Music, performances, and art activations were just part of the multi-phase party Art Bash, held at the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA) on April 19, 2023. Art Bash funds SFMOMA’s education, family programs and community engagement events that benefit more than 150,000 people annually. This includes the museum’s First Thursdays, which offer free admission for all Bay Area residents.
Art Bash this year honored Marilyn Minter, “whose thrilling artworks explore the female body, glamour, and beauty from a feminist perspective.” The evening began with a dinner experience designed by Minter, with guests hearing from the artist about the provocative, hyperrealist artwork in her immersive installation. Pre-party guests had first access to Woody De Othello’s Jazz Lounge with a performance art piece curated by Cheflee and featuring local musicians Pat Mesiti-Miller, Eli Maliwan, and Sasha Fuentes.
Guests further explored the museum and art activations by Rewina Beshue, Jeffrey Cheung, and Simón Malvaez in surprise locations. Music experiences throughout included a performance by Amber Mark and DJ sets by Toro y Moi, DJ Umami, and Duserock.
The New Eagle Creek Saloon
Guests at the party included in the evening’s activities enjoyed a preview of Sadie Barnette’s The New Eagle Creek Saloon, with performances by Bay Area drag queen Nicki Jizz and vogue artist Sir JoQ and a set by DJ Align. Redwood Hill served signature cocktails inspired by Barnette’s installation. It reimagines The New Eagle Creek Saloon, which was the first fully Black-owned gay bar in the Castro. The artist’s father, Rodney Barnette, who is a member of our local LGBTQ+ community, owned and operated the bar from 1990 until its closure just three years later in 1993.
The San Francisco Bay Times highlighted both the former bar and the new exhibit in the April 20, 2023, issue. This sparked input from many readers about early bars in the Castro that catered to LGBTQ+ Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC). The first reportedly was The Pendulum, which opened in 1971 at the site of several prior bars, 4146 18th Street. The Pendulum closed in 2005 and since 2009 has been the location of Toad Hall.
Another important early bar to emphasize inclusiveness is still going strong: El Rio. It was founded by Malcolm Thornley, a BIPOC LGBTQ+ man, and his partner Robert Nett in 1978. It was originally envisioned as a “Leather Brazilian Gay Bar,” according to El Rio’s website, and still has strong Latin and Leather vibes. Thornley, who passed in 2008 at age 64, was an avid motorcyclist, as was Nett, who previously had owned Gus’ Pub at 1466 Haight Street.
While you can still visit El Rio at 3158 Mission Street, the only way now to experience The New Eagle Creek Saloon is through Sadie’s installation that requires a liquor license since it functions as an actual bar in addition to artwork. Check it out before it closes on May 11.
https://www.sfmoma.org/
Published on May 4, 2023
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