CHILLIN' WITH ALAMEDA ARTISTS
ALAMEDA, Calif., November 1, 2004 —
Even before seven Alameda artists opened their refrigerator doors, the light
came on - a creative light, that is.
Julie Stonehouse, JaYing Wang, Jodi Hahn,
Valerie Frescura, Ken McGhee, Kevin Nelson, and
Robert Perez transformed old refrigerators into works
of art through a project co-sponsored by Alameda
Power & Telecom and the Alameda City Arts Council.
The appliances may not be plugged in anymore,
but their new looks emit vibrant energy.
Refrigerators are one of the biggest energy users in a home, and
second refrigerators, typically relegated to the garage, are often older, inefficient
models that drain even more electricity. This summer, Alameda Power & Telecom's
Second Refrigerator Program picked up and recycled 45 refrigerators at no cost
to their owners. Alameda Power & Telecom also collects old refrigerators
when customers purchase an ENERGY STAR® approved replacement refrigerator
and participate in the ENERGY STAR® Refrigerator
Rebate & Recycle Program.
Each artist was given one of the refrigerators collected
over the summer and complete creative freedom. The
results, many incorporating recycled materials, showcase
their unique styles.
Julie Stonehouse drew on her love of Japanese bamboo
paintings to turn an energy waster into an
elegant artwork. For the Asian-inspired look,
she adapted a gold leaf technique to adhere to
the refrigerator's finish.
Mosaic artist JaYing Wang has created fireplaces, fountains, even a
mosaic floor for Cache Creek Casino. Decorating a refrigerator was a new
challenge, but she gave the old appliance a colorful, abstract facelift using
broken ceramic tiles, glass jewels, tile adhesive, and grout.
Jodi Hahn, with assistance from husband Simoh Cadi, incorporated recycled
wood, bottles, Styrofoam, plastic bags, and other items into "Sirena's Treasure Chest,"
a vision of a pristine marine environment in the year 2020. Pagano's Ace Hardware
donated some of the materials, and proceeds from the artwork's sale will benefit Ocean
Institute, www.ocean-institute.org.
"Tiny's Emporium," by Valerie Frescura, offers a feast inspired by Tiny's candy
store on Webster Street. Frescura used fresh candy and recycled materials - tablecloths,
jars, buttons, Mardi Gras beads
- to cook up her creation. The cake
inside celebrates Art in the Park's
fifth birthday last September.
Ken McGhee decided to turn a refrigerator into one giant refrigerator magnet. His
collage of food elements drawn in caricature is titled "Miss Onion."
The art challenge intensified when Kevin Nelson, owner of Kevin Patricks Books,
was presented with a dark red refrigerator instead of a plain, white model. But, he was
"never more" inspired than when he decided to paint ravens, occasional avian visitors to
the island, on the appliance.
Pre-school teacher, puppeteer, and magician Robert Perez incorporated a
picket fence and acrylic paint to represent "A Blooming Good Time." The result is a
cheerful bouquet that can be enjoyed from all sides.
All the artists, except Perez, accept
commissions for similar work:
- Julie Stonehouse, 510-466-5531.
- JaYing Wang, 510-523-4740 or
Wang also offers
workshops for children and adults at the
Children's Art Studio, 1501 High Street.
- Jodi Hahn, 510-523-5002 or
- Valerie Frescura, 510-814-9933 or
- Ken McGhee,
McGhee's portfolio can be viewed at
www.portfolios.com/kensfunkyart.
- Kevin Nelson can be reached through
the Alameda City Arts Council, 748-6074,
or the Frank Bette Center for the Arts,
523-6957.
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