Art Association of the East Bay's New Show Pays Tribute to "Oldies But Goodies"

Dust off your East Side Story cassette tapes and get ready for the Art Association of the East Bay’s tribute to the oldies, “Dedicated to You.”

Filled with works interpreting classic oldies songs, the Union City-based nonprofit’s spring 2012 art showcase opens Saturday at Hayward’s Sun Gallery with a special opening reception from 6 to 9 p.m. featuring music, wine and the works of more than a dozen local artists.

The exhibit runs through April 7.

The show is “the perfect marriage of art and music,” said event organizer Jesus Cruz.

“The oldies genre has remained popular throughout the years because of all the timeless classics released in the 50s, 60s and 70s,” Cruz added. “‘Dedicated to You’ will stimulate your audio and visual senses and make you feel nostalgic, whether or not you grew up in that era.”

Among the featured artists is photographer Felipe Vazquez, better known as NewarkCalifaz, whose stunning portraits capture the Bay Area’s deep-rooted Chicano culture. Old school “bombs,” lowriders and curvy pin-up models, often paired with the vintage vehicles at local landmarks, are fixtures of his works.

Other featured talents include Bay Area artist Leanne “ELROD” Rodriguez and Union City artist and art association president . Reynoso, who currently has an art piece displayed on BART to promote health in communities, will unveil her latest work for the exhibit, an oil painting based on the oldies classic, “I’m Your Puppet.”

Saturday’s opening reception is free, with wine available for purchase for those 21 years or older.

The money raised from the show will be used to further push the Art Association of the East Bay’s mission to advance all aspects of creative arts in the East Bay.

According to Reynoso, the arts organization has helped promote and support art in the region for eight years. The association gives scholarships to students pursuing careers in art, works with local high schools on mural and public art displays, and makes art accessible to youth from underserved communities.

The eventual goal for the association is to build a permanent regional art center, Reynoso said.

“Dedicated to You” opens Saturday, March 10 at the Sun Gallery in Hayward (1015 E St.), with a free reception from 6 to 9 p.m.

The exhibit will be open to the public through April 7.