Oakland has long been known for its innovative and fresh contributions to the world of art and music. Numerous female visual and performing artists have honed their skills on the grassroots level in the Lower Bottoms, Laurel and Dimond districts and many have reached international heights.

The ShePeoples Collective was born out of an idea for a space where emerging and professional women artists could gather in hopes of building a rich community.

This Friday, Nov. 19 – beginning at 8 p.m. – this busy group will celebrate its first year of growth and accomplishment with an “explosion” of female talent on the stage of Shattuck Down Low in Berkeley. They are looking to raise money to develop more programs and showcases for the spring and summer seasons of 2011. Twenty sheArtists will be featured, along with live entertainment, arts and crafts for sale and light refreshments.

“Women artists have come together to reclaim, build and project a strong sisterhood within the arts,” said founder Valerie Troutt, who added that she has been greatly inspired and encouraged by the number of talented women that have come forward in support of this endeavor. Its monthly showcase, established in 2009, features an eclectic mixture of spoken word, visual art, live instrumental and vocal music, performance art, dance, storytelling and barbering.

Celebrating the diversity of artistry in the Bay Area over the past year, the group has presented more than 11 standing room only shows at Divinity Voice Art & Music, in Oakland’s Dimond District. Past showcase artists have included woodcrafter and jeweler Latisha Baker; storyteller Diane Ferlatte; dancer Sheena Johnson, pianist Dana Salzman; and Oakland favorite, MC Aima the Dreamer. Since 2009, Divinity Voice has hosted a number of other events, including vocal workshops and jam sessions on a weekly basis, offering unique opportunities to explore and fine-tune talent and performance skills.

Striving to meet the needs of the arts community, The ShePeoples is putting together a resource directory, which will include the contact information of featured showcase women artists and women who own and operate local businesses. Contact The ShePeoples Collective for information and costs.

As if all of that isn’t enough to stay busy, collective member, Willow heads up what is called a Pillowing Program. Members started making pillows from recycled materials as the need for comfortable seating at performances arose. That need has since been met, but they are keeping this program going and donating pillows from the collection to charities that need them.

Going Out

What: ShePeoples Collective First Year Anniversary

When: 8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 19

Where: Shattuck Down Low, 2284 Shattuck Ave., Berkeley

Cost: Tickets $15 advance or $25 at the door. Purchase online at www.shattuckdownlow.com or www.theshepeoples.com.