Thursday, July 2, 2009

Indie Biz of the Week July 2nd 2009



Indie Biz of the Week
Barlata
is a tapas bar located in the Temescal district of Oakland. I recently went there with some friends who were visiting, we were looking for someplace to get tapas that was easy going and not too pricey. Barlata fit the bill.

The restaurant is small and feels comfortable yet wonderfully cosmopolitan. I love that when you sit down they give you a bowl of mixed olives. Awesome. I love olives.

The wine ranges from somewhat pricey to very pricey, but the house red I had was yum.

When I go back I want to try the 3 gazpacho sampler, people around me had ordered it and it looked intriguing.

Extra points for a good espresso with a lemon rind twist to finish off my meal.

Barlata
4901 Telegraph, Oakland
510-450-0678
www.barlata.com
HOURS:
Monday to Sunday: 5pm to 11:00 pm,

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BLANKSPACE NEWS
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From July 6th - August 6th, Blankspace will be closed for vacation.
We will not be resting but making changes and improvements, including adding an oline store. stay tuned.....

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Thursday, June 25, 2009

Indie Biz of the Week

Indie Biz of the Week
Local 123 is a new cafe that opened up down a little ways from Blankspace on San Pablo. I just checked it out for the first time on Tuesday. I can only comment on the coffee, well because, that is all I've had so far...but the coffee was very good.


The decor is clean and simple, and there is a great patio in the back...big bonus in the East Bay, so many cafes have either no outdoor space, or the space is very dark and dirty (yuck)..this is very
appealing and thus far, clean.


Local 123
will also be hosting art exhibitions curated by Emma Spertus. The first show opens tonight!

Gabrielle Wolodarski and Jeff Stratford
June 17 - August 5
Opening reception: Thursday, June 25, 6-8pm

Emma has good taste so I expect that she will be producing some quality exhibits in the space.

Local 123
2049 San Pablo Avenue, Berkeley
local123cafe.com
HOURS:
Monday to Friday: 6:30 am to 7:00 pm,
Saturday and Sunday: 7:00 am to 7:00 pm
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BLANKSPACE NEWS
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We will be hosting a Sunday Tea( featuring Numi Tea) this
Sunday from 3-5pm. If you have not had time to come check out the current shows in the main gallery and project space, this is the perfect excuse.

We will be serving iced tea and snacks....

The show ends July 5th, we will be hosting a closing reception on First Friday, July 3rd from 7-10pm.

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R.I.P. Michael Jackson
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Friday, June 19, 2009

Indie Biz of the Week...open calls and more

INDIE BIZ OF THE WEEK

Magnet Boutique, Berkeley, CA


Magnet is one of those places that you always wished was in your neighborhood
. So even better that it actually exists.

Camille the proprietress of Magnet, is a super stylish, super sweet, petite powerhouse. Her keen eye for all things stylish flows perfectly into the decor of the store; with a minimalist approach, she has created a mixture of modern and vintage fixtures and furniture that combine perfectly to accentuate the fabulous clothing.

I bought a fabulous pair of wool/silk pinstriped pants there last year, that are still one of my faves. They are comfortable, stylish and very well crafted. Featured items in the store include denim, shoes, bags and of course great dresses and tops.

The store is not on the cheap side, but you definitely get what you pay for; well crafted, well designed pieces that will last more that one season.

BONUS, if you are on a budget Magnet is having a summer sale that is going on right now. Also, twice a year she does a huge blowout sale to make room for the new seasons items, I have found some amazing bargains there.

Double Bonus: Magnet is surrounded by three great vintage clothing stores Twisters, Dolled up and Icon. The perfect way to complete your look
with some great vintage items.

Magnet
2508 San Pablo Ave
(between Blake St & Dwight Way)
Berkeley, CA 94702
(510) 848-1966 Tues-Sat- 11-6pm, Sun 12-5pm



WHAT'S UP AT BLANKSPACE

"just because there are questions doesn't mean there are answers"

new collaborative work by
Sam Lopes, Joy Fritz and Friends

June 5 - July 5, 2009

First Friday reception:

July 3rd 7-10pm

“Just because there are questions, doesn’t mean there are answers” is a project inspired by a game of copy cat - where each artist tries to emulate one another’s style. The exhibition includes work by Joy Fritz, Sam Lopes, Matthew Momchilov, Matthew Pawlowski.

