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The 40th St. corridor that connects MacArthur BART at Telegraph Ave. to Piedmont Ave. has recently seen a surge of independent businesses and shops. Joining longtime Oakland favorites like Mama’s Royal Café are several exciting new retailers each offering unique services. On the evening of Saturday, August 22nd, five of these merchants are staying open late to promote local artists, local business, and a neighborhood on the rise.

The first Artquest was held in February and was such a success that the event is being duplicated and expanded. Since February, the 40th Street Corridor has seen more improvement with the expansion of 1234Go! records and the imminent opening of Subrosa Coffee Shop.

Manifesto Bicycles, Rowan Morrison Gallery, Premium Tattoo and Vintage, 1234GO! Records and Issues are each hosting art receptions in their businesses on the same evening as part of the “40th Street Corridor Art Quest 2”. In addition to local artwork, the public is invited to get their “treasure maps” stamped at each location and enter for several chances to win gift certificates and prizes from the participating venues. There will be music, refreshments, and lots of affordable products (many manufactured locally.)

Manifesto Bicycles, located at 421 40th St., is a different kind of bike shop. Operated by Sam and MacKay Cunningham, Manifesto restores and sells vintage bicycles as well as accessories, local handmade crafts, and their own line of apparel. On the evening of the 22nd, Manifesto will be hosting a reception for a group show of paintings in their back gallery, curated by local artist and promoter Obi Kaufmann. The show is called “The Living City 2” and will feature the work of Oakland artists Bruk Dunbar, Jane Elliot, Marcos Lafarga, Marc Landes, Jeff Riley and Alex Rosmarin.

Rowan Morrison Gallery and Artist’s Bookstore, located at 330 40th St., is owned and operated by husband-wife artist team Narangkar and Pete Glover. Working out of their adjacent storefront studio, Rowan Morrison offers an eclectic selection of art books, zines, and prints in addition to hosting regular fine art exhibitions by local emerging artists. They also act as an independent publisher of art books and print editions. On the evening of the Art Quest they present a closing reception for the paintings of Oakland artist Carl Auge, in a exhibit called “Resound, New Work by Carl Auge.”

Premium Tattoo and Vintage, located at 4130 Broadway Ave., is a “mom and pop shop” that highlights timeless style and first-class permanent body artwork. With a comfortable atmosphere, amazing tattoo work by renowned artist Matt Decker, and unearthed fashion classics collected by Hilary Decker, Premium is a tattoo parlor that can be enjoyed by those with no intention of going under the needle. For one night they are transforming their space into Premium Gallery and will present an installation of the paintings by Oakland artist David Seiler.

Located just above Piedmont Ave. at 20 Glen Ave., Issues is an international newsstand that has quickly established itself as the place to go for periodicals, locally produced publications, newspapers of all types, and great conversation. Owners Noella Teele and Joe Colley are working hard to provide the community with not only with the best selection of magazines in the Bay Area, but also with a great selection of books, music, and original artworks. Whatever you’re into, if someone is making a publication about it, you will find it at Issues. Issues will host a reception for a show of Sacramento art curated by Joe Colley the night of Aug 22nd.

Joining the line-up for Artquest2 will be 1234Go! Records at 423 40th street and Subrosa Coffee at 419 40th street will be hosting art events by local artists as well. This will be the public’s first opportunity to view the latest shop in what some residents have called “the hippest corner in Oakland”.

More than just another Art Murmur, the merchants of the 40th St. Corridor appreciate the value that support for the local economy can have on a neighborhood. All the owners of these businesses, as well as the exhibiting artists, are also residents of Oakland. Please join us all for an evening of art, crafts, fun, and community.