniques through the artist's use of sewing and block printing.

Download the press release below:

PROJECT: The Siamese Twins Series by Brooke Thomas

PROJECT: Vapor 6 by Kato Jaworski

March 29 - April 17, 2005
Artist Talk and Exhibition Reception: Sunday, April 3, 2 - 4pm
The Artist Talk will begin at 2:30pm

Pro Arts is pleased to invite you to an exhibition of Vapor 6 by Kato Jaworski. Kato Jaworkski's large scale hanging sculptures  integrate light and movement as key elements to the viewer's experience of the work. The exhibition opens on Tuesday, March 29 at Noon.

Download the press release below:

PROJECT: Vapor 6 by Kato Jaworski

PROJECT: United Net-works "On the Road"

March 1 - April 24, 2005

Pro Arts is pleased to invite you to an exhibition of United Net-works On the Road, a mobile archive of materials from artists, artists collectives, arts organizations, and curators.  The exhibition opens on Tuesday, March 1 at Noon.

The archive consists of a large wooden cabinet, a bulletin board and four stools.  Artists, artists collectives, arts organizations and curators--from everywhere--are invited to submit a folder with documentation of their creative practice.  All individuals are welcome to participate in the project by submitting a binder containing a presentation of art work, projects, interests and ideas.  Anyone can browse the archive at their leisure.

Submission guidelines:  All materials should be submitted in a standard 8.5" x 11" binder and should contain a resume/CV and examples of work and/or documentation.  Examples can be submitted through images (photographs, ink-jet prints, etc. along with relevant information such as title, year, media, descriptive text, etc.), VHS/DVD format (include title, running length and year of production, along with a short descriptive text), CD-Rom (marked clearly with name and contact information), slides/digital images (2-3 representative 35 mm slides in plastic frames) and copies of texts or articles with source information (publication, date, issue, etc.).  No artworks will be screened or loaned outside of the archive without permission of the artist.  Slides will be used for a marathon slideshow presenting all participants in the archive.  Artists materials will become a permanent addition to the mobile archive and will not be returned.  The archive will travel to other cities and venues to expand the participating and viewing audience.  Submissions can be either mailed or delivered in person to Pro Arts.

Download the call for submissions below:

PROJECT: United Net-works "On the Road"

PROJECT: Remembering by Judy Spiegel

January 26 - February 27, 2005
Reception for the Artist: Thursday, February 17, 6 - 8pm.

Curated by Christian L. Frock

The first exhibition in the series will feature an installation by Oakland native and Berkeley artist Judy Spiegel. This installation was included in a traveling exhibition called "Eva Im Tarnnetz" (Women in Arms) which toured three venues in Germany during 2002 - 2003. The installation is composed of 3,000 small-scale, densely textured encaustic works.

Download the press release below:

PROJECT: Remembering by Judy Spiegel