On October 23 & 24, 2009, the San Francisco Arts Commission Gallery (SFAC Gallery) inaugurated Passport, an annual event that invited the public to stroll through one of San Francisco’s neighborhoods to create their own limited edition art book by collecting “passport stamps” made by local artists. The two-day event was a tremendous success! The advisory board and staff of the San Francisco Arts Commission Gallery would like to thank all of the artists, businesses and participants to took part in this incredible event.

The San Francisco Arts Commission Gallery raised nearly $6,000 during Passport! This money will go directly to supporting artists, arts workers and promoting the SFAC Gallery which is dedicated to providing spaces for the residents and visitors of San Francisco to experience challenging contemporary art.

This success would not have been possible without the dedication and stunning work provided by the Passport 2009 artists; Libby Black, Michelle Blade, Lisa Congdon, Maria Forde, Colter Jacobsen, Veronice De Jesus, Sean McFarland, Barry McGee, Tucker Nichols, Maria Proges, Clare Rojas, Andrew Schoultz and Marci Washington. Thank you for good spirits, hard work and beautiful contributions to Passport.

The SFAC Gallery would also like to thank all of the businesses that provided space for the artists to distirbute their stamps. Thank you for opening your doors to the SFAC Gallery and to the community as a whole. Thank you very much to; Aquarius Records, Bombay Ice Cream Company, Paxton Gate, 826 Valencia, Mission Pie, Box Dog Bikes, Needles & Pens, Mission Cultural Center for Latino Arts, Casa Sanchez Restaurant, Dynamo Donuts & Coffee, Curiosity Shop and Schmidt’s.

Information about Passport 2009

How to Buy a Passport

Passports are $25. Available NOW at locations including the SFAC Gallery, Electric Works Gallery, Silverman Gallery, Rare Device and at the Passport 2009 kick-off party or you can buy Passports online by clicking here or here! Passports may also be purchased the day of the event, at Passport 2009 home base, located at the Mission Playground, (enter on Valencia between 19th & 20th).

Participating Artists: Libby Black, Michelle Blade, Lisa Congdon, Maria Forde, Colter Jacobsen, Veronice De Jesus, Sean McFarland, Barry McGee, Tucker Nichols, Maria Proges, Clare Rojas, Andrew Schoultz and Marci Washington

Passport 2009 Kick-Off Party

Friday, October 23, 7–10 p.m.
The Polish Club, 3040 22nd Street, San Francisco

$5 suggested donation at the door; free for passport holders.
Live music by The Old Fashioned Way
Tunes by DJ Sharbaugh

At the Passport 2009 kick-off party, guests can pre-purchase passport books, enjoy drinks, get down to live music and enter to win raffle prizes from community partners. Valet bike parking provided by the San Francisco Bicycle Coalition.

Enjoy wine from Bear Flag Winery, and exclusive cocktail menu by Dana Younkin, IZZE sodas and more!

Passport 2009

Saturday, October 24, noon–4 p.m.
Passport 2009 home base: Mission Playground, Valencia between 19th & 20th.
Stamps located at various locations in the Mission District, San Francisco
Pick up a map, purchase a passport, or bring family and friends to relax on the lawn and enjoy a hot dog and soda. Nice.

Participating Locations: Aquarius Records, Bombay Ice Cream Company, Paxton Gate, 826 Valencia, Mission Pie, Box Dog Bikes, Needles & Pens, Mission Cultural Center for Latino Arts, Casa Sanchez Restaurant, Dynamo Donuts & Coffee, Curiosity Shop, Schmidt’s. Map

Visit favorite spots in the Mission District or discover new ones while collecting original stamps created by Bay Area artists for Passport 2009. Stop by Passport 2009 home base at Mission Playground to purchase a passport, pick up a map of locations, learn more about the SFAC Gallery, or relax and enjoy $1 hot dogs in the park with the whole family.

Participants purchase a passport booklet, (featuring a cover-design created by artist Tucker Nichols specifically for this project,) and then follow a map to various neighborhood locations where they can collect artist-made stamps. Passport 2009 will take place in San Francisco’s Mission District, celebrating its longstanding status as the hub of the city’s art community. After a day spent discovering some of the brightest spots of this lively neighborhood, each passport holder will have a limited-edition book with original artwork from some of San Francisco’s finest artists, both established and emerging.

Passport 2009 is organized by the San Francisco Arts Commission Gallery. Proceeds from the event go toward the SFAC Gallery’s Programming Fund, which supports artist honoraria and exhibition costs.

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