DT 18: Flores donates painting to LLA
Story and photos by Adriana Garcia
Video by Juan M. Cabrera
On Friday, November 20, 2009, representatives from Fifty24SF Gallery and Upper Playground came to Life Learning Academy and donated a painting to the school.
The artwork, a colorful painting by Bay Area artist Sam Flores, was installed at the school by Lynzy Blair, Emily Hebl, and Diana Smith. The piece, measuring 66.5” by 48,” now decorates LLA’s assembly room.
Flores did not attend the installation ceremony because he currently lives in Hawaii, according to Blair.
Blair explained that the gallery wanted to donate the art to a place where it would inspire.
“If we auction the piece, it only goes to the person who has the money to afford the piece, [and] whether or not you donate that money to the school, it’s not the same impact as having the actual artwork in this school.”
Born in 1975 in New Mexico, Flores moved to San Francisco in 1995 where he later started his life as an artist according to his website, http://www.samflores.com. Flores’ signature art is described on the site as “a female Fatima, often with large hands representing a warm welcoming.”
When the installers from the gallery arrived, they took a student-led tour and heard a brief summary about the school.
The three then met with LLA Principal Dr. Teri Delane. Delane explained the way that the school runs, and how it changes students’ lives.
After inspecting the wall space available, the installers retrieved the two-panel painting from their car and determined how to place it on the wall. With instruction from Delane and guidance from LLA art teacher Robin Havens, the piece was installed on the southeast wall of the LLA assembly room. Other framed artwork was removed to make space for the new work.
As soon as the artwork was installed, everybody in the school gathered. There was a lot of excitment. Blair told us a bit about herself and about the painting. Delane thanked the people who made it happen, and discussed how the art will touch LLA students.
After the assembly, students and teachers decided to get a closer look.
“Its awesome, just so awesome!” said LLA senior Carlos Chan.
LLA senior Jesus Ballote agreed, adding “I like the birds because [they symbolize that] everybody is free.”
Video by Juan M. Cabrera
On Friday, November 20, 2009, representatives from Fifty24SF Gallery and Upper Playground came to Life Learning Academy and donated a painting to the school.
The artwork, a colorful painting by Bay Area artist Sam Flores, was installed at the school by Lynzy Blair, Emily Hebl, and Diana Smith. The piece, measuring 66.5” by 48,” now decorates LLA’s assembly room.
Flores did not attend the installation ceremony because he currently lives in Hawaii, according to Blair.
Blair explained that the gallery wanted to donate the art to a place where it would inspire.
“If we auction the piece, it only goes to the person who has the money to afford the piece, [and] whether or not you donate that money to the school, it’s not the same impact as having the actual artwork in this school.”
Born in 1975 in New Mexico, Flores moved to San Francisco in 1995 where he later started his life as an artist according to his website, http://www.samflores.com. Flores’ signature art is described on the site as “a female Fatima, often with large hands representing a warm welcoming.”
When the installers from the gallery arrived, they took a student-led tour and heard a brief summary about the school.
The three then met with LLA Principal Dr. Teri Delane. Delane explained the way that the school runs, and how it changes students’ lives.
After inspecting the wall space available, the installers retrieved the two-panel painting from their car and determined how to place it on the wall. With instruction from Delane and guidance from LLA art teacher Robin Havens, the piece was installed on the southeast wall of the LLA assembly room. Other framed artwork was removed to make space for the new work.
As soon as the artwork was installed, everybody in the school gathered. There was a lot of excitment. Blair told us a bit about herself and about the painting. Delane thanked the people who made it happen, and discussed how the art will touch LLA students.
After the assembly, students and teachers decided to get a closer look.
“Its awesome, just so awesome!” said LLA senior Carlos Chan.
LLA senior Jesus Ballote agreed, adding “I like the birds because [they symbolize that] everybody is free.”