Inspire Artists Who Inspire You

Inspire Artists Who Inspire You
Selections by Peer Review

Exhibition Dates: January 21 - February 21, 2014
Artists' Reception: Friday, February 7, 6-8pm


Oakland, CA: Pro Arts is pleased to present Inspire Artists Who Inspire You, an exhibition reflecting Pro Arts' roots as an artist-centered organization. Based on a peer review process, Inspire Artists Who Inspire You explores how artists support, sustain and participate in the launch of each other's work. The program also allows insight into review processes, while encouraging artists to think critically about their own work within the scope of Bay Area art.

“I’m excited by the emergent themes in the show,” says Amy Spencer, Program Coordinator / Curator. “There is a strong respect for innovative material use and high craft. Also, it was nice to see the artists express empathy for each other’s daily lives – studio practice, quiet moments at home – and a subtle appreciation for the oddball, unique and absurd.”

Over 110 artists participated in the peer review; viewing each other’s work via Pro Arts custom built online ‘blind’ jury system.

“I found it rewarding to see what other artists were creating. I found myself using the criteria of excellence, relevance, and innovation to my own work as compared to what I saw online, and felt that expanded my horizons.”

“I felt like I was taking part in an important process, not just competing against other artists for a spot in the show.”

Featured artists: Dru Anderson, Ned Axthelm, Jamie Banes, Gabriele Bungardt, Andreina Davila, Jan Dove, David Fought, Bernadette Jiyong Frank, Jenne Giles, Ant Hall, Emanuela Iuliana Harris-Sintamarian, Jeremiah Jenkins, Michael Koehle, Goran Konjevod, Elaine Nehm, Fernando Reyes, Stephanie Robison, Dimitra Skandali, Patricia Sonnino, Tali Weinberg


Inspire Artists Who Inspire You is on view January 21 - February 21, 2014. An Artists’ Reception will be held on First Friday, February 7, 6-8pm. Exhibition and reception are free to the public.


About Pro Arts: Pro Arts is an Oakland-based regional organization that encourages change in and through the arts to invigorate our communities. Pro Arts’ vision is to inspire creativity, community and change. Celebrating our 40th Anniversary in 2014, we’ve evolved into a vital artistic hub for Oakland and the Bay Area. We engage public audiences, artists, and youth in and through the arts via three key program areas: Visual Arts, Arts Education and Artist Services. Annually, Pro Arts produces over 20 exhibitions, exhibits over 600 artists, and conducts over 700 art classes for youth.

Gallery Hours: TUES-FRI: 10am-5pm // SAT 11am-4pm
Admission FREE

Pro Arts is located in Downtown Oakland on the Frank H. Ogawa Plaza directly across from City Hall.