25¢ Art Lessons

In a donated Oakland storefront, Gavin and artist Nat Parsons situate themselves inside a circular table and invite the public to chat, paint and create clay sculptures with them. The 25 cents charge is intended to draw people in off the street who are curious about the cheap opportunity to get creative. Free things are often undervalued, but everyone loves a bargain!

The project begins with an image of an artist surrounded by a round table piled high with clay that is accessible to the hands of the public. When artist Nat Parsons joins the project, the circular table is elongated to accommodate two lead artists.

People of all ages enter the storefront to look around at the evolving art installation. Once inside they signal participation by rolling a quarter down a ramp into a noisy metal can and then sit down to paint or sculpt. Making art can take the pressure off of the need for continuous conversation. Conversely casual conversation can reduce the intimidation people sometimes feel when faced with the prospect of making art.

On the last night of the installation, there is a party and the two fantastical clay mountain ranges are joined together.

Oakland, CA — 1994