The exhibition of drawings and largescale wooden and paper mache artifacts are a result of the artists’ use of a game to stay inspired and connected to their queer histories and futures, of laughing in spite of deep pain, and constantly, creatively UNdefining themselves so that there are more questions and less answers.

BLANKSPACE HAS NEW GALLERY HOURS: THURS-SUN 12-6pm

visit our website for more info blankspacegallery.com

GALLERY STORE PROJECT SPACE

Spirit Orb Color Field
an installation by Emily Sevier

Emily Sevier has created an installation of fabric spirit orbs influenced by the chromatic explorations of the Color Field painters and by the graphic color patterns of the 1960s. The soft and floppy felt orbs radiate a bright energy welcoming the viewer from a homespun portal to the otherworld.

Along with the sculpture she is showing some great new drawings. Not to miss!!

JUNE 5- JULY 5, 2009
opening reception: JUNE 5th, 7-10pm
First Friday Reception: JULY 3rd 7-10pm


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COMMUNITY BOARD

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OPEN CALL

21 Grand is doing its first ever juried exhibition - the theme is "Wrong"

Jurors: Svea Lin Vezzone and Misako Inaoka

This exhibition is open to all genres including visual art (video, installation, painting, sculpture, drawing, photo, etc), sound/audio, performance-based disciplines, social practice projects and hybrid forms. Proposals for new projects and collaborative works are welcome.

Entry fee is $15
Deadline for entries: received by 6PM, Friday, July 17, 2009.
More info here:
http://www.21grand.org/wpress/?p=46

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ART IN THE BOX
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Subscribe to The Compound Gallery’s Art in a Box!


Each month you will receive a new piece of fine art by a different artist. Give the GIFT of ART for someone special or for yourself. By subscribing, you receive high quality works worth much more than the subscription cost AND you support local artists AND The Compound Gallery!

Our 11 featured artists are talented and creative individuals that create amazing and collectible, marvelous works of art. All artwork will be accompanied by the artist’s bio and will be contained in an 11” x 17” x 3” box. click here for more info.


FEATURED ARTISTS:
Adrian Van Allen Audrey Roy Ben Belknap Crystal Morey Eric Sanchez Kerri Lee Johnson Lena Verderano Reynoso Matt Reynoso Obi Kaufmann Tallulah Terryll YaChin Bonny You

Friday, June 12, 2009

Indie Biz of the Week and more

INDIE BIZ OF THE WEEK
Well it has been a couple of weeks since i updated this bog...I apologize... I have been busy installing the latest Blankspace show
and revamping the gallery store with new items and lovely objects.

So instead of featuring just one Indie Biz, I would like to showcase some of my favorite EastBay vintage stores
, in no particular order.

Each is great in its own way. But I would like to add that I have found that I have found from experience that Twisters is great for shoes and A-line dresses, and that Pretty Penny has great 70's everything- I purchased more than a few great belts from there...and Premium has great prices...

All of these places are on the list because at one time or another I have found something awesome AND the people behind the counter were always nice to me...bonus.

First, on San Pablo @ Dwight there is a cluster of great vintage clothing stores (called the EastBay Style Collective), Twisters Vintage, Dolled up and Icon.

Down at Lulu's
6603 Telegraph Avenue

(at 66th St)
Oakland, CA 94609
(510) 601-0964
Pretty Penny
5488 College Ave

(between Forest St & Lawton Ave)
Oakland, CA 94618
(510) 594-9219
prettypennyclothing.com

Premium Tattoo and Vintage
4130 Broadway

(between 41st St & Ridgeway Ave)
Oakland, CA 94611
(510) 922-8901
http://www.myspace.com/premiumtattooandvintage

Brownies Vintage
2001 Milvia St

(between Addison St & University Ave)
Berkeley, CA 94704
(510) 548-5955


WHAT'S UP AT BLANKSPACE

"just because there are questions doesn't mean there are answers"

new collaborative work by
Sam Lopes, Joy Fritz and Friends

June 5 - July 5, 2009

First Friday reception:

July 3rd 7-10pm

“Just because there are questions, doesn’t mean there are answers” is a project inspired by a game of copy cat - where each artist tries to emulate one another’s style. The exhibition includes work by Joy Fritz, Sam Lopes, Matthew Momchilov, Matthew Pawlowski.

