By Robert Schultze, Saddle Stitch Magazine
On the first Thursday of every month down the tiny secluded little side street known as Maiden Lane, there is an event going on that is anything but tiny. “First Thursday” is a celebration of local artists both established and unknown, and the party is happening at the one and only Otis Lounge. Inside this unassuming, aptly named lounge, you will find a small bar surrounded by couches instead of stools, and a second floor with a more formal setting with tables and chairs. Tonight the place is packed with crowds gathering around a live painting outside by Dan Rausch, conversations with comic illustrator Sean Ward, and a photo-studio with a portrait sign up sheet with fashion photographer Del Geronimo.
The event is run by Owen Geronimo, who intends that the event will become a go-to media resource and marketing consultancy for the local arts community both online and print. Owen runs several other galleries including Artillery, in the Mission, Gallery Cafe in Nob Hill, two other commercial offices and previously curated at Space Gallery on Polk Street. “We have our own art renaissance per say, from visuals, photography, fine art and fashion.” And all three of these mediums certainly were implemented tonight. Paintings and framed photos littered the walls, and Del Geronimo would pluck random people from the crowd as portrait subjects. The event seems to be doing exactly what Owen hoped it would; People who were invited showed up dressed in business casual attire, and random passer-byes wandered over lured in by the smell of the grill and the friendly chatter and music.
Art is the primary conversation piece, and the featured artists were the stars of the show. You can feel the energy from Dan Rausch as he creates on the wall in swoops and arcs of his arm, spray paint in hand. Even when he is not painting his contemplation on where to take the piece next oozes with fierce passion and creativity, and the piece evolves throughout the evening as he adds to it bit by bit. Sean Ward charms people by the crowd as they try and pass by but are drawn in by his wit and energy as he explains how his comics are bridging the gap from comic books to fine art galleries. And Del Geronimo props his random models to suit his project as the crowd observes this unusual form of performance art.
The evening was a success for all I would say, the crowds got the pleasure of being exposed to these local talents and the artists received the exposure they crave. As for me, I walked away with new friends and a signed print from Sean Ward as a birthday gift for a friend. She benefitted from it as well, and she wasn’t even there. You can find all the information about “First Thursdays” as well as “Second Thursdays” in the Mission atwww.OwenGeronimo.com.
