A hand made work created by the renowned fine artist Nana-Dictta Graves. Her technique is based on Contemporary ideas behind the use of recycling materials into a powerful work of art statement with a message behind the art.

1. A2 BAY AREA NEWS GROUP 309 FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2010
Community
Oval Office
teaches Artist tells stories in found objects
In our “Neighbors” series,
much in we give you a personal look
at the people who are serving
your community. If you would
first year like to nominate someone for
this column, contact Judy
Prieve at 925-779-7178 or e-
R
EPORTEDLY, mail jprieve@bayareanews-
THERE’S there’s group.com.
no greater educa-
tion than sitting in the Oval By Roni Gehlke
Office for a year. President Correspondent
Obama has had his year.
E
What VER SINCE world-re-
should nowned artist Nana-
he have Dictta Graves was
learned and a young girl growing up in
what did Ghana on the Ivory Coast
he actually in West Africa, she believed
learn? East that every picture told a
County story. Art supplies were
ED ARNOW something that she and most
locals
THE BUZZ have some around her couldn’t afford,
strong but that didn’t stop Graves
opinions on what they think from telling her stories in her
are the answers to both pictures.
those questions and were Graves used found items
eager to sound off. and paper products to add
“He should have learned color and life to her mosaic
that health care legislation art style and before long she
is a lost cause, but he hasn’t was starting on a journey
learned it,” said Brentwood that would lead her around
shopper Belinda Raport. “He the world showing her art
needs to learn to listen better. and giving inspiration and DAN ROSENSTRAUCH/STAFF
Americans want no part of his speeches as a moderator to Nana-Dictta Graves, a world-renowned artist who is showing her art at the Lynn House Gallery, is pictured with some
health plan and I think he still young and old. of her mosaics that are made out of recycled materials.
doesn’t get it. It seems he still Graves’ images illustrate
is set on pushing his unpopu- stories from Africa. Most the Kaiser Center Mezzanine of found recycling items and While Graves is working
lar agenda. Maybe the one show the traditional African NEIGHBORS Art Gallery in Oakland, which edible material. on her latest project and get-
thing he’s learned is that we’re imagery that is either con- brought Graves to California “I was green before it was ting ready to show her work
not pushovers.” temporary or from a genera- on her first trip to the United popular to be green,” she said at yet another art venue, she
Oakley’s Elizabeth Mari- tion past, the time that her
“I was green before States. Her art at the exhibi- about the items she used in is also working on a book of
ano agrees. “He should have grandparents told stories of. it was popular to tion brought attention to her her mosaic art. “Every day stories to go along with her
learned to listen to people “My goal is to foster un- work and a local corporation people shred paper, pencils art. She feels that every pic-
instead of roaring ahead with derstanding and apprecia- be green. Every day signed her on to do some art- and even candy wrappers ture she has a special story
his health plan,” she said. “But tion of the arts as a discipline people shred paper, work for it. She later moved and all of those items can be that needs to be told. In her
I do think he is beginning to to generate creativity and to Texas doing similar work used in art.” book she hopes to combine
understand this now. I can’t responsiveness, in turn, ex- pencils and even for another organization. In 2006, Graves moved to the two and then give people
be sure because it doesn’t panding reasoning, thinking candy wrappers During her time in the California. She liked Califor- a chance to see and hear the
show up in his speeches.” skills, self-esteem and also United States she continued nia when she had visited and story together.
“What he’s learned is he the sharing of cultural aware- and all of those to develop her unique style decided to give the area a try. She also will continue to
can’t please everyone,” said ness globally,” Graves said. of art using the same mosaic She lived in Merced for a year be a guest speaker, teacher,
Rosalina Roque of Antioch. When she was a young
items can be used and collage she used in her before moving to Antioch event organizer and curator
“What I hope he’s learned is girl at her first showing in an in art.” first showing in Ghana. She where she found the “perfect” of shows. Many of her speak-
that he is the president and art gallery in Ghana, some continued to gather an im- house and studio setup. ing engagements cover a
does have the power to do 30,000 people came to see — Nana-Dictta Graves, pressive list of accomplish- Her first showing in An- broad-based knowledge and
what he thinks is best for the her art. The event won her speaking about her artworks ments, showing her work in tioch is currently on display expertise in a variety of art
people. He should learn to notice by several local galler- several international venues. at the Lynn House Gallery, as forms, including the diverse
exercise his power and not let ies and educational facilities. of Ghana. After speaking at Not only has she displayed part of the gallery’s Stories programs of traditional Afri-
little things get in his way.” “Since people couldn’t af- several engagements she re- her work in galleries and mu- and Recollections exhibit. can dance and cultural stud-
Lilly Livermore of Dis- ford acrylics to paint with ceived a full-ride scholarship seums, she also has a varied The exhibit features several ies.
