Third Anniversary All-Star Event
Saturday, January 31st, 2004 - 7p.m.
110 Capp Street at 16th, 5th floor

By Michelle Moday

Neither the neighborhood trendy bar scene nor the five flights of stairs deterred a long line of art enthusiasts from climbing to the top floor of 110 Capp Street to be part of what would be a night of celebrating keeping art alive in San Francisco. A variety of artists and art enthusiasts came together in San Francisco’s Mission District on January 31st to celebrate ArtSF’s third anniversary and for the grand opening of their newest gallery space in the Mission district.

Voices echoed up through the corridors step after step, curiosity increasing as the music became louder. Once at the top of the stairs, a $5 or give till it hurts donation, gave attendees entrance to a beautiful open space. Characterized by nearly floor to ceiling windows at one end of the tennis-court size loft and vaulted ceilings, there was more than enough room for the stilt walkers who strode around the party.

No, this was not your grandmother’s gallery opening.

Belly dancers from Zooz performed and dj’s played Dancehall and Middle Eastern dance music. Joe Mama strung a tightrope between columns just 2 feet above the floor, allowed people to test their balance skills at the small risk of spilling their cup of wine. Works of art, from painting to photography to mixed media, were displayed throughout the venue and the place was vibrantly -packed all night.

People danced or sat together, some in homespun outfits, forming a visual collective - as part of the evening’s events as the film installation, or the 6ft tall cage and globe hanging from the ceiling.

Over 40 artists showed their works at ArtSF’s new space and art community came out to support it, proving that it’s not just the same old San Francisco scene in the Mission on a Saturday night, but it is truly a scene that benefits San Francisco.