Art Changes Student Exhibition
$ Free: RSVP Recommended
1:00 pm to 3:00 pm
From Saturday, May 4, 2024 to Saturday, May 25, 2024

Opening Reception: Saturday, May 4, 2024 | 1:00-3:00PM

Exhibit Dates: May 4 through May 25, 2024

Gallery Hours: 5/4, 5/18, 5/25 from 1:00 – 3:00pm, or by appointment

This is My Alameda Story

Alameda Education Foundation returns to the K Gallery to exhibit student visual art and student poetry based on the work of two Bay Area painters as well as the writing of a Bay Area poet. Alex D. da Silva’s Abstract painting Warriors examines Alameda’s history. Bill Jeng’s Lion Dance paintings gave him strength during the Covid lockdown. Shanti Lair-Croom celebrates her heritage in her poem Living Poetically. The inward reflection displayed in the artists’ work inspired the theme of this year’s exhibit: This is My Alameda Story.

With support from the Alameda Education Foundation, students from all 9 AUSD elementary schools created art in their classrooms based on the work of the three Art Changes artists. Students combined realism and abstraction in saltwater watercolors. These dream-like paintings offer clues to what is important to each individual student. Students constructed carnival masks that were poignant, vivid and fierce. And students wrote about themselves and the objects, animals and people in their lives.

Art Changes student artwork is created and contributed by students at Bay Farm, Earhart, Edison, Franklin, Love, Maya Lin, Otis, Paden and Ruby Bridges Elementary.

About Art Changes

AEF’s Art Changes program offers video demonstrations by visual artists accompanied by a hands-on student project. The artist videos weave stories of inspiration and perspective that reflect the rich diversity of the Bay Area with a focus on artists of color. The program is designed to help teachers provide visual art instruction and art appreciation in their classrooms. This year, the program added literature into the mix.

Art Changes began in 2020 as a partnership with Rhythmix’s Performance, Art and Learning (PAL) program when both nonprofits provided high quality, online distance learning opportunities for all Alameda County students.

About Alameda Education Foundation

Alameda Education Foundation is a critical bridge toward equitable and inclusive educational outcomes for Alameda TK-12 public school students. Their work focuses in three main areas:

  • Art, enrichment, and sports programming that engages students and augments the educational experience
  • Social-emotional supports for AUSD students and staff
  • Equity-centered support of educational programs and student needs

Art Changes Featured Artists




Banner image: Lion Dance Inspired Masks by Earhart 5th Graders.