Art Across the Island

Over 6,500 works of student art have been displayed since Art Across the Island began in 2016. Every Alameda public school has participated in the program and locations including small businesses such as Books Inc., Lilac Dress Boutique, See Spot Run, all three of our city libraries, the College of Alameda library and the K Gallery at Rhythmix Cultural Works.

In 2018 Art Beyond Our Island sent 300 pieces of student artwork to schools impacted by the Camp Fire.

Please stop by and view student art at these locations:

To study California, Paden 4th graders turned their attention to our state’s flora and fauna and one iconic bridge. Using colored pencils, students made botanical drawings of the California Poppy. Then, they created 3D monarch butterflies using construction paper and paint. Rounding out this collection are line drawings of the Golden Bridge. (You’ll notice that several students personalized their drawings by adding sharks). Poppies, migrating monarchs and the bridge are shown in red and orange, which unifies the exhibit. Thanks goes to Eva Cohen for creating this project.

Location: Children’s Section, Main Library
1550 Oak Street
On Display Until: December 31, 2024

Bill Martin’s Chicka Chicka Boom Boom has the alphabet climb a coconut tree, from A, B, C to X, Y Z. But all the letters are just too heavy and the alphabet comes crashing down, much to the delight of young readers. Edison Kindergartners paid homage to this children’s classic by having the letters in their name climb up (and fall out of) their very own coconut tree. The result is pure whimsy. Kindergarten teacher: Michelle Dunn-Ruiz

Location: Bay Farm Island Library,
3221 Mecartney Rd
On Display Until: December 31, 2024

These amazing autumn leaves are by 2023-24 Ruby Bridges kindergartners. How did 5-year-olds create such sophisticated art? Their teacher, Cynthia Lim, made outlines of oak and maple leaves and the children traced her outlines with black oil pastels. Some students diverged from the outline, which gave their leaves an abstract art look. Using warm watercolors, each student captured how oak and maple leaves change with the seasons. Finally, cool watercolors were used for the background.

Location: West End Library,
788 Santa Clara Ave.
On Display Until: November 30, 2024

Lilac is celebrating the use of art to enhance our students' understanding of science, technology, engineering and math. You’ll discover glittery brain neurons, microbes embroidered on burlap, toys fabricated with a 3D printer and multimedia art made with code. Students built coil pots, wire figures and paper sculpture. Geometry was used to draw birthday cakes, graffiti-filled cubes and topographical maps. You’ll find planets (some inspired by images from the Hubble Telescope) plus animals (made with print making, engraved metal and recycled plastic). Kudos to our Alameda public school teachers and students!

Location: Lilac Dress Boutique
1918 Encinal Ave.
On Display Until: December 31, 2024

Student poetry has returned to Books Inc, just in time for the store’s 20th anniversary and the 2nd Annual AEF/Books Inc. Poetry Slam. Discovery Shape Poems by Anthony Manalisay’s 2023-24 4th graders where the shapes of the words follow the shape of each poem’s subject matter. Discover Blue Moon circular poems by Lara Weber’s 2022-23 kindergartners. All of these poems were exhibited in previous Art Changes exhibitions at Rhythmix’s K Gallery. The student works that will be read in this year’s Poetry Slam will be based on a nature poem by poet laureate Maw Shein Win. The Slam will take place on March 22, 2025 from 2-4 at Books Inc.

Location: Books, Inc. Alameda,
1320 Park Street
On Display Until: November 30, 2024

Frida Kahlo-inspired art has come to See Spot Run. Love third graders outlined templates of birds, butterflies and dragonflies (all animals that appear in Kahlo paintings). Then the students filled the background using oil pastels. Once the drawings were completed, the templates were removed to reveal blank paper. The flying creatures become evident as negative space. Thanks to teacher Scott Hixon, who teaches this Frida Kahlo project every year. Thanks, also, to See Spot Run owner Leigha Gevock-Burns for purchasing the wonderful bulletin board that makes a perfect place to display art.

Location: See Spot Run,
1320 Park Street
On Display Until: January 15, 2025