The Estria Foundation held the 6th Annual Estria Battle on October 12th, 2013 in West Oakland’s DeFremery (Little Bobby Hutton) Park. More than 6,000 people attended the event which featured sixteen master graffiti artists live painting large canvasses representing the theme word “Dream.”
This word has a double meaning, first signifying respect for and remembrance of Mike “Dream” Francisco, a legendary Bay Area graffiti writer and artist, as well as the idea that we should give voice to the dreams we have for our communities and families.
Cultural partners for the Battle included: Rights for Indigenous People, Culture/Strike, Rock Paper Scissors, Brett Cook, Maia Murals, and Precita Eyes Mural Arts Center.
The “Youth Mural Arts Battle,” gave six high school art programs the opportunity to paint publicly on the theme “Dream for Justice.”
In addition to the 6,000 attendees at the Estria Battle, another 500 people attended our Pecha Kucha night at The New Parkway, a print show at 1:AM Gallery, and the Sunday Paint Jam at Castlemont High School.
A huge thank you to everyone who made the Estria Battle a success:
Judges: Codak, Doze Green, and Risk
Artists: Agana, Bounce, Doves, Dytch66 (2nd Place), Griffin, Irot , Kufu, Norteño, Woier, Joker, Like, Pemex, Sloke, Toons, Vyal (1st Place), Xhaust
Youth Battle Teams: Cyphers (Phoenix), Everyday Ritual (LA – Winning Canvas!), Get Active (OAK), Precita Eyes (SF), RYSE Center (Richmond, CA), Visual Element (OAK),
Lead Sponsors: Montana Cans, Art Alternatives, Life is Living, Kangol, Kleen Kanteen, Oaklandish, 1AM Gallery, The Akonadi Foundation, Conscious Construction, Acme Builders and all our individual, Kickstarter, and in-kind donors.
And to Battle Director Mike “Bam” Tyau, The Estria Foundation staff, and the more than 70 volunteers who made the Battle a success!
Follow @estriaorg @estriabattle @melemurals on social media.