Oakland Museum of California Debuts Three Pairs of Sneakers Worn by Golden State Warriors’ Stephen Curry

(OAKLAND, CA) February 3, 2017—The Oakland Museum of California (OMCA) presents a new display that embodies the spirit of Oakland Strong. Three pairs of sneakers worn by NBA All Star and Golden State Warriors point guard Stephen Curry—on loan from an anonymous collector—are now on view in OMCA’s Great Hall. Two of the three custom, one-of-a-kind shoes pay respect to the victims of the Ghost Ship warehouse fire in December of 2016, raising a total of $45,201 for the Oakland Fire Relief fund established through YouCaring.com by the Oakland Athletics. The shoes were purchased through an auction on eBay.

According to a statement from the Golden State Warriors, on January 12, representatives from the Golden State Warriors, Oakland Athletics, and Oakland Raiders presented a check for $750,000 to representatives from the American Red Cross and the City of Oakland, who accepted on behalf of the victims and their families, to help assist with relief efforts from the Ghost Shop warehouse fire. One hundred percent of the donated funds are going to those directly impacted by the fire. The proceeds from the shoe auction will also be distributed to this fund to support relief efforts.

The two pairs of customized Under Armour Curry 3s include the in-game “Oakland Strong” shoes featuring the words “OAKLAND” and “STRONG” down the sides in Warriors’ blue and yellow colors, and the pregame “Ghost Ship” shoes worn on-court on December 15, 2016 including the initials of each of the victims. Both pairs are autographed by Curry.

“My goal in wearing these shoes was to not only honor the victims that lost their lives that night, but also to raise awareness for the relief efforts that are underway. Hopefully through this auction we can help further assist with those efforts,” says Curry.

In addition to the two customized pairs, a pair of Under Armour Curry 1 sneakers worn by Curry during Game 1 of the Western Conference Semi-Final Playoffs in 2015, the year the Warriors won their championship, will be on display. Visitors are encouraged to reflect on their own connection to the community and how to help make Oakland Strong.

“As a cultural hub where the community in Oakland comes together, the Museum aims to provide a space to gather together for support, healing, and solidarity,” says OMCA Director & CEO Lori Fogarty. “These shoes are a representation of the generosity within our community, as well as a way to continue to honor those who perished in the tragic fire. The Warriors’ team spirit inspires fans to feel a special connection to this community.”

Those interested in contributing to the Oakland Fire Relief fund established by the Oakland Athletics can visit warriors.com/oaklandfiredonations. For more on the display at OMCA, visit museumca.org/exhibit/oakland-strong.

UPCOMING EXHIBITIONS & PROJECTS

Over the Top: Math Bass and the Imperial Court SF
April 1–July 23, 2017
Familiar symbols, flipped and “queered” to create new shared meaning, are at the heart of this exhibition that pairs new work by a contemporary California artist with the creative practice of a local organization. In paintings, sculpture, and video, perception-bending Los Angeles-based artist Math Bass emphasizes that symbols change meaning according to context and orientation, and that the body and its costumes are meaningful symbols whether they are actually present or only suggested. For Over the Top: Math Bass and the Imperial Court SF, Bass’ compelling work is presented alongside crowns, scepters, portraits, and banners bearing the insignia of the Empresses and Emperors who have served the Imperial Court of San Francisco. These monarchs, elected annually, spearhead charitable fundraising efforts for the alternative society, whose core supporters are drag queens and other members of the LGBTQ community. Over the course of their 51-year history, the Imperial Court has created its own traditions in order to form family and new possibilities for survival. The “Over the Top” symbols activated in this exhibition will highlight acts of fantastic creative invention. Visitors will draw new connections and be both delighted and inspired in learning about practices that are playful, political, and subversive at the same time.

Of Dogs and Other People: The Art of Roy De Forest
April 29–August 20, 2017
Roy De Forest’s vibrant works present playful visions that take us on a trip into alternative realities. In Spring 2017, the Oakland Museum of California (OMCA) will present Of Dogs and Other People: The Art of Roy De Forest, an exhibition designed to simulate an adventurous exploration of the artist’s dream-like and sometimes humorous works. Large, colorful paintings and sculptures spanning De Forest’s career will provide visitors the opportunity to navigate their own journeys by exploring vistas and portals into imaginative worlds. Listening stations throughout the exhibition will let visitors drift deeper into individual works, led by an array of exhibition-related character guides ranging from dog trainers to art historians and ship captains. A hands-on space will provide a social experience and allow visitors to manipulate and engage with textured, tactile materials and shapes inspired by De Forest’s artwork. There is a $4 charge for this special exhibition in addition to regular Museum admission.

