Good afternoon!
Some news on this bright Wednesday about art, families, and community conflict.
San Francisco sculptor Ruth Asawa was a strong advocate for community participation in the arts. “Learn something,” she said. “Apply it. Pass it on so it is not forgotten.” Asawa, her husband Albert Lanier, and their six children formed a family of makers, activists, and educators committed to building community. A new show at Ruth’s Table Gallery follows the collaborative artistic thread running through four generations of the Asawa-Lanier family.
Artist Lucia Gonzalez Ippolito grew up and still lives on mural-lined Balmy Alley; she and her father, Tirso Araiza, created the brilliant, scathing “Mission Makeover Mural,” with input from her mother and other artists concerned about gentrification. This Saturday, she’ll be helping neighbors host the “Lovers Lane” community festival on Balmy Alley from 12-6PM, with music, homemade tacos, and a look at the alley’s collaborative artworks.
In other news, city agencies have promised to clean up areas around the Division Circle Navigation Center and the Safe Sleep Site at 1515 South Van Ness after complaints from residents. Francine Pastine, leader of the Inner Mission Neighborhood Association, has circulated a petition to close the Safe Sleep Site, citing garbage, encampments, and a “lack of supervision.” It’s not clear if all neighbors share her frustration; one worker at a nearby business said, “The neighbors on Shotwell are making petitions for all kinds of stuff all the time.”
More soon,
Sara
The Latest News
Lucia Gonzalez Ippolito, muralist, creates Lovers Lane
Read in spanish / Leer en español
The Balmy Alley resident and creator of the “Mission Makeover Mural” will host a community festival on Saturday to show her love for the neighborhood.
Review: Ruth Asawa and her family at Ruth’s Table
“Generation/ The Roots of Making in the Asawa -Lanier Family” shows Asawa’s connection with the gallery, and the collaborative spirit of four generations of activist artists.
City promises neighbors of Safe Sleep Site more cleaning, police
Neighbors complained about encampments and garbage near the Safe Sleeping Site on South Van Ness at 26th street.
SNAP
