Public Art Project

* Click to enlarge image, then use arrows to scroll the gallery

A Journey of Promise

Collaboration with Daniel Galvez, Mural Artist

Commission Mural Project for the African American Museum and Library of Oakland

City of Oakland Public Art Program

Completion Date: October, 2003

Left Mural Panel c. 2003

Left Mural Panel c. 2003

Center Mural Panel c. 2003

Center Mural Panel c. 2003

Right Mural Panel c. 2003

Right Mural Panel c. 2003

Historic figures whose leadership and courage made significant contributions to the life of African Americans in Northern California and the Bay Area. Some of the individuals represented in these panels are Mary Ellen Pleasant, early California civil rights leader; Miffin Gibbs, founder of California’s first black newspaper; Delilah Leontium Beasley, journalist, historian and women’s right leader; Esther Pancho, founder of the African American Quilt Guild of Oakland; and local figures in the civil rights movement.  Musicians, writers, and artists’ names are indicated in the crown molding along with the trailblazers from various including explorers, aviators and inventors.These historical images and events are interwoven with areas of textile pattern incorporating the colors and design elements of traditional and contemporary African American quilts. The design element runs throughout the mural panels and is a quilting pattern that dates back to colonial times called “The Log Cabin.” This traditional geometric pattern of light and dark fabric strips arranged around a central square has long been associated with the Underground Railroad’s  oral history. This oral history is a story of codes and secrets reflecting the spirit of a people’s resistance to slavery and desire for freedom.  According to the story, when a quilt bearing this log cabin pattern  was hung outside, fugitive slaves knew they would find support and shelter during their journey.
AAMLO Quilt c. 2003

AAMLO Quilt c. 2003

AAMLO Quilt c. 2003

AAMLO Quilt c. 2003

AAMLO Quilt, Detail c. 2003

AAMLO Quilt, Detail c. 2003

The AAMLO quilt was design and created by Patricia A. Montgomery and was the first step in the design process for these mural panels. It is a part of the African American Museum and Library of Oakland private collection.
Installation Day c. 2003

Installation Day c. 2003

Installation Day c. 2003

Installation Day c. 2003

Installation Day c. 2003

Installation Day c. 2003

Daniel Galvez & Patricia A. Montgomery c. 2003

Daniel Galvez & Patricia A. Montgomery c.2003