Kim Larson has been an artist most of her life but just began doing mosaics in 2006. Kim has been a graphic designer for 27 years and has enjoyed various media including drawing, oil painting and now mosaics. Recently, Kim became involved in a project in the Jingletown Arts and Business Community called the Peterson Street Art Garden. Jingletown is an area in Oakland, California between the Park Street Bridge and the Fruitvale Bridge. It is home to many artists who live and work in area lofts. The Art Garden came about both as a way to showcase the local artists work but also in an effort to curb graffiti in the area. While blank walls have long been a target for gang graffiti, history has shown that these gangs have generally left public artworks alone. Kim was asked to do the first 10' by 10' section of wall and has installed her mosaic mural Virgin of Guadalupe. Guadalupe was installed in the center of the long wall and since its installation there have been no graffiti problems. This gift to the neighborhood is a tribute to the Latino culture that is so prevalent in Jingletown. The mosaic is about 7 feet high and 4 feet wide and is made from ceramic tile, glass and mirror. Other artists will be offered 10 foot wall sections to create public art. There are plans for paintings and other mosaics and possibly metal sculpture with a goal of 20 works of art along this wall. Eventually the dirt strip against the wall will be planted and a path will be created for visitors to stroll and enjoy the beautiful art. Kim is excited to be chosen to start the process with her mosaic mural and looks forward to seeing the Peterson Street Art Garden completed.
See more photos of Kim working on this mural at her Flicker site and while there check out her vast portfolio of artwork including an extensive collection of mosaic art. Kim is a member of the Society of American Mosaic Artists, the California Mosaic Group and Mosaic Artists.org. 25 artists from Jingletown will be opening their studios to the public for an art walk during the first two weekends of June. If you are in the Oakland area or plan to visit during those weekneds, read more about the Open Studios Art Walk. You can read more about the participating aritists here.
Many thanks to Kim Larson for her assistance with this article.
Comments
Thank you Felicia. Please come by and watch the progress. There will be 4 more mosiacs as well as painted murals. We will be planting in October.
One correction; our Community group, which represents, artists, businesses and residents is called Jingletown Arts & Business Community.
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