Image From Samantha Li
Fremont Creates, an annual art program that began in 2019, is a chance for local artists in Fremont to showcase their talent. It celebrates California’s Arts, Culture, & Creativity Month every April, hosting a variety of art events for residents to enjoy. There are art exhibitions, concerts, writing contests, and pop-up markets to enjoy.
What makes Fremont Creates so welcoming to residents is the range of events offered throughout the month. Plus, you don’t have to be an artist to come and appreciate artworks. “I love art, any kind of art form,” WHS librarian Ms. Cuddalore says. “So it’s very hard for me to just point at one item and say ‘I love this.’”
If you enjoy snapping pictures, consider visiting the Annual Juried Photography Show. It features 100 photos by local photographers of all ages, and some are even available to buy. If you prefer street art, take a look at the Yarnbombing event, where knitted and crochet pieces cover trees, railings, and more. These pieces are made by members of the Fremont community, and can be seen until the end of April. And, if you like shopping, visit the Fremont Creates Pop-Up Art Market on April 26th. Local Fremont artists of all mediums will be selling their works, and you can support them by visiting their booths.
Fremont Creates gives residents the chance to gather in a space and connect with each other through their interests in art. “When people do art, it has more impact than just words,” Freshman Masa Habibi says. It’s also an opportunity for local creators to interact with the community and for aspiring artists to admire the work of others.
Even more, Fremont Creates lets small, underrepresented artists gain recognition. “These different perspectives help people see the different viewpoints of art,” Habibi continues. “They can interpret pieces through other people’s eyes instead of just a narrow-minded view.” Allowing the public to view and admire the works of local artists helps make each artwork more meaningful. Since art is subjective, viewers can give new life to the story behind the art piece by interpreting it their own ways.
Most importantly, Fremont Creates supports the making of art by hosting events where people of all ages are encouraged to create. “Art has always had the power to change, create conversations,” Ms. Cho, Digital Imaging teacher, remarks. “When I think about artists’ roles in the community, historically, artists have always had a role in mutual-aid and collective response to the needs of the community.”
There are a few events specifically for children and teens, which helps foster creativity among young people. For example, the Alameda County Youth Poet Laureate Competition is open to teens, and encourages teens to speak about growth through poetry and speech. “If they compete for this artwork, or even if they just come and observe, it creates a very positive atmosphere for them and their learning skills,” Ms. Cuddalore adds. Fremont Creates isn’t just a sign of appreciation towards art. Over the course of four weeks, Fremont residents are able to put their creativity to work. It’s a community building program where people will be able to discover, inspire, and create with one another. This April, Fremont Creates welcomes all people to come and explore art in the Fremont neighborhood. “I think it’s a wonderful opportunity and starting place for people like me to connect with the community here!” says Ms. Cho.
Samantha Li is a freshman at Washington High School, and this is her first year at The Hatchet. She was born in Milpitas, but was raised in Fremont. She is excited to cover news on school life and student opinions around campus. She likes to read, crochet, listen to music, and play with her dog in her free time. She is a member of the marching band at Washington. Samantha wants to work in the medical field one day, and hopes to attend a university after graduation.