Face of the Son

Location: 867 Valencia Street between 19th & 20th

Artist Statement:

Ruben Morancy, is a Haitian-born self-taught artist from Port-Au-Prince. I started painting at the very early age of eight after having visited the Centre d’Art in Port-au-Prince, the artists there always seemed so happy holding their paint brushes and creating paintings that are based on legends or stories from generations past. My approach to art is very similar in thought to my fellow countrymen, but not in style. I believe that the strongest art is born out of necessity, to borrow a phrase from Herman Hesse. I have always been fascinated by the shapes and colors of things. Literature plays a major part in what I do, I am an avid reader and observer. I am a big fan of Henri Cartier-Bresson, Miro, Henri Darger and Joseph Yoakum. I am moved by the profound nature of “Outsider Art,” simple, imaginative.

This current exhibit is a tribute to one of America’s literary giants, James Arthur Baldwin. A prolific writer, artist and playwright. He embodies the essence of the consciousness of this country, or lack of. I am pleased to share with you my thoughts on canvas of Jimmy, as many of his friends called him.

The slideshow to the right provides a peek into some of our events from past years. We hope you’ve been able to participate and enjoy the many cutting edge programs that we’ve produced, like the 85th Anniversary Celebration of Ella Fitzgerald which featured Grammy award-winner Ledisi, backed by the 15-piece Marcus Shelby Jazz Orchestra at the Palace of Fine Arts. Hip Hop: A World View included partnerships with Alliance Francaise, Istituto Italiano di Cultura, and Goethe-Institut to present a sold-out symposium on global hip-hop culture.

We have examined the effects of Hurricane Katrina on the displacement of black families from the Gulf Coast during our 5^th Annual installment in a segment called ”Displacement and Migration,” for which we received national recognition by the U.S. Senate, and celebrated the life and impact of James Brown on young black identity and a musical legacy that helped create and define an entire genre of popular music.

Our events have honored the literary legacy of June Jordan, explored the connections between Marvin Gaye and contemporary dance, highlighted the contributions of Black visual artists, and provided San Francisco students with museum tours, educational workshops, film screenings and much more. Most recently, the first-of-its-kind Culinary Celebration showcased the talents of the Bay Area’s Black chefs and vintners, along with interpretations of traditional soul food by other top restaurateurs.

Stay connected with us and we’ll see you at the next sf|noir event!

Pisco Latin Lounge

Throughout February Pisco Latin Lounge will celebrate Black History Month with the flavors of Afro-Peruvian culture and music! Wednesdays – on February 8, 15 and 29 – Pisco Latin Lounge will be offering Pisco cocktail specials from 5:00-8:00pm for $6.00 each, Red and White wine specials for $5.00 and they will also have food specials focusing on the African influence of Peruvian cuisine. All music (audio and video) will be be afro-peruvian based, and will be incredibly special.

Celebrate

sf|noir, the San Francisco Unified School District, SF Education Fund and Citizen Hope invite you to be a part of a great day of service and help inspire a love of reading for thousands of elementary school children.

What: Hundreds of volunteers read out loud a book by a black author and/or illustrator in elementary school classrooms across San Francisco.

When: Friday, February 24, 2012. Start time is 9:00 or 10:00 am depending on school site. The duration is 30-60 minutes.

Where: Elementary schools throughout San Francisco. School assignments are given to you at the brief training.

Why: Celebrate black contributions to literature
Inspire a love for reading

How: Sign up online or via phone 415.749.3700. There is a brief training required. At the training you will learn tips on reading aloud and be assigned to a school site. We provide a list of suggested books by grade level. You can borrow your book from the library or purchase your book and donate it to the class.

Workshop dates
Location: San Francisco Education Fund offices, 1550 Bryant Street, Suite 650, San Francisco
Time: the workshop is offered two times per date 6pm and 7pm.

Tuesday, January 31
Wednesday, February 1
Thursday, February 2
Tuesday, February 7
Wednesday, February 8
Thursday, February 9
Monday, February 13
Wednesday, February 15
Thursday, February 16
Tuesday, February 21
Wednesday, February 22

SIGN UP NOW

Master jazz film archivist Mark Cantor continues to delight audiences as he hosts screenings of clips from his extensive private collection of historical jazz films. Enjoy Cantor’s lively narration and a complimentary buffet during intermission.