The exhibition of drawings and largescale wooden and paper mache artifacts are a result of the artists’ use of a game to stay inspired and connected to their queer histories and futures, of laughing in spite of deep pain, and constantly, creatively UNdefining themselves so that there are more questions and less answers.

BLANKSPACE HAS NEW GALLERY HOURS: THURS-SUN 12-6pm


GALLERY STORE PROJECT SPACE

Spirit Orb Color Field
an installation by Emily Sevier

Emily Sevier has created an installation of fabric spirit orbs influenced by the chromatic explorations of the Color Field painters and by the graphic color patterns of the 1960s. The soft and floppy felt orbs radiate a bright energy welcoming the viewer from a homespun portal to the otherworld.

Along with the sculpture she is showing some great new drawings. Not to miss!!
JUNE
5- JULY 5, 2009
opening reception: JUNE 5th, 7-10pm
First Friday Reception: JULY 3rd 7-10pm


COMMUNITY BOARD
OPEN CALL

21 Grand is doing its first ever juried exhibition - the theme is "Wrong"

Jurors: Svea Lin Vezzone and Misako Inaoka

This exhibition is open to all genres including visual art (video, installation, painting, sculpture, drawing, photo, etc), sound/audio, performance-based disciplines, social practice projects and hybrid forms. Proposals for new projects and collaborative works are welcome.

Entry fee is $15
Deadline for entries: received by 6PM, Friday, July 17, 2009.
More info here:
http://www.21grand.org/wpress/?p=46





ART IN THE BOX

Subscribe to The Compound Gallery’s Art in a Box!


Each month you will receive a new piece of fine art by a different artist. Give the GIFT of ART for someone special or for yourself. By subscribing, you receive high quality works worth much more than the subscription cost AND you support local artists AND The Compound Gallery!

Our 11 featured artists are talented and creative individuals that create amazing and collectible, marvelous works of art. All artwork will be accompanied by the artist’s bio and will be contained in an 11” x 17” x 3” box.


FEATURED ARTISTS:
Adrian Van Allen Audrey Roy Ben Belknap Crystal Morey Eric Sanchez Kerri Lee Johnson Lena Verderano Reynoso Matt Reynoso Obi Kaufmann Tallulah Terryll YaChin Bonny You

Saturday, May 16, 2009

Indie Biz of the Week and more

INDIE BIZ OF THE WEEK
Brown Sugar Kitchen
in West Oakland.

I drive by this cute triangle shaped restaurant all the time on Mandela Parkway. When I lived in the neighborhood the building was vacant, then it was a series of unsuccessful restaurants...but I think Brown Sugar has found the right recipe for success.


Admittedly I have not even been into the location yet...but I attended the **Oakland Indie Awards this past Friday and had the pulled pork sandwich they were serving and it melted in my mouth, the flavors were strong, but not over powering and the smell of the sandwich made my mouthwater from across the building.

The next day I was talking to an artist Tellulah Terryll who works at Magnolia Editions located right in the neighborhood. She eats there all the time and she told me the Mac & Cheese is the best she ever had, and if that is not enough to entice you, they serve beignets.

I love Mac & Cheese and beignets and after that pulled pork sandwich experience I will be heading over to Brown Sugar Kitchen very soon.


Brown Sugar Kitchen

2534 Mandela Pkwy (between 26th St & Campbell St)
Oakland, CA 94607

(510) 839-7685

www.brownsugarkitchen.com
Hours: Tues-Sat 7am - 3pm, Sunday 8am-3pm


**
(if you have never attended this annual event is the best Oakland feel good event around, great food, vendors and vibe...and Blankspace was nominated in 2 categories this year... this event reminds me of why I choose to live and have a business in Oakland, it rocks!!!)



WHAT'S UP AT BLANKSPACE

Cal Jam Too
curated by Keith Boadwee
May 1 - May 24, 2009

Blankspace is proud to present another dynamic group show of emerging Bay Area artists curated by Keith Boadwee. When it comes to bringing together new talent, Boadwee always delivers the goods. His shows have historically delivered a mixture of cheekiness, intelligence and conceptual potence.

This year's exhibit is no different.


