At the end of each year, the Downtown Alameda Business Association (DABA) presents awards to member businesses in recognition of their contributions to the success of the downtown district. The owners and staff of the selected businesses are excellent examples of the quality of service one can expect to find throughout the district. Additionally, the award recipients are highly active in DABA activities, continuously participate in downtown events and make an effort to cultivate improvements in the business community.

The award for 2017 Professional Business of the Year was presented to Wesley and Jessica Warren of Studio 23. Wes and Jess are extremely active in the art community as well as DABA. Together they manage the Alameda Artists Meetup Group, administer the 2nd Friday ArtWalk website, host the annual Summer Art & Maker Fair and collaborate with the city on the Public Arts Commission. In addition, Jessica serves on DABA’s Promotions Committee and designed the new Clean, Green & Safe Fund logo. 

Most recently, Jessica coordinated the Downtown Holiday Window Contest, bringing together local artists and businesses to create a festive downtown during the holidays.

Wes is the creator of Digifli — a network of electronic bulletin boards seen at a number of businesses in Alameda. Digifli is designed to support the community and decrease the environmental footprint of promoting local events by displaying digital posters for concerts, art openings and special events as well as local business promotions.

Wes and Jess have been creating art together for more than 20 years. They created Studio 23 to be an independent underground art studio and community gallery space in Alameda. An artist reception is held at Studio 23 every month during 2nd Friday ArtWalk and the gallery hosts several recurring group art shows: Eat Your Heart Out/Inside Out in February, Summer Art & Maker Fair in June, 100 Under 100 in July, and the spectacular Black Light Art Show in October.  

Tomorrow, Friday, Jan. 12, Jess and Wes Warren invite you to welcome in the new year by enjoying a mix of work displayed by local Bay Area artists.

Studio 23 is located just off Park Street, near the corner of Encinal Ave and Oak Street. The address is 2309B Encinal Ave.

For more information, call (415) 580-2309 or visit. www.studio23gallery.com.

Art in City Hall
Join the Alameda Chamber of Commerce for its January Mixer and the opening celebration of the inaugural Art in City Hall exhibit on Friday, Jan. 12, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Afterwards, enjoy the 2nd Friday ArtWalk and the first night of Alameda Restaurant Week.

Art in City Hall is a pilot program that celebrates Alameda’s diverse history and community by providing exhibit opportunities for professional and emerging Alameda artists. The program consists of gallery spaces on the first and third floors of Alameda’s City Hall. The exhibits are open for public viewing Monday through Friday during regular City Hall hours.
More information is available on the city’s website: www.alamedaca.gov/artincityhall

More About Downtown
Explore all the great food and drink establishments, charming shops, friendly services and fun things to do in Downtown Alameda! To learn more about the businesses and happenings in Downtown Alameda, go to www.DowntownAlameda.com.