Laurel Neighborhood News

by John Frando

The Space at Laurel Jujitsu. Photo by Dvora Gordon.

The Space at Laurel Jujitsu is both the interior of a martial arts studio and home to a new community-focused venue for artists and their supporters. Co-directors Dvora Gordon and Janet Rachel founded The Space in early 2009 to feature the diverse work of local artists and bring together the residents of the Laurel and surrounding areas of Oakland.'

' "We are creating a welcoming place for a diverse population of ages, cultures, sexual orientations, interest, and art forms," Janet described. "So far, we have featured visual art and photographic exhibits, independent film-maker nights, a cappella vocalists, a documentary series and discussion on racism, and R&B, jazz, and folk music. We are also planning to feature a fashion show involving the apparel shops in the Laurel District and beyond."

' The Space takes its place beside new, promising developments on MacArthur Blvd. like Trattoria Laurellinos and the Saturday morning Farmers' Market.'"We've been delighted with the turnout for our shows," Janet continued. "Mostly, we've had full houses. And the Summer Solstice Music Festival was a perfect way for us to introduce ourselves to the community."

' The Space was one of the ten locations where nearly 70 musicians and bands performed in the Fourth annual Laurel Summer Solstice Music Festival. Musicians and audience members alike praised the caliber of The Space as a place to play and listen to music.

' In addition to directing The Space, Dvora and Janet are music producers and artists. Dvora is a mosaic, collage, and garden design artist. Janet is a vocalist involved in several projects including the satire a cappella quartet: Out On A Clef. Their background, experience and insight will make The Space a successful venture. Janet observed: "There is a need to bring the arts to the Laurel and surrounding areas of Oakland, and we think that we can help fill that need."

Contact Dvora and Janet by email at thespaceoakland\@gmail.com, by calling 436-4277, and through the Web site (under construction): thespaceoakland.com. Get on the email list for news about upcoming events.

Laurel Jujitsu at 4148 MacArthur Blvd. is owned and directed by JoAnn Strang. JoAnn teaches private Jujitsu classes. Susan Liroff, a mutual friend, "muse," and Jujitsu student, introduced Dvora and Janet to JoAnn. Upon seeing the airy, sunny martial arts studio, they knew that The Space had found its home.

Rentals help support the programs. The facility can be rented for classes, workshops, martial arts, meetings, toddler and after-school programs, rehearsals, and private parties. Call 436-4277. A massage and acupuncture studio in the back can be rented by contacting JoAnn directly by calling 530-5043.

The Space features Feldenkrais, Spanish classes, tango classes, and a women's chorus rehearsal, which is accepting new members.

UPCOMING EVENTS: Current art exhibit: Works by Woody Johnson and Jimi Evans. Call for a viewing. August 8: Music show with Cara Wick and Deborah Cummings. August 22: Music show with Andre dos Santos Morgan and the band Liquid Girlfriend.

John Frando can be reached at jfrando\@gmail.com.