In 1995 my friend's carpenter dad Andy acquired a worn out old brick building in North Oakland. A repair shop since the 30's, it had been vacant for a few years and was starting to take on all the tell-tale signs of urban decay -- broken windows, graffiti, etc... The plan was to slowly convert the building into live-work lofts, some for his family, some for sale. To help offset the mortgage costs while he built out the rest of the units, Andy rented out half the building to group of his son's friends. This raw space became Toxixity.
Over the course of the next three and a half years the empty shell was convertinginto a vibrant little village with living space, art studios, and an ongoing program of performances and presentations that featured the diverse community of North Oakland. The warehouse served host to numerous art shows, film festivals, performance art and dance pieces, countless bands, and the re-knowned Toxixity Halloween Party.
In years since the departure of Toxixity the construction project has been completed, and the structure transformed from a scene of chaotic bohemienism to a beautifully crafted group of unique living spaces.
> Toxixity Web Page
> Winter Art Show 1997
> Toxixity Film Festival IV
> Pinata Apocalypse Halloween Party
> Toxixity Saucer to Burning Man 1998
> Photo Gallery - Some images that survived the maelstrom.
