The Art of Participation

San Francisco Museum of Modern Art celebrates people in this unique exhibition that's been featuring since Nov. 08, 2008 until Feb. 08, 2009. It examines how the public have been involved in different genres of art from sculpture to photography, etc.  The show examines how the art making process is essential with the involvement of the human race, and how early pioneers and artist received there inspiration from THE ART OF PARTICIPATION. For more information go to www.sfmoma.org.

~Ashley Causey~

Photo: Lygia Clark

Hues of the Garden

This spring don’t hesitate to splash your garden with the maximum color effect. It can get tricky when selecting the right plant combinations. But the San Francisco Botanical Garden has a solution for all of your hue worries. The Botanical Garden is offering, The Garden in Color (Color Studies: Plant Combinations Using Colorist Techniques) beginning in January. The class will be taught through lectures, slides and workshops by Instructor Cherie Wetzel.

Here is what you will learn:

· Specific color groups of plants
· Munsell Color system
· Commonly used color combinations of plants and the secrets of their success or failure
· Gain an understanding of the steps, materials, and maintenance necessary for continuing

color in the garden throughout the year
· Analyze cellular structure, tissue transparency, chlorophylla and the effects of light on plant

material

All levels are welcome and class will be in session every Tuesday from Jan. 27 - Mar.17 from 9:30a.m.-12:00p.m. Members cost $150.00 and nonmembers cost $175.00. For more information visit http://www.sfbotanicalgardensociety.org/.

~Shaneia Caldwell~

Photo: flickr.com/dico4

YSL -Pure Genius

The first Yves Saint Laurent retrospective since his death earlier this year is now open at the De Young Museum with more than 130 of the designer's Haute Couture ensembles. The pieces span his 40-plus-year career, from his early days at Dior to his final spring/summer runway collection in 2002, the year he retired.
The exhibit's only U.S. stop is here in San Francisco, and is a unique opportunity to explore and experience his designs. The exhibit is only up until April 5, 2009, so make sure to mark your calendar and pay the De Young Museum a visit before that.
The clothes, displayed in a gallery with low lighting and the feel of a giant walk-in closet, are stunningly beautiful. In addition to the 130 outfits, the show includes sketches by the designer, accessories, audio recordings and video of Saint Laurent's last show in Paris in 2002.

~Charlotte Gronseth~

Photo: www.ysldeyoung.org

I Will Walk 49 SQ. MI.

If you happen to be allergic to "it" bags, then you definitely need to consider 49 SQ. MI. The San Francisco-based designers found a way to make cool yet understated shoulder bags and clutches by combining colorful Italian leather with exposed stitching and subtracting the heavy hardware; their goal is an organic, artisanal feel. The reasonably priced label (the hobo pictured is $650) is available at boutiques across the U.S., including three here in San Francisco (Carrots on Montgomery St. and Muse Ten and Nest on Fillmore St.). To see the collections--Bigmouth Series and Artisan Series--visit www.49sqmi.com.

~Sata Schramm~

photo: www.marissacollections.com  

Everything in Nature Works Well Together

Similiar to nature itself, beauty is to be found in the details. Jewelry designer Betsy Barron’s collections have evolved naturally from her spirit within. Finding inspiration from natural surroundings, the sentimentality of Victoriana as well as loved ones, Barron’s quality, one-of-a-kind, handcrafted pieces are meant to be worn close to your heart.

Barron’s aesthetic is best reflected in both her past and current collections. Tuned in and stirred by the environment Barron utilizes recycled silver and precious metals ranging from darkened silver, to 22K gold to her most favorite metal to work with, rose gold, which only a handful of artists are working with today. She manipulates nature, transforming these elements into twigs that resemble hearts, eucalyptus nuts, leaves, dragonflies, pinecones, seeds and florals on a much more delicate and tinier scale. Mother Nature can often be unpredictable and harsh at times and Barron’s pieces are weathered and hammered with many incorporating precious stones such as rough black diamonds, rubies, sapphires and scraps of diamonds to offset her pieces. Finally, each casting is carefully hand finished and handcrafted elements are added on. Each of Barron’s pieces romantically work well together and more than several can be worn together creating a layered, mixed look.

Barron summarizes her collections best saying that “everything in nature works well together…branches, leaves, blooms…just come together.” Find unique, timeless, collectible pieces that can be cherished for the moment and passed on for generations to come. Barron's pieces can be found at any of the Gallery of Jewels store locations and online at http://www.delamina.com/.

~Erika Lind ~

Photo: thing-sf.com/betsy

The Holiday Obli-gobblies

Yes, this time of year can be as stressful and frightening as the Halloween goblins you were fighting off at your front door just a month ago. The holiday ‘obli-gobblies’ are those terrifying monsters of guilt and stress that pop up this time of year when you feel over-obligated, overextended, over-budget, over-stuffed and sometimes just over it!

Treat yourself to a massage, realign your energies with accupuncture or reinvigorate your soles (and soul) from all that shopping. Jin Healing for Women has 2 San Francisco locations. Granted, this is not your typical uber-pampered and over-priced salon but you will get great services for very inexpensive prices. A one hour massage is under $50 and reflexology starts at $30. The centers are quiet, clean, the service is kind and friendly and the overall environment relaxing.

Nob Hill Center
999 Powell Street
San Francisco, CA, 94108
(415) 986-1111

Richmond Center
3557 Geary Blvd.,

San Francisco, CA 94118

(415) 666-9966

Hours of operation:Monday-Wednesday 10am-8pm
Friday-Sunday 10am-8pm

~Erika Lind~

photo: http://schubart.net/images/LotusFlower.jpeg

Kathy Kovel Designs!

If you are looking for a One of a Kind piece to last a lifetime, look no further. Kathy Kovel is a local jewelry designer working in the Bay area. She specializes in unique, detailed pieces that are handcrafted and inspired by architectural and industrial looks. Kathy inspiration came when she decided her pieces should be for the Non-Traditional vs. Traditional woman. Captivating others with her 18k gold and silver earrings and rings, which are made from raw materials her Spring 2009 collection is a must have for all. So whether you wear her art around town or observe her jewerly as a masterpiece dare to be different with Kathy Kovel Designs. For more information go to www.galleryofjewels.com.

~Ashley Causey~

Photo: Provided by Kathy Kovel