Port of Oakland - Newsroom

Oakland, Calif. (March 3, 2005) - The Port of Oakland and the Oakland School for the Arts unveiled a new youth art exhibit today at Oakland International Airport in Terminal 1. The exhibit is comprised of the work of 20 young artists from the 2005 Youth Art Competition sponsored by the Oakland School for the Arts. The competition was open to all Oakland students between grades K through 6.

Back in 2002, when the Port of Oakland’s Board of Port Commissioners unanimously adopted a public art ordinance, Commissioner Darlene Ayers-Johnson, the chair of the Port’s Public Art Committee was instrumental in enacting this program. Ayers-Johnson said, “The Board wanted to provide the local community with an opportunity to share their unique talents. We are proud to celebrate the arts and our youth with the unveiling of this new exhibit.”

Oakland School for the Arts (OSA) Director Loni Berry commented, “We are happy to collaborate with the Port of Oakland to offer this opportunity to elementary school art students in Oakland.” Berry announced the three winners of the art competition. They are: first place—William Enderle from Redwood Day School, second place—Michelle Cendejas from St. Martin De Porres, and third place—Francesca DeCristofaro from Montera Middle School.

Port of Oakland Deputy Executive Director Joe Wong stated, “The Port of Oakland is delighted to partner with the Oakland School for the Arts and support their work to develop and inspire the creativity of our community youth.”

Typically, public art ordinances nation-wide only commission visual art. The Port’s public art ordinance is exceptional for its commitment to promote art in all its forms, including visual, performance, literary and media art. Also, the program includes three different funding sources, one from each of the Port's revenue divisions. The Port’s Aviation Division earmarks funds to provide for the enjoyment of public art exhibit throughout the airport terminals. Participants have included the Oakland Museum of California, Oakland School for the Arts, the Museum of Children’s Art (MOCHA) and various other local art organizations. The Maritime Division makes an annual budget allocation of at least $150,000; and the Commercial Real Estate Division requires developers to set aside funds from the building valuation of development projects. Overall, there is a significant commitment to public art throughout the Port area.

Port of Oakland Director of Aviation Steve Grossman said, “We are pleased to be able to provide an exhibit space at the Oakland Airport to highlight in a professional way the artwork of our talented young people and encourage the next generation of artists.”

The exhibit will run through April 11, 2005.

About the Port of Oakland
The Port was established in 1927 and is an independent department of the City of Oakland. The Port of Oakland oversees the Oakland seaport, Oakland International Airport (OAK) and 19 miles of waterfront. OAK, a revenue division of the Port, served 14.1 million passengers and handled 672,000 metric tons of cargo in 2004.

About Oakland School for the Arts (OSA)
OSA, a public charter school, serves high school students (grades 9 through 12) with intensive pre-professional arts training, while maintaining high academic standards within a college preparatory curriculum. OSA provides students with the necessary creative and practical tools to pursue careers in the arts. Oakland School for the Arts is located at 1800 San Pablo Avenue in downtown Oakland. For more information about OSA call (510) 873-8800 or visit www.oakarts.org.


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