STORE CLOSING: ARTIST-XCHANGE GALLERY - UPDATE

As I mentioned in an earlier post, the Artist-Xchange Gallery, in the Mission, has closed. Shortly after this announcement, I visited the gallery to pick up items I had for sale. I spoke with store manager Catherine Tacorda, and thankfully, the website will remain active. There you can buy the unique art, jewelry, pottery and other items you've come to expect from the Artist-Xchange.

LOOK I LOVE: OLD SCHOOL PRODUCT LABELS

I was grocery shopping at Safeway the other day and saw this adorable little box of seasoning. I live for those old school labels from brands that have been around for ages. They're colorful, ornate and give a glimpse into the past, plus they make the cutest decorative and collector's items!!!

STORE CLOSING: ARTIST-XCHANGE GALLERY

I am SO sad to hear that the Artist-Xchange Gallery, located at 3169 16th Street, in the Mission, has closed. The owner, Scott Mitchell, and store manager Catherine Tacorda, were great to work with.

Artist-Xchange was truly a place where artists could feel supported and promoted. The first Friday of every month, they'd host an "artist opening," where artists could mingle, the public can interact with us and buy work, and everyone could enjoy a drink and live music courtesy of a DJ. I almost always got a monthly check from items I sold there, including vintage curtain tote bags, jewelry, crocheted bangles and Portable Pockets.

I'm hoping that their online site and store will stay up (will keep you posted as I learn the deets; click on the logo above to visit). I will miss the eclectic, artsy presence of the Artist-Xchange on 16th St. and in the Mission in general.

GORGEOUS GRAFFITI: EL MAC, 16TH & MISSION, SF

*second photo lightened to show detail

I saw this gorgeous piece of art on the back of a truck on 16th and Mission. You see a lot of graffiti on local delivery trucks in the City, but nothing like this. The artist's name is Miles MacGregor, a.k.a. El Mac, and his work is exquisite. El Mac paints realistic portraits, which are usually surrounded by vivid backgrounds from other talented artists such as Retna. His work can be seen around the world, and we are blessed to have some of it here in San Francisco. Homeboy is sick, y'all.

Turns out he also did this piece, on Turk and Gough, which I've admired for a long time!!! I'm officially a fan.

YOKO ONO FOLLOWS ME ON TWITTER!!! (I CAN DIE HAPPY NOW.)

I decided to add Yoko Ono because she is simply a badass. In fact, I very much enjoyed being the Yoko to Ian's John this Halloween. Say what you want about her (she's not perfect), she didn't break up The Beatles, she loved John Lennon, she fights for peace, and she's an awesome, innovative artist in her own right. So imagine my shock and excitement when I got an email saying Yoko Ono is following me back. Granted, she may have one of those programs that automatically follows whoever is following you, but, on the other hand, with 1,097,718 followers, she's only following 462,180 (as of November 19). So yes, I'm stoked and honored. :)

"Entre Sueños" this Thurs. July 1 at Wonderland SF

Wonderland SF is proud to present “Entre Suenos” exhibit by:

Charmaine Olivia

Chris Granillo

Jasper Thomas

Jeff Nemenzo

MARK CAMPBELL

Renee Castro

PIXELSTUD

Xiau-Fong Wee

Curated by: Irene Hernandez-Feiks

Fashion Installation:

TRIBE

by Elizabeth Fisher

Please join us for our opening reception

Thursday July 1, 2010

6pm-11pm

Exhibit available for viewing:

July 1, 2010- July 30, 2010

Tuesday-Saturday 11am-7pm

Sunday: 12pm-5pm

2929 24th Street (between Florida and Alabama)

SF, CA 94110

415-641-4600

www.wonderlandsf.com

* painting by: Charmaine Olivia *

THIS SAT.: GRAND OPENING OF GUERRERO GALLERY

I always tell myself that I need to go to more art events, as I love art and feel that I need to see what's new and fresh and be a part of it all. So I was happy when I received this email from Andres Guerrero, owner of the new art space, Guerrero Gallery. I'm excited to see the gallery and all the art, especially that of Shepard Fairey!!!

