An Arts Destination in the Making: A Conversation with The Grand Gallery's Bill Weber and Donna Davis
Tag: People
April is Arts, Culture & Creativity Month — and in the Jack London District, that energy is all around you. Tucked at 560 2nd Street, steps from the waterfront, The Grand Gallery is one of the spaces making that real. Founded by artist and gallerist Bill Weber and programmed by Creative Director Donna Davis, The Grand isn't just a place to see art — it's a gathering point, a classroom, a community hub, and part of a larger vision to make the Jack London District a destination for artists and art lovers alike. We caught up with both of them to talk about what they're building, how they're building it, and what they want you to experience when you walk in.
Donna Davis Q & A
Q: Jack London has such a distinct energy — waterfront, historic, rooted in Oakland's working and creative class — and from what I understand, making it an arts destination is something you're actively working toward. When you imagine that fully realized, what does it feel like, what's happening there, and where does The Grand Gallery sit in that picture?
A: Starting with activating vacant spaces in Jack London that are dedicated to artists of all mediums and rooted in art education, dynamic public art installations, art markets, a performing arts center, and a museum. These are the building blocks of a thriving community that enhances the lives of the people who live here. The Grand Gallery serves as a place for artists to gather, teach, learn, exhibit, inspire, and collaborate. We aspire to bring artists together to co-create this vision of a thriving Jack London.
Q: What does activating the gallery more this year actually look like in practice — more programming, more partnerships, something else entirely?
A: We've been trying new approaches to our programming beyond Openings/Closings. We are offering classes taught by in-house artists and guest artists. Our artist talks have been drawing in more crowds, especially with our recent talk with protest photographer Howard Harawitz. We're hosting engaging community events like karaoke parties, affordable art months where art is priced at $100 and under. Working with the community through fundraising events, one for Children of Gaza and most recently, Ride 4A Reason fundraiser for Oakland schools in need. We're looking into forming partnerships within our community. Gallerist Bill Weber created the Jack London Artist Walk on First Saturdays with a map of participating studios. He also has visions for creating a Beat Museum in Jack London.
Q: When you're programming a month or selecting an artist for the gallery, what are you looking for — what makes something feel right for this space specifically?
A: Last year, we created a vision of what elements we felt were/are relevant for 2026. We felt art that has a social/political message could not be overlooked. My love of monsters and the macabre also influenced our programming, as you'll see in our April show with Jason Bellarco and Bruce Barlow, a horror movie special effects make-up artist. We also host East Bay Open Studios twice a year, featuring established and new artists. Our front window is being used to showcase outside artists who have a strong visual message. Last month, we featured a new artist, Emily M Johnson's, Fibonacci wave made entirely out of LEGOS.
Q: What do you want people to leave with after experiencing The Grand — whether it's their first time or their tenth?
A: I'd like people to leave with a smile on their face. My hope is that from the moment people step into The Grand Gallery, they're transported into unknown worlds, suspended in time. It's the brief reprieve from the outside world that gives you the space to let your imagination run free.
Bill Weber Q & A
Q: You've been making art and building spaces for artists your whole career — murals, curation, architecture. What was it about this moment, and Jack London specifically, that made you want to plant a flag and open The Grand Gallery?
A: I wanted a gallery in Jack London because of the location to the Ferry and because it's on my families Ranch.
Q: You paint as El Gallo — surrealist, fantastical, deeply imaginative work. How does that part of you show up in how you run the gallery and the artists you bring in?
A: I'm trying to promote my work and at the same time, support local artists in my community.
Q: You've never stopped making your own work, and you've never stopped building for other artists either. What drives that dual commitment — and how do you make room for both?
A: The love of art.
Q: Jack London has such a rich history — and your own family roots in Oakland go back generations. What does building something here mean to you personally?
A: I feel like I belong here.
Q: What do you want The Grand Gallery to stand for in Oakland — and where do you see it going from here?
A: The Grand Gallery wants to support art in our community and would like to start a museum to support more artists.