Bernaltown Revisited: Gregory Gavin’s Legacy of Community-Based Art
Thirty years ago, a playground in Bernal Heights became an outdoor cinema for one remarkable night. Over 1,000 neighbors gathered to watch “Bernaltown,” a film made by and about their community, starring local children as superheroes defending their neighborhood. The filmmaker behind that magical evening was Gregory Gavin, and his work continues to shape how we think about art, community, and collaboration.
A resident of Bernal Heights for 25 years, Gavin ran a storefront art studio in nearby Portola, where he worked with children, youth, and adults on art and woodworking projects, and liked building soapbox cars. It was during walks with his dog on Bernal Hill that the seeds of Bernaltown were planted. A particular group of children with whom he would build soapbox cars became his creative partners in bringing the movie to life. For 35 years, he has dedicated himself to projects that blur the line between artist and community, creating spaces where neighbors become collaborators and everyday places transform into canvases for collective imagination.
Bernaltown Revisited: Gregory Gavin’s Legacy of Community-Based Art
A Film That Captured a Moment
Bernaltown was completed in 1997, funded by a grant from the Bay Area Video Coalition and the California Arts Council. Gavin wrote the script inspired by the old Batman TV show, creating a story that resonated with the neighborhood’s character. Shot on analog video over two summers using handheld cameras, the production creatively used local geography for special effects, turning the neighborhood itself into a character in the story.
The film captured something precious: a fleeting moment of parity between old working-class Bernal and the emerging tech economy. It showcased a broad range of community members, first-time merchants, families, and children at a time when the neighborhood stood at a crossroads. Today, it serves as a valuable historical document, showing storefronts and street scenes that have since transformed.
The crowd for the premiere screening was a testament to the community’s investment in the project. The film has enjoyed anniversary screenings at both the 10-year and 20-year marks through the Bernal Heights Outdoor Center, including a packed library screening that required a second showing to accommodate everyone who wanted to see it.
Evolution: From Film to Water
Evolution: From Film to Water
While Bernaltown represents a significant chapter in Gavin’s artistic journey, his work has continued to evolve. For the past 25 years, he has developed and deployed interactive waterplay spaces as an art medium, a scientific teaching tool, and a community development process. This focus has taken him to museums, schools, neighborhoods, and companies, where he continues his practice of collaborative, community-engaged art. His ongoing work is available at riveropolis.com, and his portfolio is at gregorygavin.com.
Looking Ahead: A 30th Anniversary
As the 30th anniversary of Bernaltown approaches in 2027, there’s interest in revisiting this community treasure. The film stands as a reminder of what’s possible when artists work with communities rather than simply for them, when neighbors become storytellers, and when public spaces transform into venues for collective creativity.
Gavin’s vision for art has always been about more than aesthetics; it’s about building connections, preserving moments, and creating platforms where everyone has a role to play. From those children walking through Bernal Heights three decades ago to the water-based installations of today, his work reminds us that the most powerful art often emerges from the communities we call home.
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Mike Doherty serves as Chief Experience Officer at Greening Projects, a nonprofit organization dedicated to transforming underutilized urban spaces into vibrant green areas
