Today in CAT’s Got Talent, we once again looked at and dissected one of the 14 Black Poppies proverbs. The proverb says: Artistry is a unique combustion of talent, observance, mastery, repetition, and luck. Some of us interpreted it a difference way. Dartece, for example, disagreed with the luck aspect of the proverb. He did not believe in the idea, and thought that everything happened for a reason.

Teaching Artist Leah Weitz/Nina Parks also dropped in to show us a couple of exercises that would help us realize our own presence. Then she showed us how to “notice one another”. For the first exercise, she had us close our eyes and just feel our own presence. After that, we were told to partner up with another person and basically look at each other for a whole minute. We were then told to make observations, then inferences. This was a way to practice proper etiquettes when talking to someone else, and it worked.

After this, we took a stroll in McLaren Park. We were told not to talk to anyone else or use devices. So we had space to think. We made physical observations, then we made observations based on tone. Then we headed back to school, and created a project that connected to our theme, which was nature. 

Keyshawn and I (John) created a short video explaining what we saw and what we thought about nature and urban areas coexisting. Cheky, Dartece, and Hilda created a short music video. Ivanni and Josh created their own writing pieces. 

The whole team was proud of what they’ve created and were quite satisfied. We then assigned the roles we were going to play in the upcoming teaser this Friday. We are all excited and thrilled to be a  part of this event.

Last week, the San Francisco Examiner ran a story about Del Seymour and his Tenderloin Walking Tours. I read it while working behind the counter at the cafe at which I sling coffee. It was a poignant piece about Del's story and art. And it inspired me to reach out. 

I emailed Del yesterday because 14 Black Poppies is co-producing In Flux, a night gallery, on Thursday, November 7 from 6pm to 10pm in collaboration with Open Show and Livable Environments. It is in conjunction with the Lower Polk/Upper TL Art Walk, which happens every first Thursday of the month. I wanted to see if he would be a part of the block party. 

In Flux is inspired by many things, but most critically it is inspired by the constant change occurring in our world, our nation, our state, our city, our communities, and our homes. The Polk Street neighborhood has been a locus of that change for generations. It originally was Ohlone/Yelamu land. Then, it was ripped from the indigenous communities by the Spanish. Mexico fought for its independence, and all of what is now California became a part of Mexico in 1821. The United States went to war with Mexico in 1846, and it became known as San Francisco on January 30, 1847. 

While it has been known as San Francisco, the Polk Street neighborhood has continued to see change. In the late 1800s, Polk street was a corridor of commerce featuring many mom and pop shops. At the turn of the century, it was home to speakeasies and jazz clubs. It transformed into a gay neighborhood in the 1950s to 1970s. Peppered with numerous gay bars and drag performances, Polk Street became a destination for nightlife and even hosted Halloween from the 1950s to 1970s, which was popular among tourists and locals. 

In the last two decades, Polk Street has undergone a transformation. This transformation has displaced people who have called it home for decades. It is also a reflection of the centuries of change upon this land. And it is precisely because of this ongoing change that In Flux is so crucial, and even more so why I am thrilled to have Del Seymour be a part of it. (Note: This is a very truncated history of San Francisco and Polk Street. If you would like to learn more about the more recent history of Polk Street, please click here, here, here, here, here, and here.)

Del founded the Tenderloin Walking Tours about four and a half years ago. It is an opportunity to give back to a community that has captured his heart. It is also a way to tell the stories people do not know, the stories of the people on the streets, the building, and the services crucial to communities' sustenance. 
 
I am working with Del to try and arrange walking tours the day of In Flux telling the stories of the changing neighborhood and peoples. It is an opportunity to learn some history and get to know an inspiring and talented storyteller. And it is exactly what I dreamt up when initially thinking about In Flux. Details are still emerging. (He will not be at the evening event as he is being honored at a veteran's event. Congrats Del!)

And...Please join us all on Thursday, November 7 from 6pm to 10pm for In Flux, a Night Gallery, in Fern Alley right off of Polk Street. 

You can also check out the video of Del Seymour from The City Exposed, a column and video series by Mike Kepka. I recently had the pleasure of meeting Mike at the Open Show on Thursday, September 19. He was one of the featured photographers/documentarians. I didn't know he had created a The City Exposed video about Del Seymour until after I rang Del up. (This is why I love this city so much: connections and community.)