Description:
In the once-thriving artist hub of Emeryville, located at the edge of San Francisco Bay, a unique creative movement flourished where artists would scavenge driftwood and found objects from their surroundings to craft intricate sculptures along the flats. These artworks were displayed for drivers passing by on the old Highway 17, or 'Highway 17, The Nimitz,' as it was affectionately called in radio ads. An integral part of this community's spirit was the shared appreciation for others' creations, with taking and repurposing elements from one another's work seen as a playful gesture that added to the dynamism of the ever-evolving exhibit.Today, these sculptures are but a memory, as the area has transformed into a park; however, this charming documentary by Ric Reynolds brings the vibrant past to life. The film is further enhanced by Erich Seibert's imaginative and captivating musique-concrète/time-lapse sequences that offer viewers a glimpse of the lively scene. The documentary also includes interviews with various sculptors who were part of this extraordinary art movement, such as Walt Zucker, Tony Puccio, Robert Sommer, Ron & Mary Bradden, and Bob Kaminsky. Adding to the cinematic experience, the film features a comedic flashback circus sequence starring Scott Beach and Bill Irwin, offering both insightful history and entertaining storytelling.
