IN THE HOUSE
The Tenacious Tenants of 285 Turk Street
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In early 2017 |
How can you support Committed To Change?
- Donate high quality clothing for job interviews and to build self-esteem. Call (415) 749-2184 to make arrangements.
- Set up an online fundraiser for Hospitality House (for example: Create a facebook birthday/anniversary fundraiser or help a friend and relative set one up.
- Make a donation to Hospitality House’s community programs by clicking on the DONATE button below.
Thank you for supporting The Heart of Art
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On behalf of the entire Hospitality House family and community of artists, we thank you for making THHE Auction Online 2021 – a rousing success! We are grateful to all our friends, our generous sponsors, and long-standing art supporters. You’ve shown us once again why community matters, how much we need art in our lives, and the power of the artist to ignite our imagination. Because of your contribution, THHE Auction Online raised nearly $240,000 for Hospitality House and the Community Arts Program! Your outpouring of generosity helped make this possible – again, we thank you. The Community Arts Program at Hospitality House has been an incubator for creativity and a vehicle for social change for more than 50 years. It remains San Francisco’s only free fine arts studio and gallery space for low-income artists. Each year, hundreds of local artists hone their talents through weekly workshops, reach broader audiences via frequent exhibitions and themed shows, and earn needed income through sales of their art work. There is so much to do. Every day, we are reminded how fragile we are. But also how connected – how much we need each other. Why it matters that we hold fast to our dreams. The power to imagine better is also the power to be better. Artists have that gift to remind us of the beauty all around us, and the beauty within each of us. That a blank canvas has unlimited possibilities. Indeed. Thank for celebrating the heart of art with us. In gratitude, Joe Wilson, Executive Director SPECIAL THANKS to our THHE Auction Online Planning Committee: Braden Cerutti, Hospitality House Board Member | Francis Camaquin, Artists Liaison | Marissa D’Orazio, Arrow Events | Tess Davis, Hospitality House | Britt Henze, Artist Alejandra Hilsaca, Hospitality House | Arley Iribe, Levis Strauss & Co. | Kate Laster, Hospitality House | A. Samson Manalo, Hospitality House | Gabbi Sanchez Mallona, Zendesk | Olivia Ongpin, Luna Rienne Gallery | Maddie Putnam, Hospitality House | Maria Rocchio, Hospitality House Board | Tan Sirinumas, Community Artist | Steenalisa Tilcock, Hospitality House | Jasmine Sullivan, Artist | Cate White, Artist | Janet Williams, Hospitality House | Joseph Wilson, Hospitality House Our incredible gallery partners: Renee DeCarlo, The Drawing Room | Don Ross & Guy Campbell, an.a.log SF | Nico Schwieterman, Fleet Wood | Alexa Trevino, Artillery AG | Olivia Ongpin, Luna Rienne Gallery And our wonderful sponsors & donors: Sherilyn Adams | Tina V. Aguirre | Anonymous | Chandler Fine Arts & Framing | Jim Leigh & Debbie Callis | Brad Cerutti | Curry Senior Center | Beverly Curwen | Karen Diefenbach | Four Sisters of the Bay Area | Healing Cuts | Homeless Prenatal Program | Mary A. Kelly | Lyndsey Konrad | A. Samson & Joyce Juan Manalo | Nurture Coaching | Svane Family Foundation | Tenderloin People’s Congress | Ayni & Sean Vienna | Sandy Weil | Joseph T. Wilson | Alanna Zrimsek If you missed the YouTube broadcast of THHE Auction Online 2021, you can still watch the entire program below. We continue to accept donations to our Heart of Art Capital Campaign to establish a permanent home for our Community Arts Program. Click here to find out more and to make a donation. |
“For those who aren’t in the room…”
Celebrating Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month - Remembering Yori Wada
by Joe Wilson, Executive Director, Hospitality House
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Legendary human rights champion Yori Wada died nearly 25 years ago, leaving a legacy of achievement, and an indelible imprint on the lives of youth and adults – across generations, across neighborhoods, across races and ethnicities. Yori Wada battled injustice throughout his life. While Yori’s family was imprisoned at an internment camp in Arkansas, Yori served in the celebrated Japanese American 442nd Combat Team. Yori worked at both the Booker T. Washington Community Center and was Director of the Buchanan YMCA for nearly two decades. Yori Wada was the first Japanese-American ever appointed to the University of California’s Board of Regents in its 109-year history, the first Asian American on the City's Civil Service Commission, and he fought tirelessly for affirmative action and divestment from apartheid-era South Africa. Ahead of his time.
Yori Wada mentored and counseled youth and adults from different racial backgrounds and neighborhoods throughout San Francisco and across the state. He championed issues of the day across the political landscape throughout California on issues of juvenile justice, violence prevention, education equity and racial justice. My first meeting with Yori Wada was certainly fortuitous. He saved me from being handcuffed and taken to jail. Hard to believe, I know, but my big mouth nearly got me locked up. And would have had it not been for Yori’s timely intervention – on behalf of someone he’d only just met. In the 1990’s, the Private Industry Council was the precursor to today’s Workforce Investment Board. In those days, public comment was not allowed at Council meetings. Public meeting, public policy being set - but no public comment. So, of course, I show up and start commenting on nearly every agenda item. The first meeting, Council members humored me. The second, they admonished me. The third meeting, though, I got into an ill-advised argument with the Council Chair. Security guards escorted me out of the meeting, planning to have me arrested for trespassing. Unbeknownst to me, Yori Wada - a Council member at the time - had followed us out. Yori interceded just as the guards were phoning SFPD. “It’s ok, gentlemen,” Yori said calmly. “He’s with me.” Yori’s eyes held mine. Yori Wada's modest physical stature belied his mesmerizing presence that could be comforting or relentless - often both - depending on the situation. “Young man,” Yori began, “You’ve got heart, and you’ve got smarts. But remember this: you’re not speaking for yourself - you’re speaking for those who aren’t in the room.” Yori paused to let this sink in, then added, “It’s not enough for you to BE right. You’ve got to DO right by people who aren’t here. Don't forget that.” Solidarity is often expressed in soaring platitudes, appeals to our better angels, impassioned pleas to recognize our shared struggles. All good, all necessary. Sometimes though, solidarity bridges the racial divide with little fanfare: a subtle breeze of emotional clarity, a moment of human connection. Yori Wada – World War II hero, University of California Regent, global human rights champion, multi-generational mentor – extended his friendship, his kindness - and yes, his love to someone he'd only just met. I’ve often fallen short of Yori’s advice, but it's remained part of me for more than 25 years. Quietude amidst the noise. Along with untold thousands whom he touched, I’m forever grateful - and fortunate - for having met the esteemed Yori Wada. |
