Chabot Spectator

Issue date: 12/7/06 Section: News

Media Credit: Jack Barnwell Andrew Stoia explains the inspiration behind his sculpture.

Last Friday night, artist Andrew Stoia raffled off his sculpture, Blackbird, in Union City.

Stoia has displayed Blackbird all around the Bay Area on tour, ending at Hayward's own E-on Café, right across the street from Chabot College.

Inspired from the famous Beatles' song, "Blackbird," the driving force behind the creation of Blackbird was Stoia's love for birds.

"Yes, I love the Beatles but I love birds more," he said, "I take in injured birds and try to help them out any way I can."

This raffle was held by Stoia's organization, Art for Aid. Art for Aid is a traveling art exhibit promoting efforts for those in need.

"Art for Aid is about charity but it also gives the average person an opportunity to buy art that would usually be expensive," Stoia said. "I don't want too much attention on me or my work. This is about charity."

In this case, all benefits made from the raffle will go straight to The American Red Cross.

The winner of the Blackbird was Heather Roders of San Lean-dro. She purchased the winning ticket last week while Stoia ex-hibited Blackbird outside of E-on Café. Roders had a choice between the sculpture and $100 in cash.

"One out of a hundred people will not relate to Blackbird, but want to help. That's why there is a $100 prize instead," Stoia said.

Stoia has held on to Blackbird since its completion in 1993, but he had no problems parting ways with it.

Stoia said, "It would be easy for me to let go of any of my works. Art is about sharing your creation and your vision. If any artist isn't willing to share their work, they are not doing their job as artists."

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