Ohlone College proudly announces the long-awaited ribbon-cutting and blessing ceremony for the “Celebration of Life” statue, a significant cultural landmark on the Ohlone College grounds. This momentous event not only marks the completion of an impressive art installation but also honors the rich cultural connection of the Ohlone people to the land and place within California and the Bay Area.
Commissioned in 2015 and installed in 2019, the eight-foot-tall, 13’6” wide bronze “Celebration of Life” sculpture, by Oakland native Mario Chiodo, serves to honor the Ohlone people who gave their name to the college. The sculpture’s unique design depicts neophyte Mission San Jose Native Americans dancing in 1806 to commemorate their survival of a measles epidemic. Inspired by a drawing from a German illustrator who traveled through lands that would later become California, Chiodo’s work symbolizes the beginnings of a community. It incorporates indigenous animals of the South Bay, such as a grizzly bear, wolf, mountain lion, red-tailed hawk and a gnarled trunk of a Coast Live Oak tree.
This remarkable project was made possible by a generous $350,000 grant from the Fremont Bank Foundation. The ribbon-cutting ceremony, initially delayed by the pandemic, was a heartfelt occasion that showcased the ongoing commitment of Fremont Bank—a family-owned institution with deep ties to Ohlone College and the surrounding communities. Their philanthropy and generous giving continue to create a bright future for students and the community.
“We are deeply grateful to the Fremont Bank Foundation for recognizing the value of this monumental art project and enabling people to appreciate its storytelling beauty for years to come,” said Binh Nguyen, Executive Director of the Ohlone College Foundation and the college’s office of Institutional Advancement. “‘Celebration of Life’ embodies the aesthetic themes prioritized in the Fremont campus design, our motto ‘A World of Cultures United in Learning,’ as well as nature and sustainability. It stands as an incredible representation of Native American identity in California.”
On July 15, Andrew Galvan, a descendant of the Ohlone, Bay Miwok, Plains Miwok and Patwin Indians, bestowed a traditional Native American blessing upon the “Celebration of Life” sculpture. Following the blessing, representatives from Ohlone College, the Fremont Bank Foundation, and the Ohlone tribe participated in the ribbon-cutting ceremony. Visitors can view this inspiring piece of art near the campus center.
“‘Celebration of Life’ truly captures the Native American spirit, cultural significance and artistic beauty,” remarked Julie Zhu, Vice President of Fremont Bank’s Nonprofit Group and Chair of the Ohlone College Foundation. “It’s a timeless, inspiring piece of art that reflects our shared values and commitment to honoring and preserving cultural heritage.”
Ohlone College and Fremont Bank are honored to share this moment with the community and look forward to the continued celebration of cultural and educational achievements.
