The Library Art Contest ended on November 15th, 2023. Learn more about winning designs and artists.
Celebrating African Americans and the Arts in Oakland
Oakland is gifted with a rich history of innovative Black artists who have shaped the cultural and political landscapes of the city. Black art and artists in Oakland have ignited social justice movements, brought families together in healing, and sparked joy in the hearts of countless people. This contest celebrates these invaluable contributions by highlighting literature, poetry, visual arts, music, theatre, and the performing arts. Additionally, in honor of the 50th anniversary of hip hop, a special category is dedicated to this groundbreaking art form.
This contest is a reminder of the indelible impact that Black art and artists have on our communities. Their work transcends the times, unifying people everywhere.
Artists of all ages were invited to submit their original works in one of these artistic categories:
Music: Celebrate Oakland’s vibrant music scene and contributions of African American musicians.
50th Anniversary of Hip Hop: Pay homage and celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Hip Hop and Oakland’s trailblazers in the genre.
Visual Arts: Showcase the artists that reflect African American culture and the essence of visual arts in Oakland.
Theater and Performing Arts: Highlight the talents and contributions of African American actors, playwrights, dancers in the performing arts.
Literature and Poetry: Celebrate African American authors, or poets and their literary works.
Created by Nikolitsa Paranomos, Graphic Designer. OPL for Promotional Purposes Only.
Winning artists will have their art featured on a limited-edition OPL Library Card that will launch during Black History Month, February 2024.
The contest opened for submissions on October 15, 2023, and ended November 15, 2023.
Spread the word!
#OakLibraryArtContest
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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Main Library and Dimond Branch will hold all nine (9) winning designs. We recommend you reach out to branches before visiting them to ensure that your desired designs are still in stock.
81st Avenue Branch
- We Are All Rulers of Our Artistic Journey
- Spray Painting Oakland
- Women of the Black Panther Party
- Emory Douglas: The Black Panther Minister of Culture
African American Museum and Library at Oakland
- African American Musicians
- Blooming Knowledge
- Emory Douglas: The Black Panther Minister of Culture
- Oakland's Hip Hop 50
Asian Branch
- African American Musicians
- Blooming Knowledge
- Spray Painting Oakland
- Oakland's Hip Hop 50
Brookfield Branch
- Angela Reads
- Blooming Knowledge
- We Are All Rulers of our Artistic Journey
- Oakland’s Hip Hop 50
César E. Chávez Branch
- Angela Reads
- Spray Painting Oakland
- Emory Douglas: The Black Panther Minister of Culture
- Blooming Knowledge
Eastmont Branch
- African American Musicians
- Women of the Black Panther Party
- Spray Painting Oakland
- The Transformation of Silence into Language
Elmhurst Branch
- Angela Reads
- Emory Douglas: The Black Panther Minister of Culture
- Spray Painting Oakland
- Blooming Knowledge
Golden Gate Branch
- African American Musicians
- Angela Reads
- Blooming Knowledge
- Oakland’s Hip Hop 50
Lakeview Branch
- Angela Reads
- Spray Painting Oakland
- Blooming Knowledge
- The Transformation of Silence into Language
Martin Luther King Jr. Branch
- Angela Reads
- Spray Painting Oakland
- Women of the Black Panther Party
- Oakland’s Hip Hop 50
Melrose Branch
- We Are All Rulers of Our Artistic Journey
- Spray Painting Oakland
- Blooming Knowledge
- Emory Douglas: The Black Panther Minister of Culture
Montclair Branch
- African American Musicians
- Blooming Knowledge
- Women of the Black Panther Party
- Oakland’s Hip Hop 50
Piedmont Avenue Branch
- Angela Reads
- Blooming Knowledge
- The Transformation of Silence into Language
- Spray Painting Oakland
Rockridge Branch
- We Are All Rulers of Our Artistic Journey
- Spray Painting Oakland
- Oakland’s Hip Hop 50
- Blooming Knowledge
Temescal Branch
- African American Musicians
- Blooming Knowledge
- The Transformation of Silence into Language
- Women of the Black Panther Party
West Oakland
- We Are All Rulers of Our Artistic Journey
- Spray Painting Oakland
- Women of the Black Panther Party
- Emory Douglas: The Black Panther Minister of Culture
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Cards are available while supplies last!
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Only the Main Library and Dimond Branch will have all 9 cards.
Other OPL branches will have four (4) designs--please contact your local branch to see which designs they have on stock.
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While you can collect different designs for Your Library card, only one (1) card/barcode number is allowed per patron to check out books, use digital resources etc.
You can upgrade your current library card to a Limited-Edition library card. Or, you can request to keep your current library card, while collecting the limited-edition card(s) of your choice.
If you currently do not have Your Library card or an account, you must sign up for one (it's free!) to receive a Limited-Edition library card, and/or to start collecting other designs. Email us at eAnswers@oaklandlibrary.org for support in accessing new or different library card designs.
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Cards will be available on February 5, 2024
Wee Pals daily comic strip original, September 30, 1970, Morrie Turner Papers, MS 24, African American Museum & Library at Oakland, Oakland Public Library.
