What Is the OCC?
Oakopolis Creativity Center was founded by Joell Jones and Jeanne Jabbour with their commitment to influence the future in a positive way. in 2007 the Gallery relocated to Uptown Oakland, at the epicenter of the burgeoning Oakland Arts district. The new alternative space is an early member of the Oakland Art Murmur Organization. We are housed in a 1920s heritage building that is also the home of THE MOON retail store and design studio.
Our unique 20-foot square gallery honors artists who work to promote the dialogue between art and consciousness. We focus on local artists who explore the inner landscape using art to process life as it unfolds—making the unseen seen.
Oakopolis gallery is a generative place that allows artistic exploration and creative stretching that results in new work. Outside the confines of the traditional gallery system, while being very much a part of it, the space lends itself for exhibition, reflection, and networking rather than sales, even though work shown is often purchased.
We engage in the spiritually underpinned movement that includes painters Gordon Onslo Ford, Agnes Pelton, Morris Graves, Leanora Carrington, Wassily Kandinsky, and Alice Neal to name a few. Oakopolis artists work in a range of media, including painting, drawing, fiber arts, writing, photography, sculpture, and site-specific installation.
Oakopolis is currently run by artists Joell Jones and Jan Camp with assistance from Tenaya Gunter Brown, gallery and signage coordination, and Gabe Heilig-Yochim, photographer and computer support. You can read reviews by going to the PRESS section of this website.