Oakland Fire

If you've been listening to the news in the U.S.A. you've probably heard about the Oakland fire at Ghost Ship. I never went to Ghost Ship, I didn't know any of the victims personally, but I know Oakland artists and I love Oakland artists.

I remember going through the entire bay area on open studio days with my parents since I could walk properly. I remember visiting my teachers' galleries. I remember on Arts Walks walking in the street with my friends hoping from gallery to gallery meeting and gushing over the arts we saw with little paper cups of cheap wine. I remember going to the annual holiday fair at CCA... All these wonderful things. Losing another place for this, for the arts and those who need safe spaces the most, hurts. There's no other way to put it, it fucking stings.

I can't imagine what the bay would be like without my favorite haunts, Bottom of the Hill, The Hive, Rickshaw, Kala, Grease Diner, and historical spots like Gilman. I'm thankful those spots will still be there for me to enjoy when I get home. I'm thankful my friends are safe. I'm thankful for the bay area for the candle light vigil that lit up all of Lake Merritt.

But my heart still breaks for those we lost. Those who make Oakland what it is.

So, in this time please visit and support your local artists. Let them know their value, protect the spaces they need, and, if you have some extra money, consider donating to Oakland's victims. 

Until then, we heal, we mourn, and we keep creating.