The weather in Oakland has been extremely foggy for many days. It broke yesterday afternoon, and I decided to visit the roof top sculpture garden at the Oakland Museum-one of my favorite spots in the Bay Area. The gardens are comprised of four descending concrete levels adjacent to the Mid Century Modern architecture of the museum building. There are severeral sculptures throughout the levels, showcasing many sculptors from the Bay Area- including, Fletcher Benton, a San Francisco sculptor whose work I enjoy immensely. The point of view is eastwards with views out to Lake Meritt and the hills beyond. There are many places to sit, soak up the sun, and take in the view... and it is free! You do not have to pay the museum fee to access the rooftop. Many of the sculptures are not marked, I have cited where I could. The museum has recently undergone renovations to both the interior and exterior.Some of the sculptures have new coats of paint.
Fletcher Benton "M" 1974 Aluminum and Plexiglass
Peter Voulkos "Bad Day At Shattuck III" 1962-64 Cast Bronze
Michael Bigger "Love Plow #1" 1968
Michael Todd "Zakar" 1969 Printed Welded Steel
Bruce Beasley "Foray III" 1997 Caste Bronze
The 1960's concrete garbadge cans embedded with stones. Oddly, very comforting, like a long lost friend from a field trip long ago.
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