I recently discovered an uplifting body of work by a group of public-realm artists called the Cause Collective. Their projects aim to “explore and enliven public spaces by creating a dynamic conversation between issues, sites and the public audience.”

“Along the Way” image courtesy the Cause Collective

Take a look at their video “Along the Way“, a 20-minute mosaic made from original footage of more than 1,500 Oakland residents. I had to smile at their clever and lighthearted assembly, which includes a few people I recognize like Bakesale Betty (Alison Barakat), with her distinctive blue hair, from my own Temescal neighborhood! The work runs continuously until 2010 in the baggage claim area of the Oakland airport and was recently shown at The Temporary Museum of Permanent Change (another site worth visiting!) in Salt Lake City during the Sundance Film Festival.