Logo for 'Betty's US' with a stylized design in dark maroon and gray colors.
Line drawing of two chairs with grid-patterned seats and backrests, in a minimalist style.

Show up.
Be seen.
Keep the portrait.

Between Us

Between Us is a free creative portrait studio in Emeryville, open to anyone, running July 17–August 30th. Each week brings a new set design, a new theme, and a new invitation to show up and be seen.

Every week centers on a different theme, but they're all really asking the same question in different forms: what does it look like to be caught between two states - becoming and unbecoming, presence and absence, who you were and who you're turning into.

Week by week, individual portraits build into something bigger: a picture of what this neighborhood is carrying and celebrating together. In this way, the project becomes a collective portrait of the community - revealing patterns of care, uncertainty, resilience, and connection, and reinforcing the idea that none of us move through these liminal moments alone.

Woven throughout are photo walks. Slow wanders through the neighborhood, camera in hand, no experience needed. Just a willingness to look up.

At the close of the residency, every portrait comes together in one installation during the closing weekend celebration on August 29th. A portrait of the community itself. Proof that none of us move through this alone.

Click a week below to learn more and reserve your spot.

Week 1: Neighbors & Friends

July 17th & 18th

Two men with curly hair and glasses are posing on a tiled staircase with a metal handrail, in front of an orange sign that promotes energy savings for Oakland residents.
Two men with curly hair and glasses are posing on a tiled staircase with a metal handrail, in front of an orange sign that promotes energy savings for Oakland residents.

Week 2: What Are You Carrying?

July 24th & July 25th

a woman stands in front of a corinthian column in a patten dress holding a bag.
a woman stands in front of a corinthian column in a patten dress holding a bag.

Week 3: Rooted Right Here

July 30th - August 2nd

A woman with dark hair and earrings standing outdoors next to a potted plant and green foliage, with a concrete wall and glass window in the background.
A woman with dark hair and earrings standing outdoors next to a potted plant and green foliage, with a concrete wall and glass window in the background.

Week 4: Who Made You?

August 7th & August 8th

A woman with dark hair, wearing a white sweater and jewelry, is looking at the camera through a small, heart-shaped opening in a golden, ornate decorative surface.
A woman with dark hair, wearing a white sweater and jewelry, is looking at the camera through a small, heart-shaped opening in a golden, ornate decorative surface.

Week 5: Then & Now

August 14th & 15th

A young man stands outdoors amid green foliage, leaning against a large tree trunk, wearing a black t-shirt, beige pants, black sneakers, and a gold watch. He is posing with both hands raised near his face, looking serious.
A young man stands outdoors amid green foliage, leaning against a large tree trunk, wearing a black t-shirt, beige pants, black sneakers, and a gold watch. He is posing with both hands raised near his face, looking serious.

Week 6: Fits & Feelings

August 21st & 22nd

Two women are standing outdoors in front of a large white roller shutter door. The woman in the foreground has dark skin, glasses, and a bright blue head wrap, wearing a black jacket and orange pants, holding a smartphone. The woman in the background has medium skin, long dark hair, wearing a black top, light blue jeans, and black boots, laughing with her hands in her pockets.
Two women are standing outdoors in front of a large white roller shutter door. The woman in the foreground has dark skin, glasses, and a bright blue head wrap, wearing a black jacket and orange pants, holding a smartphone. The woman in the background has medium skin, long dark hair, wearing a black top, light blue jeans, and black boots, laughing with her hands in her pockets.

Weeks 2 & 6: Photo Walks

July 26th & August 23rd

Grab your camera and join us for a casual walk through the district. All skill levels welcome. We'll end back at the studio to share photos from the walk.

Where to Find THE STUDIO

Located inside the Rotten City Cultural District at Bay Street Emeryville, across from Uniqlo.

Map of a shopping mall showing stores including Barnes & Noble, UNIQLO, H&M, and others, with a red star marking a specific store.

5616 Bay Street
Emeryville, CA 94608