Offramp Studios

OfframpStudios has one vacancy on the third floor. A beautiful, sunny open space with a refurbished hardwood floor. See "Available Rentals at Offramp" in side bar to the right for more information or visit the OfframpStudios.net page: Here.

I'm passing on this request for action regarding the Oakland City Council's apparent intent to cut funding for important arts related programs such as Pro-Arts, whose annual Open Studios event I participate in every year. The information below explains the situation and offers a link to sign a petition. Please forward this on to others in the community who may find it of importance.

Thank you,

ƒ Michael Wells

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Urgent Message: Suspension of Oakland Arts Funding

Dear Artists, Members & Patrons,

Pro Arts risks losing its gallery!!! The Oakland City Council is considering suspending Oakland Arts funding this year as an alternative to the Mayor's Budget. We need your help- Whether you live or work in Oakland or elsewhere in the East Bay- Berkeley, Emeryville, Richmond, Alameda-- this affects you!

A significant portion of Pro Arts' operating budget comes from the City of Oakland's Cultural Funding Program. A suspension of this program this year would have dire impacts on Pro Arts and all of Oakland Arts, the Oakland/East Bay Symphony, the
Crucible, Creative Growth, Eastside Arts Alliance, MOCHA, and more. This is the time to act! Here's how:

1. Forward this urgent message to as many people as possible.
2. Sign the online petition
3. Come to the Oakland City Council Meeting on Tuesday October 21, 6pm City Hall- One Frank H. Ogawa Plaza, Second Floor Oakland, CA 94612
4. Contact an Oakland Council Member and let them know how important Oakland/East Bay arts are to you!

Thank you,
Margo Dunlap- Executive Director, Pro Arts

In August Richard and his crew traveled to Gustavus Alaska to install an 8 cubic foot kiln previously constructed in the spring by Richard and Carl Mankert. This video shows the unpacking and installation process. The guys also conducted a raku workshop for the neighborhood children. Richard ends the video with tips on how to select and harvest indigenous clays.

Oakland painter and Offramp Studios resident f Michael Wells is pictured here at the opening for Pro Arts New Visions 2008. The exhibition features artworks from select Bay Area artists. Michael is pictured with "Portal" • 2007 • Oil/Canvas • 30"x30.

Wednesday kicks off the 2008 Fire Arts Festival produced by The Crucible in West Oakland. With an eye-popping array of cutting edge interactive fire sculpture and art from the all over the country and incredible fire, music and dance performances, it's the must-see event of the summer. Bring the family.