Gayles, The Consummate Artist

James Gayles is a consummate artist. In fact, art is his passion. His art is featured in a wide variety of venues in and around Oakland . There is a current exhibit of his work in the downtown Oakland Marriott Hotel at 11th and Broadway. Fifteen of his pieces are on exhibit in the main lobby. Joyce Gordon curated this exhibit. James’ art is also on display at the Asian Resource Center Gallery, Oakland , California . He says, “Art is a tough field, especially for minorities. It’s a struggle for notoriety. It’s a struggle to get recognition. It’s a struggle to get an exhibit.” The Alameda County Arts Commission purchased several of his works as a part of the County’s art program. These pieces are on display as a part of the permanent collection at the Alameda County Juvenile Justice Center . James has received the City of Oakland ’s Individual Artist Grant in 2005 and 2007, and was recently commissioned by the Alameda County Art Commission and the City of Richmond to create a series of paintings. He also won a public art commission from the City of Oakland Craft and Cultural Arts Department, to do a series of 4 tile murals for the Bushrod Recreation Center . His studio is located at the Swarm Gallery, 560 2nd Street , Oakland . For further information contract James Gayles at jgayles66@hotmail.com or visit his website at www.jamesgayles.com - Photo and text by Conway Jones.