Q&A with art instructor, Amy Kweskin
- August 23, 2010
Amy Kweskin's occupation is the Business of Arts and it keeps her hopping. She's teaches various courses at the Art Institute of California and she develops strategic plans for non-profit arts organizations. She also maintains several blogs and works with the London based Get2thepoint.org, a non-profit agency helping charities in the UK. Originally from Stamford, Connecticut, Amy now makes her home in Oakland, having lived all over our great city including in a restored Victorian house formerly owned by F.M. Borax Smith (founder of the Pacific Coast Borax Company.) Amy shares her slice of Oakland life with Oakland Fashion Examiner readers.
What's your take on Oakland's sense of style?
Oakland has its own hipster style, at least in the areas that I frequent which are Piedmont Avenue, Grand, Lake Merritt, Rockridge, and Jack London Square. I would say that this style is about being comfortable, not pretentious and wearing cool t-shirts. Oakland is the t-shirt Mecca of the Bay Area. I think this is because we have so many artists and t-shirts are a fast and inexpensive way to get their art out into the public.
Visitors are coming to town - what's on your must-see list?
Lake Merritt, views from Skyline Boulevard, Jingletown, and Jack London Square.
Oakland has some stylish neighborhoods - what's your favorite and why?
I would have to say that Jingletown is my favorite neighborhood in that it has its own funky thang going on. It is best experienced during Open Studios when you can wander into the area's multitude of secret work spaces and mingle with the artists.
Sunday afternoon and you're hangin' in Oakland, what are you doing?
Kayaking on the Estuary is my favorite Sunday activity.
What have been your fashion secrets for staying warm and chic this unusually chilly summer?
An amazing beige, soft leather jacket I picked up on the sale rack at The Gap. It is bright, beautiful, hip, and flattering.
It's almost back to school - what fall trends will you be sporting?
My usual outfits are scoop-neck long-sleeve shirts that fit snug from H&M, jeans and high heels such as boots or wedge sandals. If I have to dress up I match artsy skirts I picked up at White Stuff in London with my pastel scoop-neck tees. On the weekends I'm all about wearing Oaklandish t-shirts - sporting my Oakland Pride. Plus, I keep my hair under control with a black beret from H&M.
What are you teaching this semester?
Here's my Fall teaching schedule:
Art Institute of California - San Francisco: Human Resource Management and Executive Leadership
Art Institute of California - Sunnyvale: In House Promotions
Cal State East Bay-Hayward - Arts Leadership and Board Development
Center or Cultural Innovation - Strategic Planning for Artists (San Francisco and Oakland)
Wow Teach, you're busy. Best of luck this semester and don't forget to stay in-the-know with the Oakland Fashion Examiner.
Readers - check out Amy's sites: and .
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