OPERATION RESTORE DEFENESTRATION – OH, WHAT AN OPENING!

March 08, 2010

If you weren’t at 1:AM gallery last Friday, you missed out.  It was by far the most festive and entertaining opening we have ever had.

Brian Goggin knows how to throw a fundraiser.  With a lot of help and support from friends, the night was filled with wonderful surprises, music, photos, cupcakes and beautiful people radiating with positive energy.

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Brian Goggin blowing out candles. Happy 13th Birthday, Defenestration!

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Brian rapeling off the building!

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Black Rock Arts Foundation, the fiscal sponsor of the Operation

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Wine provided by our friends at Gundlach Bundschu

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The Dime Store Dandy kickin' off the night for us.

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The COCKROACHES from the Defenestration building... they delightfully entertained the patrons

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$teven, the master of ceremonies

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Mike Farrah from the Mayor's office of Neighborhood Services telling us to KEEP PUBLIC ART ALIVE IN SF!

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Mr. Lucky serenading the crowd

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Paul Cesewski's bowling ball sculpture outside the gallery

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PHOTO BOOF! with Defenestration backdrop outside the gallery

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DJ toAD on the 1 2's

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Jeremy and Paula workin the sponsorship table

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The man of the night, Brian Goggin with his beautiful friends

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GREAT TURNOUT! THANKS FOR THE SUPPORT!

If you haven’t had the chance to swing by the gallery, come by and check out original furniture sculptures off the Defenestration building, limited edition screen prints, photography of Defenestration over the years, and new sculptures.  Profits from the sale of art pieces goes towards restoring the building.  Do your part to keep public art alive in San Francisco!

If you want to learn more about OPERATION RESTORE DEFENESTRATION or make a donation, visit www.defenestration.org. Visit Laughing Squid to see more coverage of the opening.

MORE PHOTOS OF THE OPENING ON OUR FLICKR!  THERE ARE A LOT OF GOOD ONES!

WEEK IN PHOTOS: OPERATION RESTORE DEFENESTRATION

March 05, 2010
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Brian Goggin holding tight to his table

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New lamps!

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Defenestration illuminated at night

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Sponsor a Sculpture

OPERATION RESTORE DEFENESTRATION opens tonight from 6-10pm!  Learn more about the project on www.1AMSF.com or visit www.defenestration.org.

PLAYBILL FOR TOMORROW NIGHT’S EVENT

March 04, 2010

1:AM gallery and Brian J. Goggin

present


Brian Goggin ……………………………………………. played by Brian Goggin

Guitarist ……………………………………………. The Dime Store Dandy

On the turntables……………………………………………. DJ toAD

Singer ……………………………………………. Mr. Lucky

Performance Troupe Extradordinaire ……………………………………………. Fou Fou Ha!

Wine ……………………………………………. Gundlach Bundschu Winery

~~~~~~~~~~

Keepsake from the night ……………………………………………. Photo Boof

Fiscal Sponsor ……………………………………………. Black Rock Arts Foundation

Doors open at 6pm.

1000 Howard Street (x 6th)

San Francisco, CA 94103

Lost?  Be on the lookout for the infamous Doggie Diner Heads or Paul Cesewski’s Bowling Ball Structure in front of 1:AM gallery and Defenestration building.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTION: IS THE DEFENESTRATION BUILDING GOING TO BE TORN DOWN?

March 03, 2010

Yes, it will be eventually torn down.

The Hugo Hotel was condemned and acquired by the San Francisco Redevelopment Agency (SFRA) via eminent domain.  The Hugo Hotel site is a key element of the SFRA’s continuing efforts to improve the South of Market Redevelopment project area.  Within the next 18 to 24 months, the Agency plans to replace the existing blighted structure with new affordable family rental housing.  In the meantime, Defenestration is in need of immediate and extensive reconstruction if it is to remain a fixture of the City for as long as the Hugo remains standing, and possibly longer in a future incarnation.

The eminent domain action took place at approximately the same time that Brian Goggin had been considering ways to restore and update the work.  After discussions with the SFRA, they agreed that rather than tear down the building immediately, they would let Brian keep Defenestration up in the interim between acquisition of the property and a time when a developer was ready to build.  The SFRA agreed to a Permit to Enter, which gives Brian access to the otherwise blighted building for a minimum of 18 months. There is no definitive date when the building will be torn down.  There is speculation that based on the obstacles involved in obtaining funding and erecting a new building in San Francisco, and especially in this economic climate, it will be up for more than 18 months.  Whether Defenestration, or some version of it, can find a lasting place in the neighborhood thereafter no one yet knows, but it will have no chance unless it is restored now.

Read the article in SF Bay Guardian titled “Still Defying Gravity” for more information.

WHAT IS IN THE DEFENESTRATION BUILDING (AKA HUGO HOTEL)?

March 02, 2010

Rubble filled interior.

Baroque wallpaper peeling off.

Missing steps on the staircases.

Rats.

Brian Goggin.

Diving furniture seeking a purpose.

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A TV looking for a little love.

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Radio being restored to be better than its former self

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Lamps waiting to add color to their life.

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Brian, the creator of this magical universe

We asked Brian how he stands to be in a dilapidated building all day with no outside light peering in.  He said what keeps him motivated to create and maintain these animated furniture pieces was the obligation he has to freeing the furniture from its usual dwelling place. How does he deal with the difficult environment? A flash light, a particle mask, and a lot of help from his friends and the ghosts.

OPERATION RESTORE DEFENESTRATION” opening this Friday, March 5th from 6-10pm!



© 2009 First Amendment Gallery, 1000 Howard Street, San Francisco, CA 94103. (415) 861-5089, Tue-Sat 12:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m., Sun-Mon closed. 1AM SF .