Pro Arts Gallery & COMMONS

At one point this was the spot. They had interesting art that reflected people in the community, had an open studio event, that people in other cities tried to copy and had a board of directors and a staff that reflected the diversity of Oakland. No longer. After that sweet time in the 90's, early 2000's the board became populated with gentrifiers, the price to participate in Open studio's increased drastically, and the art became rather dull. To participate, groups of 5-10 artists would invade a studio so that they could afford to participate. I would drop by when I was in old Oakland where they had a quaint little space. Then they moved to 2nd street and the space was OK. The work, underwhelming. But now that they are in Frank Ogawa Plaza, gentrification is complete. This place no longer reflects the community and people are doing what they have always done when their needs aren't being met - they are coming up with their own spaces and own concepts for shows.The result of their debacle with the open studios is that people are having their own on that weekend. Bring back Betty Kano, please! This organization really needs your help!

A small little gallery among the goliaths that is the Bay Area art scene. It's not a substitute for the SF MOMA, more like a complement. It focuses on local artists, and periodically shows an international exhibit. I get the sense that everyone who attends knows each other, which is an enjoyable twist to your experience. Fellow viewers aren't shy about chatting with each other, and it's easy to strike up a conversation with the person next to you! My husband and I also had the opportunity to meet an artist who who'll be exhibiting her work in a few months, which means we will definitely be going back.

Every city in the world should have a place like PRO ARTS. It's a gallery for local artists to display and sell their art. They also have a whole bevy of services such as classes and some other kind of positive educational services, but I'm just reviewing them as a place to see and buy art. Three major points that I love:1. The art changes frequently (I'd say no later than every 2 months)2. The art is AFFORDABLE - I'm not saying it's cheap, but it's affordable3. There is good variety - sculptures, jewelry, decor, paintings, lamps, shirtsThe people here are always really nice and the vibe Pro Arts are as good as any museum or gallery anywhere!

Pro Arts sponsors East Bay Open Studios -- one of the oldest and largest open studio events on the west coast. For two weekends (June 4-5 and 11-12), over 400 leading artists open their studios to the public. A rare opportunity for art aficionados to visit studios, ateliers, galleries and workshops throughout Oakland and the East Bay, it's a vast treasury of art of all kinds, and you get to see how and where it's made (not to mention get great deals direct from the artists!)Plan your tour with a visit to Pro Arts gallery in downtown Oakland, or use the Directory of East Bay Arts (available on line or locations throughout the East Bay). You can even make your own tour suggestions for a Top 3 Must See list, complete with restaurant pairings. Visit Pro Arts gallery on line and on Facebook.www.proartsgallery.org

The Pro Arts Gallery has moved to a different location. It is now located at 150 Frank H. Ogawa Plaza, Oakland, CA 94612. So the easiest way to come here is by Bart and take 12th street exit or 19th street. I have only been here once for a workshop and haven't seen the gallery really since it was still being renovated. But if it is anything like it used to be- it will be awesome! Again Pro Arts is having there yearly East Bay Open Studios. Though the main dates are June 5, 6 and June 12, 13. You can still come by to Pro Arts in Oakland, the Richmond Art Center, and the Berkeley Art Center- where other artists such as myself have their art up- mine is at Richmond Art Center since I am sharing a studio space in Richmond...so come see!!!! http://www.proartsgallery.org....

Every year I eagerly await the arrival of my Pro Arts Open Studios catalog in the mail. It is a little bible to art lovers, containing lists of local artists in the East Bay who will, for a few precious days, open their studios (and often as not their homes) for you to come in and appreciate their creations. Many art styles are represented, including but not limited to: painting and drawing, sculpture, glass blowing, jewelry making, printing, silk screening, quilting and much, much more. The best part, for me anyway, is being able to see a working art studio and how it fits into the artist's every day life (or how their lives manage to fit into their careers as artists). Meet and personally get to know these wonderful people, who are as kind and generous as they are creative. You can ask questions, learn about the intricacies of different art forms, support your local artists by purchasing a print or other work of art, and most of all, appreciate the highly diverse, enriching East Bay culture.This year (2007) Open Studios are held:June 2 - 3June 9 - 10Link to map/catalog: http://proartsgallery.org/ebos2007/index.htmlEnjoy!P.S. I recommend obtaining the Pro Arts catalog and map or visiting the Pro Arts gallery before you head out. It makes it a lot easier to choose which studios you want to see before you go (there are literally hundreds open). That way you can coordinate your visits so that you aren't wasting time (and gas) driving across the East Bay. Also, if you can only go to ONE, I recommend visiting the Sawtooth studios (in Berkeley). If time is money, you'll get the most bang for your buck at this densely populated studio.

Seeing all the local artwork at Pro Arts has inspired me, in part, to follow through with some of my artistic plans this summer. Like taking a painting class/lesson (still looking into that - if you have any recommendations, please let me know!), doing some figure drawing at open studios (going tonight for the first time in years), and finishing the consturction paper mosaic I started for my students in the last weeks of school (I'm about halfway done now).The first time I came here was for my friends wedding reception - (looks like Dan V and I have that friend in common!) But I recently came here with an artist friend and was once again inspired to stop talking about art and start making it.There are art pieces from various skill levels and mediums so you get to see a wide range of works in Pro Arts. When I see all these people being creative I get motivated to do the same. I don't really have an excuse, especially with the extra time I'll have for the next few months.If you're down in Jack London Square, I strongly suggest you check this place out, especially if you're an apsiring artist or if you've been hankering to express yourself through the visual arts!

Pro Arts hosted a silent art auction consisting of student, local, and professional artwork. The work greatly varied in style and medium, so it was a refreshing show. They really utilized the space for all the artwork. There are different sections of rooms, and a whole room dedicated to main exhibitions. They also have a store for traditional consumer art gifts.One thing that struck me as odd is that while I was looking at the artwork, I witnessed a camera flash go off. I turned around and I realized one of the employees had taken a picture of me. All I did was smile then turned back and raised an eyebrow. People taking unauthorized photographs of me has been a recent oddity in my life.

First Thursday is an addendum to an already busy host schedule, It's great to see the support and community love. The quality of the art is okay, which due to the pure amount of talent in the 510 is a simple stumble because so many worthy artists abound.An uptick in quality, quantity sprinkled with a little less attitude could serve it well. It's a solid space who could benefit from more variety.

I had the great opportunity to attend the Pro Arts: East Bay Open Studios event for the first time this year. This event is a self-guided tour of local artist studios held this year on June 6-7 and June 13-14. With the participation of over 400 local artists in 15 cities in the East Bay, this event allows the public to visit artists' studios, meet artists, buy art, view artwork, and learn about the artistic process across the East Bay. I was extremely impressed with the wide variety of artwork showcased in the Pro Arts Gallery from watercolors to sculpture to photography to jewelry to mixed media. Some of the artwork was simply beautiful while other art pieces were very thought provocative. Additionally, postcards displaying the different artwork as well as the artist's information were available for distribution. It was also interesting to meet and to see some of the artists themselves at work. With better planning ahead of time, I am looking forward to next year's East Bay Open Studios and visiting other art studios in the East Bay!