Oakland, CA, November 18, 2016 - Two of Jonah Ward’s signature glass burned panels were chosen as permanent additions to the walls of the newly renovated 1111 Jackson Street building in Oakland, California.
The artwork selected is part of the Alameda County Public Art Collection. The collection is managed by the Alameda County Arts Commission on behalf of the Alameda County Board of Supervisors. In 1994 supervisors passed an ordinance that required 2% of the construction budget in new or renovated buildings be used for public art.
Rachel Osajima, Director of the Alameda County Arts Commission stated, “The Alameda County leadership and the Alameda County Arts Commission feel that art and creativity are an essential part of every successful and thriving community, and projects like this, with artists in our local community, are an essential part of making that happen.”
Four artwork selection committees met in late June to review the application materials and images from 427 Alameda County artists; more than 3,400 individual artworks were submitted for consideration. After narrowing it down, the selection committees reconvened to review the original artwork by 73 artists. The selection committees chose 124 works by 52 artists.
“It’s nice to have programs like the Alameda County Arts Commission that give local artists the opportunity to get their works into public spaces,” said artist Jonah Ward. “Sometimes it’s tough getting your foot in the door on big projects like this, so the ACAC is a huge help and a valuable resource.”
The building was originally built in 1962 as a state office building and later purchased by the county of Alameda and completed its renovation in 2016. The building houses county offices and services for the public related to the Social Services Agency, Probation Department, County Counsel, and serves as a conference center used by all county departments.
“Art brings people together. It inspires us. It’s refreshing to know that the county I live in understands this and supports the artist community,” said Jonah.
For information about the Alameda County Arts Commission program, please visit their website at: http://www.acgov.org/
Jonah Ward with Edna Boatwright, an Artwork Selection Committee Member, standing next to one of his glass burned panels selected for the building.
Jonah Ward stands next to another one of his permanently installed glass burned panel pieces during the artist walk-through. The other piece can be seen in the back right.
Group shot from the artist building walk-through: From left, Amy Stimmel, Public Art Program Coordinator, a few of the selected artists, and Rachel Osajima, Director or the Alameda County Arts Commission (right).