We almost didn’t go. It’s been a year and a half since we’ve attended an art opening/reception and since the new wave of Covid variants and back-on-with-the-mask-rules, we thought no one else would go either.
Thinking of our Lang’s never give up motto, with the core tenet we always show up, we got in the car, buckled our seat belts and headed in.
Google Map directions guided us over the Golden Gate Bridge then along the path that we drove year after year to work at Electric Works. Past many memorable sites we call “scenes of triumph.”
Past the innovative green SFPUC building, with an amazing collection of artworks (including three of our prints) curated by the SF Art Commission.
Past the State of California Building where Senator Scott Wiener's office hosted many outstanding art exhibitions.
Past the SFPL Main Branch where our Reading Stones are on display and where we totally triumphed in 2012 with our The Plastic in Question.
Past our old digs on 8th Street. The Buzzell Electric Works building looking very closed and shuttered.
Onward to Minnesota Street Project Remember Pre-Covid when MSP was the lively hub of galleries and events with readings and receptions, the book fair— on and on. We spent so many happy hours there.
Onward to the Rena Bransten Gallery for the exhibition Just one word: Plastics
With our masks secure, pulled up tight over nose and mouth we stepped in to the largely empty atrium. But, we had an uncanny feeling of belonging when the Greeter looked Richard in the eye and asked, "Are you Noah’s dad?" Out of the blue!!! How did he ever recognize Richard with just the thin slip of his face visible? The greeter Sigfried went on to name Clementine, Aloysius and Kris. It is in the eyes, in the eyes.
Gallerist Trish made us feel especially welcome with the comfy chairs so we settled in to see if and who might attend. Before we knew it we were off and running...Richard was holding forth…
To be in the presence of the inspiring Tony Cragg, Palette 1982 with our Shovel Bands hung in proximity was a conjunction of triumphs. Along with Nurullah’s Absence of Light wall piece and William T. Wiley’s Unknown on the floor.
Soon the gallery filled up with lots of people and lots of small dogs. Even with their masks on, most folks were recognizable but for some it took a double-take to recognize after such a long sheltering time.
We applaud the commitment of the true-blue art professionals and appreciators who always show up. And family who show up: The Lang Gang with Noah, Kris and Clementine since their camping trip was smoked out from the Dixie Fire. They dressed up and showed up. Check out Clementine, stunning in lime green.
It was a grand gathering, even with the muffle behind masks conversation, we got the one word, loud and clear, PLASTIC.
On our way out, there was nothing muffled about @telstarlogistics yabai-kawaii firetruck! and the karaoke. @mike_arcega ’s karaoke and SMOKE!!!
