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Pigment ink and acrylic on canvas, 30" x 40"
This collage painting depicts the renovation and reopening of the magnificent 1928 Bay Area historic landmark, the Fox Oakland Theater. The theater is an architectural and design masterpiece that combines an eclectic mix of ornate Indian, Moorish, Medieval, Baghdadian (its original name was almost "The Baghdad") and Art Deco. Transformed from an abandoned derelict skeleton of its old self into a vibrant new center of art, music and culture, the theater re-opened with a Grand Opening Gala on February 5th, 2009, announced in the fluorescent marquee message you can see in the painting. Scroll down to see photos from the Gala.
Besides the return of the theater itself, which is now the flagship live music venue for Another Planet Entertainment, the wrap around building serves as home for the Oakland School for the Arts. The renovation of this landmark came about as a result of the efforts and generosity of many people over many years, including Phil Tagami, whose drive, passion, determination, energy and enthusiasm for the project made it a reality. Congratulations to everyone involved!
Some of the detailed interior images that are used in this painting were photographed during a “hard hat” tour of the then-still-under-construction theater in November 2007, and others were based on photographs taken the week of the grand opening. The original schematics of the renovated building design are incorporated into this painting. Here are some details of the painting:
Jeff Chew, Project Manager, City of Oakland, leads the hard-hat tour during which I captured some of the source imagery for my painting. The photos shown below are all from the Grand Opening Gala.
Outside the theater prior to the ribbon cutting.
The Oakland School for the Arts Jazz Ensemble. They were amazing!
The DecoBelles in action!
Soprano Sophie Chew wows everyone....
The audience listening to Phil Tagami speaking.
An acrobat above the Royal Society Jazz Orchestra.
The Royal Society Jazz Orchestra.
More acrobats (check out the shadows...)
Trombone Shorty giving it his all!
New Orlean’s Dancer joins the stage...
A picture speaks a thousand words...
The lobby entrance into the auditorium.
© 2009 Photo by Auintard
Peggy Gyulai and I with the painting at the Gala.
All artwork shown is copyright © Jeremy Sutton unless otherwise stated
No reproduction or usage of artwork allowed without written permission of the artist.
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http://www.jeremysutton.com
jeremy@jeremysutton.com
415.641.1221