covery Bay thinks President they found my art inspiring at the University of Royal So- selection of work in busi- of Graves’ pieces that offer The show at the Antioch
Obama finally understands and wanted me to speak on ciety of the Arts in Scotland nesses, universities and pri- their own unique storytell- Lynn House Gallery contin-
that it isn’t as easy as he how I prepared my art,” she where she received a degree vate collections. ing. ues today and Saturday. The
thought to turn the country’s said. in Fine Arts. Graves said that when she “A community link is very gallery is at 809 W. First St.
economy around. “What he Graves earned a bachelor While at college a gallery started to give talks about important to me,” Graves in downtown Antioch and is
should have learned is that of fine arts degree in Theater, sent three of Graves’ pieces her art, people where fasci- said. “I’m very happy to be open Fridays and Saturdays
he can’t do all the things he African Dance and Cultural to the 1982 World Exhibition nated by her artistic materi- having a chance to share my from noon to 5 p.m. Admis-
wants to do right away,” she Studies from the University of Contemporary Art show at als. A lot of the art was made work here in Antioch.” sion is free.
said.
Antioch’s Vince Meyer
said much the same. “He
should have learned that
Americans are very impa-
tient people and it takes
more than a year to solve the
country’s present problems,”
Delta Datelines
he said. “He has learned to EVENTS IN THE BRENTWOOD / OAKLEY / ANTIOCH AREA • FEBRUARY 26 - MARCH 4
back track on many things
he’s said. And he’s learned to your income is $52,000 or less, ment Training Center. Golden Hills Make blankets for the benefit of Volunteers available for questions.
be more accepting of others FRIDAY, FEB. 26 you can e-file your 2009 federal Community Church, 2401 Shady children in crisis. Bring a sewing Opportunity Junction, 3102 Delta
who disagree with him.” n Cornerstone Christian Center
and state tax returns for free and Willow Lane, Brentwood. For a machine and supplies. Quilt kits Fair Blvd., Antioch. Must be 18.
“You can’t change things get your refund fast. Session full list of acceptable items go and fleece fabric will be available. 925-776-1133, www.opportunity-
Crab Feed — 7 p.m. Proceeds ben-
leaders will be on hand to answer to www.academylegacy.com or Refreshments provided. Children junction.org.
quickly,” agreed Brian Rojas efit a 2010 mission trip to Brazil.
antiochmilitary.com.
questions. Must be 18 or older. 12 and older welcome. Delta n Free Internet Basics classes
of Antioch. “He’s learned that Cornerstone Christian Center;
Opportunity Junction, 3102 Delta n Meditation: The Science Of Bliss Community Presbyterian Church, — 6-9 p.m. Mondays through
the Iraq War is much more 1745 E. 18th St., Antioch. $40. Bill
Fair Blvd., Antioch. 925-776-1133. 1900 Willow Lake Road, Discovery
Rath, 925-779-2000, ext. 2014. — 2:30 p.m. Marshall Zaslove will March 22. Designed to introduce
complicated than he thought. Registration: www.opportunity- focus on the latest discoveries in Bay. Jeanne Akin, 510-459-7457 or beginners to popular computer
And he’s learned that he has n “H.M.S. Pinafore, or The Lass junction.org/taxes. the technology of happiness. For jakin@pacbell.net. programs. Opportunity Junction,
underestimated how much that Loved a Sailor” — 7 p.m. Feb. adults. Antioch Library, 501 W. 3102 Delta Fair Blvd., Antioch.
n HARP cat and dog adoptions
work is involved in getting 26-27 and March 4-5. Presented 18th St. Alyson, 925-757-9224. Registration: 925-776-1133, www.
things through Congress.” by the Liberty High School Play- SATURDAY, FEB. 27 — Noon-3 p.m. Petsmart, Cen-
opportunityjunction.org.
n World Music Lesson and Show- tury Plaza, 4655 Century Blvd.,
Duanne Shoemake of ers. LHS, Allan E. Jones Perform- n Free Composting Class — 1-3 p.m.
case — 2 p.m. Travel through the Pittsburg. 925-431-8546 or www. n Quit Smoking Today — 6-8 p.m.
Antioch said this. “Obama ing Arts Center, 850 Second To learn how quick and easy home folk music of Africa, Australia, harp-rescue.org. Mondays. Get the information and
has learned not to take us St., Brentwood. Adults $12.50; composting can be. Attendees will South America with musician Don support you need to succeed. Sutter
seniors, students and youth receive a free copy of “Harmonious
Americans for granted. But O’Brien and son Shane. They will Delta Medical Center, Fallman Educa-
he still has to learn what we
$9.50. All tickets $7.50 March 4. Technologies, Backyard Compost- teach you how to play a variety of SUNDAY, FEB. 28 tion Center, 3901 Lone Tree Way,An-
Tickets available at the door or ing.” Antioch Library, 501 W. 18th St. instruments. Oakley Library, 1050 tioch. Michelle Keller, 925-779-3613
want rather than him telling www.lhsplaymakers.com.
n HARP cat and dog adoptions
us what he thinks we want. Sponsored by the city of Antioch. Neroly Road. Free. No registration — Noon-3 p.m. Pet Food Express, or kellem1@sutterhealth.org.
n Lenten Fish Fry — 4:30-7 p.m. 925-779-6137. required. 925-625-2400. Lone Tree Way in Slatten Ranch
We don’t want socialized n Evening Pajama Story Time: 7 p.m.