"To Friends and Family,

You're all invited to attend the grand opening of Guerrero Gallery this Saturday. Come check out the fresh new space and artwork. There will be complimentary beverages and a DJ spinning tunes. It's going to be a great show and we hope to see you there:

Guerrero Gallery
Inaugural Group Show
Saturday, March 6, 2010
7:00pm-11:00pm
2700 19th Street
San Francisco, CA 94110

The following 21 artists will be featured:

Brian Willmont - Christopher Russell - Richard Colman - Aaron Noble - Ryan Scott Schaffer
Tim Diet - Ryan Wallace - Rogelio Martinez - Adam 5100 - Hilary Pecis - Mark Mulroney
Ala Ebtekar - Eric Yahnker - AJ Fosik - Mike LeSage - Allister Lee - Cleon Peterson
Ryan Travis Christian - Marissa Textor - Shepard Fairey - Bill McRight



To inquire about available works, email Andres.

With that I'll leave you with the interview that Juxtapoz recently did with the gallery, along with Guerrero Gallery's mission statement...

Coming off of the successful start of White Walls, Andres Guerrero has established his own with the opening of his Gallery, Guerrero Gallery. Founded in the spring of 2010, in the Mission District of San Francisco, California, the gallery represents a select group of exciting emerging and mid-career artists that work through a variety of media. Focusing on the development of the artists' work and career, an environment of growth and inspiration is being presented with heart and conviction to an international audience.

With a commitment to support the furthering of each artist's career, the gallery is dedicated to developing and maintaining relationships with other contemporary galleries & museums, and with the press. Placements in both public & private collections worldwide and participation in well-respected fairs are key facets to this commitment.

Guerrero Gallery provides a fresh and inviting space to enjoy art. Challenging viewers, the norms, and itself, the gallery creates a space with the notion of exploration and lack of boundaries. The gallery encourages both casual viewers and collectors to participate in generating a dialogue about contemporary art and its relevance to the greater culture.

Andres Guerrero
Guerrero Gallery
2700 19th Street
San Francisco, CA 94110
415.400.5168 gallery
www.guerrerogallery.com
www.andresguerrero.com
www.fortyeighthoursinaday.com

"SUMMERLAND," THIS SATURDAY, SEPT. 26, @ MINT PLAZA

This show is going to be great, and not just because I'm selling at it or know who's throwing it. Like "Chillin," "Summerland" brings together the best artists in every field (with a focus this time on fashion designers), along with live music, live art and an awesome vibe. Add to that food and drink?!?! Your Saturday has been planned for you!!! Added bonus??? The show has been extended from 5pm to 6pm, for those who really like having a good time.

"7th ANNUAL SAN FRANCISCO ALTERED BARBIE" SHOW

I participated in this show in 2007 and it was fun to be a part of!!! It's interesting to see different people's takes on such an American icon as Barbie.

"ChatterBox presents -
The 7th Annual San Francisco Altered Barbie Exhibit
Happy 50th Birthday Barbie!

Over 60 artists who have resurrected and reinvented Ken and Barbie into art and performance!

Shotwell 50 Studios
50 shotwell
San Francisco, Ca. 94103

www.alteredbarbie.com
415-240-2202

9/10/09-10/04/09
Tuesday –Saturday 1-7, Sunday 1-5


9/12/09: Scrap Altered Barbie Workshop: Alter and recycle your own Barbie and or Ken, build an environment or embellish found items, with materials donated by SCRAP. To sign up for classes: http://www.scrap-sf.org/workshops

9/17/09-5pm-10pm: Happy 50th Birthday Barbie ARTISTS RECEPTION!! Come dressed as your favorite Birthday Barbie or Ken and meet the artists and thier dolls, MC John Hell of FCCFreeRadio, Barbie Haiku & Poetry, Velocity Circus’s-American Icon
Barbie Films: The Tribe-Tiffany Shlain, Barbie Nation-Susan Stern, Documentary-Michel Fraser, interactive puppetry by little blue moon theater,Live Music by Dogs Playing Poker & DJ.

9/18/09: Barbie Haiku and book reading night.

9/23/09: Altered Barbie Wine Tasting:

9/24/09: 5pm-9pm Fundraiser for SF State The Safe Place: Dolls from Students will be on display as well as a Barbie Panel Discussion with SF State Safe Place & Roadawgz: Pandel Discussion: Issues of body image and the use of recreating Barbie to promote a positive body image. Love your Body!

