If you made it to our most recent art opening at the El Cerrito office, you already know: the reception was a great success. Great people, incredible artwork, meaningful conversations, exactly the kind of community moment we love to help create.

How did it all begin? 

Red Oak’s DEI action group (consisting of Alex Morisseau, Chris Crane, Demetrius Chapin-Rienzo, Elic Suzao, Hanna Kerns, Karen Carter, Lindsay Ferlin, Lucy Conroy, Negar Souza and Suzanne Thompson, Jesbian Widmer, Kelly O'Sullivan) saw an opportunity to create something meaningful at our El Cerrito office: an open, well-lit space with the opportunity to elevate local artists who reflect the depth, diversity and creativity of the East Bay. We’re excited to share that the idea has been extremely well-received by the community.

Red Oak has been honored to feature the vibrant and thought-provoking work of the following artists over the past years:

• Anna W. Edwards annawedwards.com 

• Dev Heyrana www.heyrana.studio  

• Irene Bee Kain irenebeekain.com 

• Xan Blood Walker xanbloodwalkerart.com 

• Duane Conliffe duaneconliffe.com

• Sheela Jhaveri 

Each gallery-style opening brought neighbors, clients, agents, friends, and local creators together, reminding us that art has a unique way of sparking joy, conversation, and connection. 

Our Current Featured Artist - Robert Hightower

We are truly honored by the incredible turnout at last week’s art reception in support of Robert Hightower and his extraordinary, emotionally-charged acrylic and oil art pieces. The energy in the room was magnetic — and filled with the kind of connection that reminds us why community matters so deeply.

A heartfelt thank you to the people who helped make the night even more special: 

• Team FMZ from Crosscountry Mortgage for the amazing food & wine

• La Salle for sponsoring the beautiful cookies crafted by Lucy Conroy

• The Wyatt Team for the delicious cupcakes from Cupcakin

Know a Local Artist? We Want to Meet Them!

We’re committed to keeping this momentum going. The DEI Action Group plans to continue spotlighting local creators and building community through future exhibits.

If you know an East Bay artist who should be considered for a future show, please get in touch. We’d love to connect.

Here’s to more art, more community, and more moments that bring us together.