Fridays through March 26. Spon- Support Our Troops Care n Deer Valley High School Prom Shopping Center. 925-431-8546 Mondays. Are you a working parent
medicine and I don’t think sored by the Knights of Columbus
n
even now he understands Package Drive — 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Dress Exchange — 9 a.m.-noon. or www.harp-rescue.org. and unable to take your child to our
Council 7467 of Immaculate Drop off donations of food items, Dresses available in many sizes story times on Tuesday or Thursday
that he can’t ram health care Heart of Mary. Fish, french fries, and selections at reasonable
games, personal items, cloth- mornings? Bring children of all ages
down our throats.” coleslaw and a beverage for $11. prices. Deer Valley High School,
MONDAY, MARCH 1 to the evening story time program.
ing, letters and more. Monetary
Rena Hendrix of Brent- 500 Fairview Ave., Brentwood. west cafeteria, 4700 Lone Tree Brentwood Library, 104 Oak St.
donations accepted for postage. n Free Drop-in Internet access
wood pretty much agreed. 925-634-4154. Sponsored by Antioch Military Way, Antioch. — 6-9 p.m. Monday-Thursday. 925-516-5290.
“I haven’t seen where he’s n Friday Night Tax Assistance — 6 Family and Friends and The Con- n Project Linus Annual “Make A Practice typing, learn English, job
learned much. He’s still go- p.m. Fridays through March 26. If tra Costa County Law Enforce- Blanket Day” — 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. hunt on the Internet and more. See DATELINES, Page 5
ing down the same road he
started on. He should have
Twice-Told Tales
learned that we are sick and 1700 Cavallo Road,
tired of political lying. And Antioch CA 94509
he really should learn to 925-779-7178
treat the military better.” Fax: 706-2305
Brentwood’s Homer Wil- 60 years ago change these plans; a large in- department, the responsibili- Editor: 779-7178,
liamson said the president Oakley school building may crease may force other adjust- ties swept a few thing out of jprieve@
is beginning to learn a few be ready by April: Possibility ments. We want to stay away the home of Ace Edkins, of bayareanewsgroup.com
things about partisan poli- from double sessions and we 105 Woodridge Place, Oakley,
that the new three-room pri-
tics. “Politicians have their can do this by keeping our first Feb. 20. A COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER PUBLISHED FRIDAYS
mary wing under construc-
self interests and stick to grades where they are at pres- It is certain they took a .22
their partisan views, which tion for Oakley school may ent,” Gunder Rinset, principal, Browning blue steel pistol,
makes it hard for the presi- be ready for occupancy the said. with a four-inch barrel and a David Rounds, publisher
dent to do the right thing. I first part of April was seen The Oakley school board wooden grip. Also taken was Craig Lazzeretti, East County editor
think he’s learned to be more this week. The new wing will has other plans under con- a 35 mm block Minolta XG1 Judith Prieve, The News editor
practical in his second year.” relieve the pressure but will sideration for building, which camera with a black case,
not entirely solve the acute STAFF WRITER:
Paul Green of Brent- would be financed under deputies said.
housing problem that the Rowena Coetsee: 779-7141 • rcoetsee@bayareanewsgroup.com
wood said President Obama Proposition 1, but it will be Reports at the Delta sub-
school has felt for some time. SPORTS STAFF:
still needs to learn one big more than a year before such station, Oakley, say the items
“Even with the completion Mike Wood: 977-8493 • mwood@bayareanewsgroup.com
thing. “He needs to concen- work could start. were taken sometime be-
of the new unit the first grades Chase Bryson: 943-8076 •cbryson@bayareanewsgroup.com
trate on people’s real needs tween 7 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Youth/club sports results: youthsports@bayareanewsgroup.com
and less on his grandly will still be housed in the old 25 years ago the hour that Edkins arrived
worded speeches. I voted for building. Our enrollment was Thief takes pistol, leaves home from work. Deputies CORRESPONDENTS:
him and I’m sorry. I hope his 611 on Jan. 20. The new rooms broom as a replacement: An indicated other items might Ed Arnow, Roni Gehlke
second year is going to be will absorb the two fourth Oakley thief might have left a also have been taken, and
better than his first. I hope grades now in the auditorium wooden broom on his victim’s that the victim would report ADVERTISING
he’s learned to put more together with the overflow bed as some sort of memento them at a later time. There Robbie Simmonds: 779-7120
focus on jobs and give up on from fifth and sixth grades, that he had been there. In was an indication some jew-
health care. But I wouldn’t where classes are over 40. any case, according to Con- elry was taken. To subscribe to the Brentwood/Antioch/Oakley News
bet on it.” Only a drop in enrollment will tra Costa deputy sheriff’s — Brentwood News files and East County Times, please call 1-800-598-4637.