The Rock Paper Scissors Collective

is a volunteer-run organization that fosters creativity and collaboration

in order to strengthen local communities and encourage sustainable practices

and alternative models. We promote the sharing of ideas, skills, and resources

through the celebration of art, craft, education, and performance.

RPS currently realizes this through an accessible space that offers

free and low-cost classes, curated and open submission art shows, the

retail of independently made clothing/craft/zines/music, a drop in arts

lab, community events space, and youth involvement.

Rock Paper Scissors Collective formed in 2004 as a group of emerging artists within the Oakland arts community (not only visual arts but music, crafts, film and writing) who saw a need for a place such as RPS to enable others within the community to teach, sell, exhibit and learn about art. After more than a year of fundraising, we moved into our storefront space at 2278 Telegraph Ave., in downtown Oakland. The original members were Amy Mosley, Emily Cohen, Emma Spertus, Jenna Feldman, Kim Fennel, Lauren Lamotte, Liz Harris, Sydney Silverstein, and Tara Goe. (Apologies and let us know if we’ve missed you.)

back row: emily cohen, kim fennel, jenna feldman, emma spertus
front row: sydney silverstein, liz harris, mark nicola, amy mosely, lauren lamotte

Mark Nicola joined the cause in 2005 followed shortly by Taylor Neaman-Goudy. 2006 saw the addition of JenZoom and Cielle Taffe-Johnson as members. In successive years Emily Hutcheson, MB, Kathy Canton, Chelsea Fadda, Devon Kelley-Yurdin, and Ava Anderson joined up too.

Current members are Ava Anderson, Chelsea Fadda, Devon Kelley-Yurdin, JenZoom, and Kathy Canton.