Below is an abridged version of Ken Katz's recently-published Splash Pad Newsletter. But first, GABA would like to announce its newest board member,

gaba design

Below is an abridged version of Ken Katz's recently-published Splash Pad Newsletter.

But first, GABA would like to announce its newest board member, Ruth Stroup from Ruth Stroup Insurance. Ruth recently set up a merchant/customer safety training program with Grand merchants and OPD.

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SPLASH PAD NEWSLETTER - GRAND AVENUE MERCHANT NEWS
by Ken Katz

After a sabbatical that lasted three years, the Grand Lake Smoke Shop should re-open in the next week or so. Like the Alley and the Grand Lake Theatre, the Smoke Shop is very much a local landmark.

It opened in 1931 and, for years, was known as “Charlie’s Smoke Shop” where you could purchase newspapers, magazines, candy and tobacco products.

After Charlie passed away, Peter Brady took the helm and remains the business owner. Paul Hlebcar (the talented musician who plays two nights a week at the Alley) will be returning as the shop manager. Leo Havea (pictured on left), who has been busy cleaning, sorting and arranging the vast quantity of memorabilia that has accumulated over the years, will also be working part-time.

Next door (at what was most recently the Day of the Dead coffee shop), Modigliani Cafe is about to open in the next week or so. I’m not entirely sure of the menu but I do know that everything is going to be house-made with top quality ingredients. There will be an open kitchen and some counter seating. Decor features the artwork of the namesake artist.

Yesterday, I talked to Lidia Wallenburg (owner of Grand Flowers) and she said that she’s “very excited” about all the renewed activity at her end of the block. She is confident that there will be far more pedestrian traffic which will boost security and also the financial bottom line.

The Grand Opening party on April 5th for the Alchemy Bottle Shop) was very well attended. Balloons, food, champagne and lots of animated conversation transformed the upstairs gallery/tastings room into the festive gathering place that Peter and Tova envisioned. As detailed later in the newsletter, paintings are about to be installed in time for the First Thursdays event on May 1st. There will also be an artist’s reception on Saturday, May 10th

Studio Grand continues to roll out an incredible array of concerts, classes, and readings that feature some of the best and brightest talents in the Bay Area including Valerie Troutt. Please visit the Studio Grand website for all the details or to volunteer, visit this site.

Newfangles at 3223 Grand has re-scheduled their “INDOOR BLOCK PARTY” for Sunday, May 18th from 1:30-5:30. They’ll have music, henna painting and refreshments.

Liberace Lamp? Urban Furniture continues to bring in all kinds of great merchandise. They currently have a leather sofa is superb condition as well as this ornate lamp that was accompanied by a framed photograph of Liberace’s mirror-lined grand piano. Was the lamp once his? Only The Shadow knows for sure.

Patrick Cheatham at Panorama Framing scored big time with a photo and blurb in this month’s Oakland Magazine publicizing the show that’s just about to close.

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FIRST THURSDAYS ON GRAND
This month’s edition of the First Thursdays art walk falls on May 1st. Hours are 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. unless otherwise noted.

Alchemy Bottle Shop launches its second-floor gallery on May 1st with a show of oils by Ashley Garcia from a series entitled “Renewal: Exploring and Renewing Connections to My Heritage”. Hours are 5:00 – 8:00 p.m. Grand Opening artist reception to follow on May 10th.

Studio Grand’s show entitled “Random Parts: Paint Plethora” continues through May 24th. The First Thursdays art festivities coincide with the 510 Journal Launch Party co-sponsored by Studio Grand and 510 Journal – a new Oakland-based literacy program. Highlight of the evening will be readings by four of Oakland’s Youth Poet Laureates. Hours are 6:00 – 8:30.

Newfangles show of artwork by Juliet Evans continues through the month of April. Juliet is also organizing the Indoor Block Party scheduled for May 18th.

Panorama Framing will be hosting a reception for a new show entitled Color and Place featuring the artwork of Judy Levit, Jane Norling and Lorrie Fink. Refreshments will be served.

Jaujou Studio will be showcasing abstract oils by Tori Berghoff. Show is called “Hey, Bud!” A 15% discount on store merchandise is offered from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. during First Thursdays.

Kingman’s Lucky Lounge now has a curator – the Bird’s Jive Room Art Collective. They will be hosting an artist’s reception for artist, Samuel Renaissance on Friday, May 9th from 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. Samuel’s artwork will also be on display at the First Thursdays event during which beer, wine and well drinks will be half price.

Urban Furniture has a special show through May 29th timed to coincide with Mother’s Day entitled “The Power of Motherhood”. The show is curated by Valerie Medina. Artist reception with refreshments will be held during the First Thursdays event.

Better Homes and Gardens Realty has hosted a number of First Thursdays events – mostly coordinated by me. Lately, I’ve had so many irons in the fire, I haven’t been able to take this on. If you’re interested, send an email to info@splashpad.org.

Additional information is available on the First Thursdays on Grand website. Photos from last month’s First Thursdays event are posted in the gallery below. More still are available on my Flickr page.

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Read the entire Splash Pad April Newsletter here

See the GABA merchant directory here

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