Artists: Chris Hood, Kevin Hauser, Sean Niesen, MUISTARDEAUX COLLECTIVE, Jee Kim, Ace Lehner, Matt Gordon, Sean Leake, Isaac Grey, Eduardo Gomez, Maggie Haas, Carmen Winant, Calvin Trezise, Gareth Spor, Matthew Waldbillig, Matthew Hughes Boyko, Project Space featured installation by-Brandon Olsen


BLANKSPACE HAS NEW GALLERY HOURS: THURS-SUN 12-6pm


COMMUNITY BOARD
ART IN THE BOX

Subscribe to The Compound Gallery’s Art in a Box!


Each month you will receive a new piece of fine art by a different artist. Give the GIFT of ART for someone special or for yourself. By subscribing, you receive high quality works worth much more than the subscription cost AND you support local artists AND The Compound Gallery!

Our 11 featured artists are talented and creative individuals that create amazing and collectible, marvelous works of art. All artwork will be accompanied by the artist’s bio and will be contained in an 11” x 17” x 3” box.


FEATURED ARTISTS:
Adrian Van Allen Audrey Roy Ben Belknap Crystal Morey Eric Sanchez Kerri Lee Johnson Lena Verderano Reynoso Matt Reynoso Obi Kaufmann Tallulah Terryll YaChin Bonny You

Sunday, May 10, 2009

Open call opportunity, indie biz of the week and more...


OPEN CALL OPPORTUNITY

Oakland Art Gallery and Pro Arts Present
Bay Area Currents 2009

Selections by Kevin B. Chen, Intersection for the Arts

Oakland Art Gallery and Pro Arts Present
BAY AREA CURRENTS 2009
Selections by Kevin B. Chen, Intersection for the Arts

Registration Deadline: May 15, 2009
Studio Visits: May 29 - 31, 2009
Exhibition: June 23 - July 24, 2009

click HERE to register online

Juror: Kevin B. Chen has been involved in the San Francisco Bay Area arts community for over 15 years as a curator, arts administrator, and visual artist. He has been the Program Director for the Visual Arts, Literary Series, and Jazz at Intersection at the Intersection for the Arts since 1998. He has served on selection panels for Creative Capital Foundation, San Francisco Arts Commission Cultural Equity Grants and Public Art Programs, City of San Jose Cultural Affairs Office, Alameda County Arts Commission, Arts Council Silicon Valley, WORKS/San Jose, San Francisco Recycling & Disposal, Inc., and the Headlands Center for the Arts. He has served on the Community Advisory Board of the San Francisco Art Institute, the Board of Directors for San Francisco Camerawork and Locus Arts, and currently serves on the Program Committee for the Headlands Center for the Arts and the Artist In Residence Program Advisory Board for San Francisco Recycling & Disposal, Inc.

Eligibility

Artists must live or have a studio in one of the 9 Bay Area Counties. Studio visits are scheduled May 29, 30, and 31. Artists or representatives must be available during the scheduled time.

How do I apply?

Standard entries must be submitted online. Works in all media are accepted. New media will only be accepted by mail.
For best results images should be sized to 800 x 800 pixels per inch and at a resolution of 72.

Submission & Fees: Basic entry fee includes up to 3 submissions, additional submissions are $5 each. Five (5) submission max per artist. No refunds. Online Registration: $25 basic entry fee + any additional submission fees + applicable membership. Participating artists must have current Pro Arts membership through July 24, 2009. Visual Aid vouchers accepted.


Completed Entries Include:

1. Completed Entry Form click HERE to register online
2. Up to 5 images
3. Artist Statement: The statement must be no longer than one page. Include your name and contact information on the top.
4. Entry Fees

click HERE to register online
Deadline for entries: May 15, 2009

Click here for the Pro Arts Gallery Open Call page with online registration
form and more info.


WHAT'S UP AT BLANKSPACE

Cal Jam Too
curated by Keith Boadwee

May 1 - May 24, 2009

Blankspace is proud to present another dynamic group show of emerging Bay Area artists curated by Keith Boadwee.

When it comes to bringing together new talent, Boadwee always delivers the goods. His shows have historically delivered a mixture of cheekiness, intelligence and conceptual potence. This year's exhibit is no different.

