In a unique intergenerational art project, Bay Area teenagers and older adults are bridging generations and exploring lasting legacies, drawing inspiration from two iconic artists who never met: Ruth Asawa and David Ireland.
Ruth Asawa, celebrated for her intricate wire sculptures and influential role in arts education, holds an international profile, while David Ireland, renowned for transforming his 500 Capp Street home into an artwork and his mentorship, is a significant local figure. Despite their distinct paths and overlapping decades in San Francisco, both artists left profound physical and relational legacies that continue to inspire and connect people.
This innovative art project centers on the theme of “legacy,” fostering collaboration between two prominent arts nonprofits: Ruth’s Table, dedicated to serving older adults and people with disabilities, and 500 Capp Street, the art exhibition space established in Ireland’s former home.
Over several weeks this summer, thirteen Bay Area teenagers, aged 14 to 19, immersed themselves in the program. Collaborating closely with residents from Bethany Center, a senior residence adjacent to Ruth’s Table, the teens engaged in a two-part art endeavor guided by Amy Berk and Chris Treggiari, co-directors of City Studio, now based at 500 Capp Street.
The initial phase saw the teens deeply “embedded” at Ruth’s Table, participating in workshops alongside regular attendees to build rapport and understanding. Chris Treggiari led the teenagers in recording video oral histories, prompting the elders to reflect on their own contributions and legacies to San Francisco, fostering a rich exchange of experiences and wisdom.
Concurrently, Amy Berk directed the students in creating silk screens and constructing a wheeled, wooden monument. This collective artwork serves as a symbolic representation of the teenagers’ imagined San Francisco legacies, incorporating elements heard from the elders and their personal interests, including iconic landmarks like the Golden Gate Bridge, BART trains, birds, and Chinese lanterns.
The project culminates in a vibrant public event where the teens will parade their newly constructed monument from Ruth’s Table to 500 Capp Street. Once there, their collaborative art piece, alongside the unveiled silkscreens and videos, will be installed, symbolizing the convergence of generations and artistic influences within the Mission district. This echoes Asawa’s spirit of collaborative art, notably her “San Francisco Fountain” which involved over 100 schoolchildren.
At 500 Capp Street, the teens’ “ode to San Francisco” will be displayed alongside works by professional artists, including Mildred Howard’s powerful suite “Untold Histories/Hidden Truths.” Howard’s piece, which critically interrogates historical monuments, resonates with Ireland’s own creative philosophy of embracing weathering and transformation in his art, exemplified by how he preserved and highlighted the natural aging of his home.
The project’s deep personal connections are evident through Amy Berk’s friendship with David Ireland and Ruth Asawa’s dining table finding a home at Ruth’s Table. Aiko Cuneo, Asawa’s daughter, underscores her mother’s belief in art-making as a joyful, empowering act that builds inner strength, especially relevant in challenging times, advocating for art education as a fundamental human experience that enriches individuals and communities alike.
