63 Bluxome was an artist run space created by John Behanna, Brian McPartlon, Bill Quinlan, Katherine Quinlan, Doug Gower, and Alex Buys and located in the South of Market area of San Francisco that emerged in the mid 1970s,[1] which became recognized as an “alternative space” that presented works of various mediums of art from neighboring artists in a casual and social environment. South of Market provided inexpensive work and exhibit space that could support various venues emerging during that period for artists to exhibit their work.[2]

History

63 Bluxome Street considered the first of this concept in the South of Market area was operated by local area artists and friends and supported either by artists renting gallery space for a nominal fee and/or fundraiser events held at the gallery.

Regular visits from a supportive art critic of the San Francisco Chronicle, Thomas Albright helped artists and alternative spaces flourish throughout the seventies which marked changes in art, presentation and style and allowed emerging artists an opportunity to present work in an open concept space to the public.

The work of numerous artist whose works reflect the unique style influenced by instructors from the San Francisco Art Institute were instrumental in the development of the alternative galleries.

This paradigm shift reflected the social and political sentiment of artists whose work didn't fit into conventional spaces. By opening up the opportunity to explore other avenues numerous alternative spaces began appearing throughout the deserted commercial area of San Francisco known as “South of the Slot” because of its location south of the cable car tracks on Market Street in San Francisco.

The commitment of the artists and people who supported the alternative art movement during the 70's contributed to the Bay Area's regional history, social movements and its unique identity as a significant cultural center.[3]

Artists and exhibitions

References

  1. ^ Foley, Suzanne; Lewallen, Constance (1981). Space, Time, Sound: Conceptual Art in the San Francisco Bay Area, the 1970s. San Francisco Museum of Modern Art. ISBN 978-0-295-95879-8.
  2. ^ McDonald, Robert (January 11, 1975). "63 Bluxome Street is Back". ArtWeek.
  3. ^ Lihares, Phil (Oct 1974). "The Alternative Gallery in San Francisco". Currant Magazine.
  4. ^ Lihares, Phil (Oct 1974). "South of the Slot". ArtWeek.
  5. ^ Last, First (1989). Loeffler, Carl E.; Tong, Darlene (eds.). Performance Anthology: Source Book of California Performance Art. San Francisco: Last Gasp. p. 130. ISBN 978-0-86719-366-4.
  6. ^ Lihares, Phil (Dec 1974). South of the Slot. ArtWeek.
  7. ^ Fried, Alexander (April 26, 1975). "Art Blooms amid Warehouses". 63 Bluxome.
  8. ^ Lihares, Phil (June 7, 1975). "The Alternative Gallery". Currant Magazine.
  9. ^ Albright, Thomas (September 13, 1975). "Impressive Individual". San Francisco Chronicle.
  10. ^ "Dirt to Monsoon". San Francisco Chronicle: 150. 1975-11-16.
  11. ^ San Francisco Chronicle/Examiner February 1, 1976 page 126.
  12. ^ "8 ARTISTS". San Francisco Chronicle: 127. 1976-02-26.
  13. ^ "Benefit/Fundraiser Mike Henderson Band". San Francisco Chronicle: 44. 1976-03-12.
  14. ^ Albright, Thomas (1976-06-13). "KOCI". San Francisco Chronicle: 16.
  15. ^ SFChronicle June 22, 1976 page 40
  16. ^ SF Chronicle August 20, 1976 page 46.
  17. ^ Review SF Chronicle October 4, 1976 - pg 145.
  18. ^ San Francisco Chronicle Sept. 25, 1976 page 34.
  19. ^ Review:Thomas Albright "The Ups and Downs of Four Artists" SFChronicle Nov 29, 1976 page 38
  20. ^ SF Chronicle December 17, 1976 page 63.
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