The Hunt for Blossoms and Thorns

In the City of Richmond (CA) is a place time has passed when farms and fishing were a way of life. Managed by three Japanese-American families the domestic flower industry has fallen on hard times unable to compete with the cheaper imports. Today the greenhouses stand as shadows of the past while the roses are surreally viable even bursting through the broken panes on the greenhouse roofs.

Miraflores Revitalization Kickoff

Miraflores Revitalization Kickoff, a set on Flickr.

I've made several visits to the former rose and carnation greenhouses of the Sakai, Oishi, and Endo families in Richmond (CA). Roses still grow there even though unattended for some years.

Soon these greenhouses will be replaced with homes and townhouses. Some of the history will be saved and restored as a reminder of Richmond's past.

For more information on the Miraflores development see http://www.ci.richmond.ca.us/index.aspx?nid=1847

510Arts and the Ghost Roses Exhibit

It's official.  510Arts for the cities of Berkeley, Emeryville, Oakland, and Richmond has announced the annual Call for Submission to artists living in the 510 area code.  If you are an artist living in the 510 area code, check it out.

And if that weren't enough - the announcement includes my photo The Boiler Room shot at the former Sakai Brother's Rose Nursery in Richmond

AND the highly acclaimed and anticipated Ghost Roses exhibit featuring fine art photography by Ellen Gailing, Matt Matsuoka, Fletcher Oakes, and me will open September 14 and run through Nov 13, 2010 at the Richmond Art Center in Richmond, CA.

Watch here for more details.  

Abandoned for Now - Large Format Slideshow Test