By Jeannine Etter

First Fridays Art Murmur seems to be the kind of landmark event that makes a city “official."

Oakland is no stranger to being “on the map,” but it is nice when the city emerges with a new awareness that says that it wants more from itself than mediocrity.

And word is getting out.

More and more folks from different walks of life - from each of the “districts” of Oakland (East, West, North and Central/Downtown) - are showing up to the monthly affair to partake in the festivities. First Fridays/Art Murmur showcases Oakland’s more eclectic and eccentric side, rarely seen in the mainstream. It stands out, continually defining itself - giving artists, art lovers and laymen alike, a renewed sense of Oakland pride.

What I enjoy most about viewing art is that when good, it has the power to take you into other worlds and dimensions and to shift perception and consciousness … similar to the experience of traveling. As traveling to new cities and countries gives perspective, perception and depth to add to our own viewpoint when we experience people who live differently than we do, seeing the world through the eyes of a true artist, provides us with growth, depth and overall expansion.

Art, from poetry, to music, to movies, to visual art, gifts us with the experience of travel without having to physically venture too far. For those that enjoy the advantages of “travel” that art has to offer, there is a chance to see some of Oakland’s best and brightest at the Third Annual “Small Art Show” presented by Warehouse 416 and Endless Canvas. It's also a chance to take a piece of your adventure home with you … at a reasonable price. The event began three years ago, in part, to bring to people affordable artwork for the holidays.

The “Small Art Show” opening reception will run from 5 to 10 p.m. this Friday, Dec. 7 at Warehouse 416, 416 26th St., Oakland. Featured artists include Optimist, Irot, Broke, Nina, Ernest Doty, James Gayles, Swampy, Devote, Eddie Colla, Chad Hasegawa, Lauren Napolitano, Chris Granillo, Michael Kershnar, Feral Child, Deadeyes, Sage, Ianna Frisby, Ghost Owl, Jorge Henrique Gonzalez, Israel Sanchez, Sasha Laurel, Juliet Mevi, Angela Scrivani, Sita Rupe, Olivia Noelle, KeeNa, Wendy Rolon, Casey Fay and more. “Small Art Show” is being co-curated by Angela Scrivani and Deadeyes, bringing together artists from street art/graffiti heads to their more edgy urban contemporary counterparts.

In addition to art, there will be handmade wares, vintage items and jewelry. Also on hand will be a well-stocked children’s craft table, making this an extremely family-friendly event. Musical sounds provided by DJ fflood.

And after all of the gallery strolls, wine tasting, street performance observing, people watching and food nibbling, consider parlaying over to the monthly unofficial Art Murmur after party at Era Art Bar, 19 Grand Ave., with Dj’s The Latin Soul Brothers: JOE QUIXX (Oakland Faders) and WONWAY POSIBUL (Thinkbeat Radio) spinning an eclectic mix of hip-hop, reggae, latin, funk, afrobeat, house and more. Art exhibit by Chris Granillo.

Celebrate the last “First Friday” of 2012 with an always packed dance floor. Early arrival is highly recommended. The event is from 8 p.m. to 2 a.m.; free before 10 p.m. and $10 after.