Youth UpRising, a not-for-profit organization in East Oakland, will be unveiling two projects today, Sept. 7, from its Arts and Expression Department in collaboration with local agencies, companies and volunteers.

It will be holding an artists' reception for their new exhibit of 41 pieces of artwork and photos that were created by students in YU's art program. The exhibit is currently featured at the Alameda County Administration Building in Oakland. Later that day, YU will unveil a billboard with an image designed by these students at 83rd Avenue and MacArthur. Both feature the talented young artists in Oakland and their desire to inspire their peers and community.

“Lens of Youth Leadership” Exhibit Reception

When: 2 to 3 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 7

Where: Alameda County Administration Building, 1221 Oak St., First and Fifth Floors, Oakland (located @ 12th and Oak streets)


Billboard Unveiling

When: 4 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 7

Where: 83rd (not 85th Ave.) and MacArthur, Oakland (a few blocks from Youth UpRising)

The "Lens of Youth Leadership" exhibit presented by the Alameda County Arts Commission will feature art and photography from YU members and youth staff and William (Bill) C. Turner, a volunteer. The exhibit, on view now, will run through Oct. 15.

Many of the youth staff and members who created the artwork will be present and available to discuss the 12-week class they participated in, which lead to the creation of the billboard. Also in attendance will be Alexandra Mitnick of Urban Bushfire, who led the mural and billboard project, and Youth UpRising’s Executive Director Olis Simmons.

The Clear Channel billboard is located at 85th and MacArthur in Oakland, just two blocks North of Youth UpRising. The design was created by youth staff and members from YU, during the program, which ran from March through June 2010. Participants went through art classes and worked to design the theme and messaging for their collaborative image. The colorful art piece features the Oakland landscape and flows from images that portray young people depressed or unsure exploding into images of possibility and promise. Including the text “I dream, I choose, my journey is revealed.”

We thank our partners in this project: The Alameda County Arts Commission, city of Oakland Public Art Program, Open Circle Foundation, Clear Channel, Urban Brushfire and a special thanks to Rachel Osajima, director of the Alameda County Arts Commission.