 Art Center Finds A Home in Alameda—By Julia Dodge Published: May, 2007  Janet Koike is the creator of the Rhythmix Cultural Works in Alameda which includes a 250-seat theater for musical, dance and theatrical performances. Photo by Kate Kline. Janet Koike visits 2513 Blanding Street in Alameda nearly everyday. She loves that every time she wanders around the site, stepping over piles of lumber and sawdust, there's something new — a door, or sink, or lighting fixture — something that indicates that her project is coming to completion. "I love these old buildings," she says, as she opens a closet door, examining the carpenter's handy work. Once a factory that pumped out plastic supermarket pricing tags, this old brick building has been on track to becoming Alameda's only visual and performing arts community center, Rhythmix Cultural Works (RCW), thanks to Koike. An Oakland resident and longtime Taiko drummer, Koike bought the building in April 2003, determined to create a community space where artists could share their ideas and talents. "I was lucky enough to come into some inheritance, and I just knew this was what I supposed to do with it," she says. After three years of renovations, including a new roof, foundation and windows, the 4,000 square foot community art center, which will have its grand opening on June 2, will offer every kind of artistic medium imaginable — art classes for children and adults, dance and musical performances in its 250-seat theater, an art gallery and a book arts store. Art classes will also be offered throughout the week, everything from a parent/child class on circus skills to hoolahoop classes. The upstairs theater — complete with a moveable platform stage, professional sound and lighting, and springy hardwood floors to make it easier on dancers' feet (more than 1,000 rubber cushions are hand-stapled under the floor) — will host Capoeira ensembles, Taiko and Brazilian drumming, mime troupes, theatrical performances, and storytellers, among much else. Attached to RCW will be six artist housing units, a living situation, Koike says, that can really facilitate a sense of community. "My background is being an artist, and I've lived in warehouses — living in warehouse communities was a great experience for me in so many ways." The main entrance to RCW is currently a boarded up hole in the wall, but will soon open up into a spacious lobby, with high ceilings and alluring architecture. | ||
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