In late 2018, Berkeley Path Wanderers Association was approached by Berkeley-based Cultural Producer, Hadley Dynak with the idea of a partnership to produce a temporary, creative activation of some of the Pathways.
We joined forces to plan and produce a temporary art event, called Intersections, excited by the opportunity to link art and nature. We commissioned a diverse group of artists to create installations that encourage reflective public engagement about one’s relationship to local history and place; the current realities of life in Berkeley; and the ways identity informs understanding and point of view.
The event was originally to take place May 1-31, 2020. Given Coronavirus and local Shelter-in-Place orders we postponed the event, though the pathways continued to serve as an important connector and outlet for Berkeley residents.
Intersections will now be held during the month of September. The month of transition from summer to fall, return to a new version of schooling, and unfortunately continued social distancing. We hope that Intersections provides an opportunity for contemplation and inspiration about the points of connection that exist in our community during this difficult time of isolation and separateness.
The Pathways serve as a public right of ways, following the curving hillside. They reflect the vision of landowners in the 1900s to build a suburban housing enclave within a rapidly growing, dense, diverse area. They are points of cultural and architectural significance. They are serene, park-like spaces that link neighborhoods to shopping, transit, and schools. They are are emergency evacuation routes. They are stewarded by volunteers who see them as key points of community pride and natural landscape treasures.
Land Acknowledgment
We acknowledge that the Berkeley Pathways exist on the ancestral and unceded land of the Ohlone people. We honor their connection to this land and give thanks for the opportunity to live, work, play, and place art here. We pay respect to all Ohlone people past, present, and future.
BERKELEY PATH WANDERERS ASSOCIATION (BPWA) is dedicated to the creation and preservation of the city’s public pathway system for the enjoyment of all. BPWA has stewarded the pathway system for over 20 years, building new paths, hosting trail maintenance days, offering free guided tours, and publishing information about the paths for the community.
PEAK86 is a Berkeley-based creative consultancy that works at the intersection of art, culture, engagement, and action. Founded by Hadley Dynak, its purpose is to connect people and share stories using creative content, experiences, and space activation.
OTHER PARTNERS include Berkeley Art Center, our project’s grant funders, and the community of supporters that contributed to our GoFundMe campaign (which is still accepting donations!).
