Have you ever found an old newspaper article that was so good you needed to share it with the world? So good that it inspired you to craft it in miniature? If so, the time has come to turn that local news story into a diorama! If not, now is the time to start searching for inspiration!
Our upcoming exhibit "All the News that's Fit to Build: Local News Dioramas" will feature dioramas made by Oakland history enthusiasts, including you! Go here for all the details about how you can participate.
The first step (after reviewing the guidelines) will be finding a local news article that inspires you to make a diorama. Your story could be something with great historical or personal significance or just something fun. It should be about an event that happened in Oakland or the East Bay. Here are just a few examples of articles that we think would make interesting diorama subjects:
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Feel free to use one of these, but if you want to find a unique article, the Oakland History Center and the Magazines & Newspapers Department are here to help you search. There are tens of thousands of articles to choose from. On May 31 we'll host a program giving an overview of all of the many ways to search local newspapers. You can also stop by either department any time to get help searching, or check out this video for an intro to using Newspapers.com through the library's subscription.
On June 18 we'll be working on dioramas at the Main Library's regular Wednesday evening arts & crafts session. We'll have air dry clay, paints, small boxes, and some other supplies for you to use. You're also free to craft your diorama entirely at home. Completed dioramas should be dropped off in OHC or M&N between July 21-August 2.
Dioramas will be on display in an exhibit on the second floor from August 9-November 29.
Prizes will be awarded for the most exceptional creations at a reception (with Oakland trivia led by Liam O'Donoghue) on October 4. Prizes, generously donated by local businesses, include gift cards for a class at Kala Art Institute, art supplies at Flax Art & Design, treasures at East Bay Depot for Creative Reuse, and free scoops at Fenton's Creamery.
And, finally, here's the article that inspired this event, and the humble diorama I crafted to celebrate its magnificence.
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We're looking forward to seeing your creations!
Questions? Contact (or stop by) OHC or M&N on the 2nd floor of the Main Library. OHC: 510-238-3222, M&N: 510-238-3178, eanswers@oaklandlibrary.org
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