In a city of bustling streets, the Yerba Buena neighborhood has made an art of delivering elevated experiences and surprising encounters. Just the other day, I was heading down Stevenson Street when I stumbled upon something I had never seen before – large bronze keys lining the sidewalk. I followed the trail of keys to discover two open locks behind Jesse Square and a plaque in the ground that read “Locks and Keys for Harry Bridges.” The public art installation by local artist Mildred Howard honors San Francisco union leader, Harry Bridges. The Australian-born activist fought for better wages and working conditions for the port of San Francisco’s longshoremen. Howard created the installation to memorialize the many doors Bridges opened for union workers. I used to think keys were just small pieces of metal, but these sculptures led me to see keys as a story of life and new opportunity.
Musician Richard Howell and dance studio dawsondancesf have combined jazz and contemporary ballet in MANGAKU. The program features nine dancers with live musical accompaniment from Howell and guest artists. The world premiere of MANGAKU will be August 24 at the YBCA Theater.
