David Stern-Gottfried, the artist behind the mural now being painted on a wall of the Virginia Bakery, is looking for help.
In order to complete the massive mural, which will pay homage to good food, sustainability, and Berkeley’s role in both, Stern-Gottfried needs a small army of volunteer painters. Anyone over 14 or so who is willing to dip a brush in paint is welcome.
“I am turning it into a giant Paint-by-Numbers,” said Stern-Gottfried. “You just paint a chunk. So people without a lot of experience are welcome to come. I show them a bit of technique and they are free to go.”
It’s not as haphazard as it sounds. Stern-Gottfried has painted 15 to 20 murals, many with a large community.
He asks that volunteer painters be at least high school age. (Minors will need to get a waiver from their parents.)
Painters can just show up at the site at 1690 Shattuck between the hours of 11 am and 8 pm.
Stern-Gottfired’s group, Growing Connections Mural Project, is also hosting a fundraiser July 1 to raise funds to complete the painting. It will be held at the ACCI Gallery at 1652 Shattuck from 6 to 8 pm. There will be music, a raffle, and a silent auction.
The video explains the genesis of the mural project and features many of the businesses and individuals who contributed their ideas.
