SoMa’s Own Montmartre
Fresh South Beach winds herald a lively arts neighborhood on the rise. In many ways, San
Francisco is the new Paris – a movable feast of creative ideas. And SoMa’s the tastiest part. “The
Academy of Art University is transforming the City,” says Don Canady, San Francisco Film
Commissioner and SoMa resident. “Their students rub shoulders with the business community, and
their gallery offers walk-in art to thousands of businesspeople.”
The Academy’s diverse programs are helping breathe new life into SoMa since the dot-com bubble
burst. SoMa today is a hot bustling quarter where young artists are snatched up by competing reps
on-the-hire. The school’s Spring Show, for example, offered 400 students an Open Studio visited by
over 350 industry representatives courting fresh young talent. These emerging artists slide easily
into careers in creative information design, communication and entertainment for the modern digital
age.
The Academy’s gallery exhibits much of the very fine art produced by both students and faculty.
And as neighbors, we’re always invited to visit 79 New Montgomery, where displayed pieces are
available for purchase—paintings, prints, sculpture and even hand-made books.
The success that Academy students carry throughout the world is also pouring new power into
SoMa, which now enjoys a strong reputation as San Francisco’s artistic center. “The neighborhood is
marking the change,” says Dan Berns, the Academy’s Department Manager for Motion Pictures. “More
working professionals are exploring here, finding the best ways to do old things in the most modern
way.”
Neighborhood business owners welcome the changing culture – especially restaurants and bistros. “
SOMA is a new hangout for a new generation,” muses George Nieh, co-owner of Julie’s Supper Club,
recently re-opened with a new bar and a new menu. “The Academy has an international impact. Mostly
an international crowd comes here. There’s an electric buzz that stirs the atmosphere here. The old
warehouses of SOMA are now exciting new lofts & condos, and cool folks come here to find hot
clubs, good parties and great food.”
Related:
|
