Take 5: ArtBreak Day 2012

On Friday, Sept. 7th I had the great experience of being host artist at the 2nd annual ArtBreak Day in downtown Oakland at City Hall Plaza where we offer free art making to the general public. (see www.artismoving.org) This year's experience was a contrast to hosting in Richmond last year because I didn't have volunteers to help with facilitating the event, obviously making my day a bit of a challenge.

Thanks much to ProArts who stepped in at the last minute to provide chairs for us. During the day I observed healing taking place on many levels in the community; from the maintenance crews who were reseeding the lawn, to Occupy Movement members who challenged our presence, to unemployed citizens begging for money, to local kids who wanted to steal everything off the tables (including my glasses). When you set up tables in public to provide free service to the community, you have to be prepared for anything to happen. The attendees started painting on paper, but quickly moved to face & body painting, then painting their clothes and their friends clothes. It was difficult to keep the scene under control, but young and old alike had a good time and that's what counts the most.