Jazz Dance
Jazz Dance comes in two varieties: social dance (Lindy hop, Jitterbug and the like), and performance dance (tap and its many variations). Tonight’s program covers both, with big-name stars like Bill “Bojangles” Robinson and the Nicholas Brothers alongside the lesser known, including Juanita Pitts, Slick and Slack and the Clark Brothers.

Click here to purchase tickets
Public $25 | Student $12

Saturday, March 17, 2012
Starts at: 8:00 pm

We are a Member of the Intersection Incubator

Intersection for the Arts is San Francisco’s oldest alternative arts space, presenting groundbreaking works in the literary, performing, visual and interdisciplinary arts. Visit www.theintersection.org.

Tax deductible donations can be made by sending a check to sf|noir made out to “Intersection for the Arts” with “sfnoir” in the subject line to our address at 925 Mission Street, Suite 109 San Francisco, CA 94103.

Or you may click on the Donate box to the left to make your contribution online. Be sure to click the drop down menu and select sf|noir to direct your donation.

Master jazz film archivist Mark Cantor continues to delight audiences as he hosts screenings of clips from his extensive private collection of historical jazz films. Enjoy Cantor’s lively narration and a complimentary buffet during intermission.

Treasures from the Archive
Following tradition, the series opens with a program of clips selected to showcase the breadth and depth of this amazing collection. All musical styles are represented, and among the artists on screen, most are featured in performances never seen before at the JCCSF, including Count Basie, John Coltrane, Charles Mingus, Benny Goodman and Ella Fitzgerald.

Single Event Tickets
General $25 | Student $12

Buy All Three Performances and Save!
General $64
Get tickets here.

Saturday, Jan 21
Starts at: 8:00 pm

Every day, millions tune in to “Sesame Street” to see one of the world’s most adored and recognizable characters—a furry red monster named Elmo. Yet the man behind the icon is able to walk down the street without being recognized. Meet Kevin Clash. Growing up in Baltimore in the 1970s, Kevin had very different aspirations from his classmates—he wanted to be a puppeteer. He started making his own puppets at an early age from household materials (including the lining of his dad’s coat) and putting on shows for the neighborhood children. With the support of an understanding family and his own blazing talent and desire, Kevin made his dreams of joining the Muppets come true, landing a spot on “Sesame Street” and getting to work with his idol, Jim Henson.

Combining amazing archival and contemporary footage, Being Elmo explores Kevin’s story in vivid detail. Narrated by Whoopi Goldberg and including interviews with Frank Oz, Rosie O’Donnell, Cheryl Henson, Joan Ganz Cooney and others, this insightful and captivating documentary is a feel-good delight.  Constance Marks is the director and producer of Being Elmo. Marks is an award-winning independent documentary filmmaker (Return To Appalachia, Let’s Fall In Love; A Singles Weekend At The Concord Hotel) who began her filmmaking career as an editor for David and Albert Mays.
http://beingelmo.com

“CRITICS’ PICK! A winning tale of the persistence and creativity behind one of the most famous and fuzziest faces in the world.” -Neil Genzlinger, THE NEW YORK TIMES

“Go see the film and you’ll understand what I mean and why the film won a Special Jury Prize at Sundance this year.” -Deborah Stambler, HUFFINGTON POST

“Superb! One of the best documentaries I’ve ever seen. The subject is fantastic, the interviews are fantastic…” -Jenika Katz, FLIXIST.COM

Sundance Film Festival 2011, WINNER Special Jury Prize Documentary

The film’s running time is 85 minutes; it is not rated.

Landmark Theatres Engagements begin Friday, December 16, 2011
Landmark’s Opera Plaza Cinemas, 601  Van Ness, San Francisco (415) 276-4893
Landmark’s Shattuck Cinemas, 2230 Shattuck Avenue, Berkeley (510) 464-5980
http://www.landmarktheatres.com

You may send us an email about your work to artist [at] sfnoir.org

Or, mail media to:

sf|noir
925 Mission Street, Suite 109
San Francisco, CA 94103

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You may send an email with your interest to volunteer [at] sfnoir.org

As with many non-profits we rely partially on the efforts of many committed people to keep our mission moving forward.

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