Entering the Albany Bulb feels a little like trespassing. The paths are not paved or clearly defined like other bay-side parks – it’s raw, overgrown, and strewn with industrial refuse. As you travel deeper into the Bulb, the unmarked paths begin to splinter - some tunnel into brush while others dead end or circle back. Ultimately, you reach the west most point of the Bulb, a shoreline facing the Golden Gate Bridge with sweeping views from the Bay Bridge to Angel Island. It’s here that you begin to notice the art.

Even without noticing the bevy of art and sculptures, this is a breathtaking place. The first structure most notice is the Heart Castle, an odd building assembled from discarded cement and painted in vibrant colors. Wandering north, the art strewn about becomes dense, revealing unusual modifications to the landscape in all directions.

Artists have been using the Bulb since the 1980’s, but the past 5 years have seen a proliferation of art. Odd structures, large scale sculptures, and colorful murals appear at a dizzying rate. No two visits yield the same finds. A collective known as Sniff established themselves as the most prolific of the Bulb’s ever expanding artists. The entire northwest corner of the Bulb serves as a "gallery" to Sniff’s work, where large murals line the pathways. Rumor has it that Sniff stopped contributing sometime last year due to the increasing controversy and unclear destiny of the Bulb.

Another major contributor is Osha, and old-timer scrap sculptor who also happens to be the lawyer representing the displaced homeless residents of the Bulb.

Artists have been using the Bulb since the 1980’s, but the past 5 years have seen a proliferation of art. Odd structures, large scale sculptures, and colorful murals appear at a dizzying rate. No two visits yield the same finds. A collective known as Sniff established themselves as the most prolific of the Bulb’s ever expanding artists. The entire northwest corner of the Bulb serves as a "gallery" to Sniff’s work, where large murals line the pathways. Rumor has it that Sniff stopped contributing sometime last year due to the increasing controversy and unclear destiny of the Bulb.

Another major contributor is Osha, and old-timer scrap sculptor who also happens to be the lawyer representing the displaced homeless residents of the Bulb.

The Albany Bulb is currently in danger of loosing its character. Plans are in the works to build a strip mall near the entrance and transform the natural park into a manicured foot path - sans art. A number of different groups are prepared for a major fight to keep the Bulb intact, but powerful developers have their eye on this valuable piece of waterfront property.. According to the City of Albany and the Park Service, the days are numbered for the sculptures, installations, and makeshift dwellings.

The nature of scrap art is the transforming of the discarded into something precious. The Bulb is indeed an ideal place for renegade art, but it’s certain that the spirit of transforming junk to beauty will transcend the future of the space.

Additional photos are here, here, and here.

Directions to the Albany Bulb can be found here.