Chain-Link Gallery

Emerson Elementary School, North Oakland (2011)

In partnership with Oakland’s Rock Paper Scissors Collective (RPSC), Emerson Elementary students will create art installations that will thoroughly transform the school. What are now long blocks of bare chain-link fences, will become a gallery for student work. The paintings they create will be double-sided, so that both the students on the playground and the surrounding neighborhood can enjoy them.

The artist, Kristi Holohan, will work with 5th graders for 10 weeks to create large paintings that are semi-permanent, double-sided, and weather-resistant. The paintings will be large bug or animal-shaped cut outs that will be sanded, primed, painted, and graffiti coated. The goal is to give each student a feeling of ownership of their school while teaching them hands-on painting skills. When students see their art given a permanent place in the school, that will transform their relationship with Emerson Elementary.