The Morcom Rose Garden in Oakland (est. 1930) is much beloved by Oaklanders.

This urban oasis is a spot to contemplate, connect with nature, rest, and exercise. In October 2025, fifty-one rose bushes at the garden were stolen or uprooted and left to die. The community has responded with new plants and funding, but the volunteers who care for the garden are most in need of awareness and a new generation of volunteers to care for this neighborhood treasure.

CCA's Illustrated Poster class created a series of beautiful screenprinted posters re-introducing the garden to Oakland with a call to volunteer. These posters are drawn, designed, and printed by hand. We aim to bring some new energy to the space, bring awareness of the garden to Oakland communities, and bring joy to the volunteers who have experienced this hardship.

Students hold power as activists and community members. Our work in art and design can help shape the future of a city. Cities need our help right now - here's a concrete way to make life better for the people who live in them.

This project is funded by an endowment gift to support The Deborah and Kenneth Novack Creative Citizens Series at CCA, an annual series of public programs focused on creative activism.

Posters by Jenny Chan, Rose Dominguez, Maggie Dougherty, Brennan Mayr, Yessie Pineda, Ronnie Stroud, Cecilia Zhu, Leland Mains, Ray Salata, Inigo Sherwani, Thalassa Vankouwenhoven, Angie Vargas, Piper Kinion, Michael Seybold, and Barbara Klassen.