Artists: Chris Hood, Kevin Hauser, Sean Niesen, MUISTARDEAUX COLLECTIVE, Jee Kim, Ace Lehner, Matt Gordon, Sean Leake, Isaac Grey, Eduardo Gomez, Maggie Haas, Carmen Winant, Calvin Trezise, Gareth Spor, Matthew Waldbillig, Matthew Hughes Boyko, Project Space featured installation by-Brandon Olsen

BLANKSPACE HAS NEW GALLERY HOURS: THURS-SUN 12-6pm


INDIE BIZ OF THE WEEK
Pastime Ace Hardware in El Cerrito.

This Ace Hardware has been family run for over 40 years and this neighborhood institution has many things going for it. Top on the list is their great customer service, there is always someone to (happily) help you if needed. They also have convenient and fun price check machines everywhere, so if you can't wait for a salesperson or want to play ( I confess I love to use those machines, it reminds me of being a child and playing pretend grocery store)...

Beyond the customer service, this family run store is clean and has a great housewares department,a great lighting department and they carry many ramdom hardware store items, which is perfect for me as an artist. I love to wander the aisles and think about how I can use these mystery items.

Pastime Ace Hardware
10057 San Pablo Ave

El Cerrito, CA 94530
(510) 526-6615
Hours: Mon-Fri. 7:30 a.m. - 9:00 p.m., Sat-Sun. 8:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.



COMMUNITY BOARD

ART IN THE BOX

Subscribe to The Compound Gallery’s Art in a Box!

Each month you will receive a new piece of fine art by a different artist.

Give the GIFT of ART for someone special or for yourself. By subscribing, you receive high quality works worth much more than the subscription cost AND you support local artists AND The Compound Gallery! Our 11 featured artists are talented and creative individuals that create amazing and collectible, marvelous works of art. All artwork will be accompanied by the artist’s bio and will be contained in an 11” x 17” x 3” box.

FEATURED ARTISTS:

Adrian Van Allen
Audrey Roy
Ben Belknap
Crystal Morey
Eric Sanchez
Kerri Lee Johnson
Lena Verderano Reynoso
Matt Reynoso
Obi Kaufmann
Tallulah Terryll
YaChin Bonny You

Saturday, May 2, 2009

Indie Biz of the Week...open calls and more

Lets get to it.

INDIE BIZ OF THE WEEK
Remedy Salon is located on 65 St in Emeryville.

Remedy is a cute salon located right around the corner for Blankspace. I have to admit I have known about this salon for a while now, I walk past it almost on a daily basis when walking my dogs. But for a long time I had a great hairstylist, so when she moved away...I was sad..and avoided going through the search of finding a new hairdresser for a long time (a process that is akin to finding a good mechanic or a new doctor).

Finally, I decided to try Remedy and since I had heard good things about Lona I made an appointment with her. I have to say I was nervous...well Lona was great! She was friendly, but not too talkative ( I like a friendly hairddresser, but I think there is a time for cutting and a time for talking)..she had the right amount of banter, enough to make me feel comfortable.

Cutting to the chase- Lona did a great haircut, the salon is small and comfortable, the other stylists all seemed nice and the prices are reasonable. I will be going back.

Remedy Salon

1195 65th St
(between San Pablo Ave & Vallejo St)
Emeryville, CA 94608
(510) 547-5000



WHAT'S UP AT BLANKSPACE

Cal Jam Too
curated by Keith Boadwee

May 1 - May 24, 2009

Blankspace is proud to present another dynamic group show of emerging Bay Area artists curated by Keith Boadwee.

When it comes to bringing together new talent, Boadwee always delivers the goods. His shows have historically delivered a mixture of cheekiness, intelligence and conceptual potence. This year's exhibit is no different.

Artists: Chris Hood, Kevin Hauser, Sean Niesen, MUISTARDEAUX COLLECTIVE, Jee Kim, Ace Lehner, Matt Gordon, Sean Leake, Isaac Grey, Eduardo Gomez, Maggie Haas, Carmen Winant, Calvin Trezise, Gareth Spor, Matthew Waldbillig, Matthew Hughes Boyko, Project Space featured installation by-Brandon Olsen

BLANKSPACE HAS NEW GALLERY HOURS: THURS-SUN 12-6pm


COMMUNITY BOARD

Open Call

Oakland Art Gallery and Pro Arts Present
Bay Area Currents 2009

Selections by Kevin B. Chen, Intersection for the Arts


Deadline for entries: May 15, 2009

Click here for the Pro Arts Gallery Open Call page with online registration
form and more info.