Mastick exhibit showcases 66 works by Alameda artist Mi’Chelle Fredrick

The City of Alameda Recreation and Parks Department unveiled a major cultural showcase at the Mastick Senior Center on Wednesday, September 30, opening an extensive retrospective exhibition by acclaimed local artist and instructor Mi'Chelle Fredrick. Titled "Looking Back on Exploring, Studying, Imagining," the solo showcase features sixty-six original drawings and watercolor paintings that span decades of focused artistic exploration across the East Bay. Cultural supporters, municipal leaders, and longtime community students gathered at 11:00 a.m. in the main center lobby at 1155 Santa Clara Avenue to celebrate Fredrick's creative legacy.

The exhibition brings vibrant community engagement into Alameda's flagship senior facility, providing older residents, local families, and visiting art lovers with free access to museum-caliber fine art in an accessible neighborhood setting. Beyond displaying Fredrick's mastery of fine graphite drafting and layered watercolor washes, the installation directly enriches the center's lifelong learning curriculum. A portion of proceeds from all displayed artwork sales—specifically fifteen percent—is dedicated directly to funding ongoing drawing and painting supplies for low-income seniors enrolled in center arts workshops.

Operated under the municipal stewardship of the City of Alameda, the Mastick Senior Center has served as an essential social, health, and cultural hub for East Bay seniors since opening its doors in 1978. In addition to wellness clinics and nutritional dining programs, the center maintains a robust visual arts department where Fredrick has taught foundational painting and sketching classes for numerous years. Recreation Manager Morace McKay commended the retrospective, noting that hosting an artist of Fredrick's caliber demonstrates the city's enduring commitment to cultural enrichment and senior empowerment.

The retrospective will remain on public display through Saturday, November 14, filling both the center lobby and adjacent community game rooms with framed originals and technical studies. Gallery viewing hours run Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., with weekend viewing opportunities available on Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Admission to the gallery is entirely free of charge, with accessible building ramps, designated parking stalls, and quiet seating areas provided throughout the facility.

Docents and center volunteers will offer informal gallery discussions and guided viewings throughout October, highlighting Fredrick's technical approaches to regional landscapes and architectural portraiture. Prospective collectors interested in purchasing original pieces or prints can speak directly with center administrative staff during standard operating hours. Additional information regarding upcoming art classes, exhibition catalogs, and senior community programs is available through the Alameda Recreation and Parks Department and the Mastick center office at 510-747-7500.