CRP artists Riot 505, Release, Mike 360, Pancho and Desi W.O.M.E collaborated on a new piece entitled “Wake Up – Take Off Your Blinders” as part of November’s First Friday Art Explosion, a monthly artwalk and street festival which attracts tens of thousands of people to downtown Oakland every month. Riot 505 provided the design for the piece, based on a graphic concept that he was working on. The new work focuses on the awakening of the consciousness through awareness and art and reflects the collective’s connection to the Southwest. CRP’s live painting performances reflect the diverse nature of the collective with multiple styles of painting incorporated into an single collective piece. CRP artists will sometimes focus on a specific aspect of the work or contribute touches to throughout the work. These pieces demonstrate the powerful synergy between the artists as they collaborate, Also accompanying the collective was renowned B-Boy ReMinD, who played flute and drum with Mike 360 and offered his unique style of dance to the event. CRP set up shop next to the solar-powered Grow Sessions stage, which was buzzin’ all night with organic hip-hop flavor. During the event, CRP artists passed out stickers and talked to onlookers and fans about the collective. All in all it was a great experience, and a terrific opportunity for community engagement. We’ll be back again next month!