The Oakland Athletics are celebrating 50 years in their hometown by mounting massive statues of their mascot, Stomper the elephant, all around Oakland.
But these aren’t just any statues. They’re six feet tall and fans can sponsor one with the option to take it home at the end of the exhibit, which runs through the 2018 season.
Local artists used a variety of materials, including mosaic tiles, glitter, even baseball cards, to bring these Stompers to life. Some are cute; others are odd and even psychedelic, but they’re all Oakland. To view a map of all 50 locations or learn how to purchase a Stomper, visit www.mlb.com/athletics.
Jack London Square is home to four statues. Girl Mobb’s “Bay Area Scapes,” a Stomper in tree-painted pants and a brick-wall shirt, is on display outside Lungomare at 1 Broadway. The “If You Build it They Will Come Stomper” by Anthony Michael Diaz is in construction attire and can be seen on the Marina Lawn across from 55 Harrison Street, while Ricky Watts’ “Stompedelic” is awash in yellow, green and white rainbows outside Plank at 98 Broadway.
And, finally, “Tourist Stomper,” by Wendy and Michelle Arbeit, complete with his camera and adorable “I Love Oakland” fanny pack, is in front of Visit Oakland at 481 Water Street.
Check them out at the Jack London Square Art & Wine Festival on May 19, where more than 40 wineries, breweries and restaurants will offer their goods for purchase. There will also be live music and live painting demonstrations.
Additionally, some Jack London Square merchants will be celebrating May’s Oakland Art Month by featuring a custom cocktail. Look for “Weekend at Bernie’s” at Forge Pizza, “Lost Souls” at Lungomare and a Watermelon Cosmo at Kincaid’s. Or, try an alcohol-free Banana Split Shake at Ben & Jerry’s.