In November, we caught word that a shuttered gallery space on Haight, between Webster and Fillmore, was on its way back to life as new gallery Three Ravens. Tonight, the gallery is rolling up its colorful painted door for its grand opening celebration and first art exhibition, which features the work of 12 different artists.
Art is a big part of the new project, but owners Dee Kennedy, Shireen Seif and Joe Kennedy have a larger goal than just hanging art on the walls. Their mission is "threefold," they state on their website, with "art, music, and awakening" the focus of their community offering.
The plan is to host open mics, jazz nights, workshops and poetry readings at the new Haight Street space, as well as yoga and "mystery school," which will delve into "sacred sciences, movement, symbolism, harmonic proportion, art, exploration of your inner worlds and Sacred Geometry studies."
Planning the transformation of the space (Photo: Three Ravens)
Tonight's event will get the ball rolling with that mission in mind. Doors open at 6pm, followed by an official ribbon-cutting performed by Shi Yanran, a 34th generation Shaolin Monk. The first group show will be on display, and from 7:30-8pm composer Elise Lebec will perform, followed by jazz from the Lee Dynes Trio until 10pm.
Aside from art and music, the opening will also include a silent auction. Rock n' roll photographers Robert M. Knight and Maryanne Bilham Knight have donated a few pieces to the event. All proceeds from the auction will go to Jin An Wong, an Inner Richmond artist who lost his home, studio, and many pieces of art in a fire last year. Wong, who has emerged "resilient as ever," will be present and participating in the gallery show as well.
Swing by tonight to welcome the new gallery to the neighborhood, and check out the classes, workshops and teaching lineup to expect from the space going forward.
