Ruth Asawa: Roots of an Artist

Bethany Center Senior Housing is proud to announce the world premiere of the documentary film Ruth Asawa: Roots of an Artist, at the de Young Museum, Friday, January 21, 2011.

Ruth Asawa's family and Bob Toy, the film's director, will be present to answer questions and to celebrate the life of the beloved San Francisco artist. Because all filming costs and the event location have been donated, 100% of all funds raised from this event will go to Ruth's Table community programs.

The film, sponsored by Academy of Art University, tells the story of world-famous artist, Ruth Asawa, who has been a tireless advocate for community art projects and art education in public schools. Ruth Asawa loved to say," learn something, master it, pass it on"-- What made Ruth special was her commitment to" complete the circle"-- teaching others so what she learned was not forgotten. In fact, the San Francisco School of the Arts has now been re-named the Ruth Asawa San Francisco School of the Arts in her honor.

The film also tells the story of Ruth's Table, a new center for creative learning rooted in the life and work of Ruth Asawa. The center's programs are designed for people over 50 living independent lives in San Francisco, was named for Ruth Asawa's own kitchen table. Over several decades, Asawa's table became a well-known meeting place for politicians, poets, and artists to share food and ideas, create art, and organize projects. Her door always remained open as she committed herself to linking her personal life with her community. Asawa generously donated that very table to become the centerpiece of Ruth's Table. The film follows the move of that table from Asawa's San Francisco home and studio to its new home in Bethany Center. Her wish is for the table to continue to serve as a hearth for creativity, inspiring people to come together, continue to learn, and give back to the community. In this documentary, you will see the progression of Ruth's art, her activism, and her involvement in the Ruth's Table program.

Category:

Film & Animation

Tags:

• ruth
• asawa
• ruth's table
• bethany center
• academy of art
• bob toy
• lola fraknoi
• documentary
• life
• artist
• weavings
• basket
• art
• film