Saturday February 16th initially threatened to rain, but with luck, aside from a brief shower, it remained fairly sunny and dry for my excursion across the San Francisco Bay to the Island of Alcatraz. I took the 11am ferry from Pier 33 and once on the Alcatraz side, walked the steep road up to the New Industries Building where the current “FUTURE IDS AT ALCATRAZ” exhibit is installed.
Future IDs at Alcatraz is a yearlong project, exhibition, and series of monthly public programs hosted by the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy.
The installation features ID-inspired artworks created by incarcerated individuals as they conceive and develop a vision for a future self.
“CREATE A FUTURE ID
For a dream job,
a role in society, or
A continuing role with family
such as father or mother”.
It’s a brilliant visual art conception and a stark contrast to prison-issued IDs as these artworks represent individual stories of transformation. The exhibit was curated and installed by artist and Arizona State University art professor, Gregory Sale.
I met Mr. Sale last year and was delighted (and honored) to be invited to collaborate in part by providing artwork created by some of the incarcerated artists who regularly participate in PATH art related projects. One PATH artist in particular is Cuong (Mike) Tran whose work can be seen in the show.
This particular project is supported in part by grants from Creative Capital Foundation, SPArt (social practice art), and the Herberger Institute of Design and the Arts, Arizona State University. It was developed during artist residencies at Montalvo Arts Center, Headlands Center for the Arts, and The Bunny House.
If you get a chance to go out to the island, I strongly recommend that you take in this exhibit. Aside from the exhibit, the New Industries Building is also set up as an art workshop studio for visitors to the Island. So, get your art on, and enjoy!
Blessings,
Leslie Lakes, Dir.
Pics:
Signage for exhibit
Road leading up to New Industries Building
Art by Cuong Tran
Several images of art display
Gregory Sale (L) checking off event list
John Sale (Gregory's brother) and Leslie Lakes
Art Venue Space in New Industries Building
View of San Francisco Bay from Alcatraz