Dorothea Lange: Politics of Seeing
May 13–August 13, 2017
Through the lens of her camera, Dorothea Lange documented 20th century life with riveting, intimate photographs that showed the major issues of the times. The emotional impact of her works continues to resonate with millions and illustrates the power of photography as a form of social activism. From documenting the plight of Dust Bowl migrants during the Great Depression to magnifying the grim conditions of incarcerated Japanese Americans during World War II, Lange’s photographs demonstrate how empathy and compassion, focused through art, can trigger political action. Dorothea Lange: Politics of Seeing presents approximately 100 photographs to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the artist’s gift of her personal archive to the Oakland Museum of California. Drawing upon vintage prints, unedited proof sheets, personal memorabilia, and historic objects, this exhibition takes a unique approach to a beloved American photographer by examining how her artistry and advocacy swayed minds and prompted significant change in this nation’s history. There is a $4 charge for this special exhibition in addition to regular Museum admission.

ON VIEW

Out of the Box: The Rise of Sneaker Culture
December 22, 2016–April 2, 2017
The first exhibition to explore the significance, complex design history, and evolution of sneakers, Out of the Box: The Rise of Sneaker Culture opened at the Oakland Museum of California in December 2016. Sneakers have long been a fashion staple and symbol of popular culture, worn by millions of people and transcending generations and socioeconomic status. Within the exhibition, visitors will view more than a 100 pairs of iconic sneakers from the 19th century to the present, including rare collectibles from the archives of brand-name manufacturers such as Adidas, Nike, and Reebok, and selections from renowned sneaker collectors—affectionately known as “sneakerheads”—including hip-hop legend Run DMC, sneaker guru Bobbito Garcia, and Dee Wells of Obsessive Sneaker Disorder. The exhibition will prompt visitors to reflect on sneakers as a representation of identity and sports fashion, while also incorporating community-inspired elements including what it means to be “Town-fitted” Oakland-style, a term developed to represent local fashion. Film footage, photographs, design drawings, and interactive media will showcase the history, technical advancements, fashion trends, and marketing campaigns that have played a role in the sneaker’s evolution. Out of the Box: The Rise of Sneaker Culture is organized by the American Federation of Arts and the Bata Shoe Museum. The exhibition is curated by Bata Shoe Museum Senior Curator Elizabeth Semmelhack with OMCA Curator of Public Practice Evelyn Orantes as the host curator. There is a $4 charge for this special exhibition in addition to regular Museum admission.

All Power to the People: Black Panthers at 50
October 8, 2016–February 26, 2017
The Oakland Museum of California (OMCA) presents a major exhibition coinciding with the 50th anniversary of the Black Panther Party’s founding on October 15, 1966, in Oakland. Presenting a contemporary view of the Black Panther Party’s legacy from multiple perspectives, All Power to the People: Black Panthers at 50 shows how the Party continues to inspire culture, social activism, and community empowerment efforts locally, nationally, and internationally. Designed to create empathy and emotional resonance, the exhibition explores the Black Panther Party as a necessary, heroic, and human response to societal needs. Informed by insights from former Black Panthers, artists, scholars, and community members, the exhibition features art installations, historical photographs and media presentations, artifacts, and contemporary works of art.

Bees: Tiny Insect, Big Impact
Through June 2017
This exhibition in OMCA’s Gallery of California Natural Sciences takes a look at the wildly diverse and intricate world of one of the most important creatures to human agriculture and the natural environment. Through family-friendly experiences, hands-on activities, and media, Bees: Tiny Insect, Big Impact touches on topics of honeybees and Bay Area beekeeping, the diversity of California native bee species, citizen science projects, and the similarities between bees and humans. Visitors will discover real bee specimens under a microscope, crawl through a human-sized beehive, and try on a beekeeper suit. In an immersive gallery environment, visitors can explore the causes of bee population decline, learn about the significance of bees to California’s economy and ecosystems, and discover how simple but powerful actions by Californians can help bees to survive in a changing world.

ABOUT THE OAKLAND MUSEUM OF CALIFORNIA
The Oakland Museum of California (OMCA) brings together collections of art, history, and natural science under one roof to tell the extraordinary stories of California and its people. OMCA’s groundbreaking exhibits tell the many stories that comprise California with many voices, often drawing on first-person accounts by people who have shaped California’s cultural heritage. Visitors are invited to actively participate in the Museum as they learn about the natural, artistic, and social forces that affect the state and investigate their own role in both its history and its future. With more than 1.9 million objects, OMCA is a leading cultural institution of the Bay Area and a resource for the research and understanding of California’s dynamic cultural and environmental heritage.

VISITOR INFORMATION
The Oakland Museum of California (OMCA) is at 1000 Oak Street, at 10th Street, in Oakland. Museum admission is $15.95 general; $10.95 seniors and students with valid ID, $6.95 youth ages 9 to 17, and free for Members and children 8 and under. There is a $4 charge in addition to general admission pricing for special exhibitions. OMCA offers onsite underground parking and is conveniently located one block from the Lake Merritt BART station, on the corner of 10th Street and Oak Street. The accessibility ramp is located at the 1000 Oak Street main entrance to the Museum. museumca.org

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