10/01/09: 7:30-$20.00 The Barbie Diaries: A Barbie Puppet Theater: Little Blue Moon Theater presents The Barbie Diaries: An intimate view from a dolls perspective, humorous, yet with more depth than you might expect from a blond, plastic, fashion icon. www.magicalmoonshine.org/bluemoon

10/03/09: 6pm-10pm: A Barbarella Closing Artists Reception: A Fantabulous futuristic night of Altered Everything with Evolution Control committee, velocity circus, DJs and more!

Donations encouraged!"

"SOMA SPRING OPEN STUDIOS" MAY 9-10

You know your walls are begging for some new art. "Soma Spring Open Studios," happening Saturday May 9 and Sunday May 10 at 655 Bryant St. (Embarcadero Automotive), brings the art to you, with over 60 artists and six studios.

PHOTOS FROM "BAY AREA GRAFFITI" BOOK RELEASE PARTY & ART OPENING

The "Bay Area Graffiti" book release party and art opening at 111 Minna was a cool art event, with great work by artists featured in the book, a DJ spinning old-school Bay Area jams, and a nice, chill vibe. (See more pics here.) Sharing the space was art from the equally cool "Pin Up Babycakes" exhibit, which runs until the 28th.

Shaunna Peterson
Emma Mount
"flamingo" by Emma Mount

* If your work is posted here and you would like the name/artist credit added, please send it to me.

TONIGHT: "BAY AREA GRAFFITI" BOOK RELEASE PARTY & ART OPENING 5-9 @ 111 MINNA

BID ON MY PHOTO "MISSION DOLORES ROSES" @ THE ARTIST X-CHANGE SILENT AUCTION FEB. 5-7!!!

Today, I submitted a framed 8x10 photograph for the Artist XChange's "For My Valentine" silent auction (along with new merchandise for sale). The piece, seen above, is called "Mission Dolores Roses." On Friday, Artist Xchange will be throwing a great exhibit party (which they throw the first Friday of every month) showcasing all the latest art, jewelry, photographs and more, complete with DJ, wine and snacks. Come by, check out my new work and the new work of other amazing artists, and make a bid on the available works up for auction!!!

Here's more info about the auction from the Artist Xchange website:

"For My Valentine - Silent Auction
Saturday, February 7th, 12PM-7PM

In conjunction with the “We HEART the Mission” events being held on Feb 7th. The Artist-Xchange will be having a silent auction. To find out more about the "We HEART the Mission" events you can check out the following website (http://getlocalsf.com/).

Bidding starts at noon on Thursday Feb 5th.

Final bids will be taken at 7pm on Saturday Feb 7th."

Don't forget to come back to the Mission on Saturday, Feb. 7, and support the local, artsy businesses that help make it so great. The hipsters love their American Apparel (myself included), but they don't seem to want it in the Mission. This event hopes to drive that point home.

I WANT!!! I WANT!!! I WANT!!! SAN FRANCISCO POSTER BY ORK POSTERS' JENNY BEORKREM

The Curiosity Shoppe (855 Valencia St., SF) is brimming with unique, artsy objects that are full of personality and charm. Wanting to keep abreast of the newest items, I signed up for their email newsletter. Today's mailing included this awesome piece of art: a limited edition (only 100!!!) "White on Kraft"-colored San Francisco poster by Jenny Beorkrem.

I'm on a huge hype about starting my art collection, and this poster is cool (love the breakdown of the neighborhoods!!!), limited edition (I love those words), and affordable (only $35!!!). Plus it's San Francisco!!! This is so going up in my living room.

FRIDA KAHLO EXHIBIT: REVIEW

I always have to be at an opening, if it's something I really care about. I went to the first game of the season for the 49ers and the Warriors, as well as the first night game of the season for the Giants. I guess it's like the first day of school--there's a certain excitement, everything is fresh and new, and you don't know what to expect. When it comes to season openers and art openings, you have a sense that the people there want to be the first to share in that excitement, and more often than not, are hardcore fans. The opening day of the Frida Kahlo exhibition, at the SFMOMA, felt no different (in my excitement, I even did my hair and makeup like Frida and wore my Frida Kahlo t-shirt). The line of people wound down the stairs, and tickets had to be purchased according to time slots because it was so packed. There were several rooms that led from one into the other, each representing a time period in Frida's life and artistic career. The art itself was stunning and heart-wrenching. Just like people wear their heart on their sleeve, she wore her heart in her paintings. A wonderful added bonus is an entire room with photographs of Kahlo, husband and painter Diego Rivera, and their friends and family. Open until September 28, it is absolutely an exhibit worth seeing.