100 Larkin Street
San Francisco, CA 94102
United States
Ralph Chessé was born in 1900, the literal beginning of the 20th century, in New Orleans. He died at 91, just shy of a full hundred, and the turn of the millennium. The bulk of his life was spent in the San Francisco Bay Area, and his artistic endeavors— painting, sculpture and notably, marionette production and performance—reflected numerous touchstones of the Bay Area’s cultural and social life, from WPA, theater, television and rock and roll. At every turn, his life was fueled by creative endeavors, exploring different styles of art, as well as theatrical pursuits. He has a notable mural in Coit Tower and worked for the rights of artists. His expressive, exquisitely carved puppets enacted everything from Shakespeare’s tragedies to the animal kingdom educator Brother Buzz, the main character of a beloved children's show that ran from 1953-1969 on mainstream television and was syndicated nationally. At every turn, Chessé’s life and work continue to offer a wonderful world of surprises.
Opening Program and Reception: Saturday, May 18, 1-5 p.m.
Jewett Gallery, Koret Lobby and Koret Auditorium, Lower Level
Immerse yourself in the world of Ralph Chessé, a prolific artist who made a lasting impact on the Bay Area arts and theater scene, at the opening reception for Ralph Chessé: A San Francisco Century. The program starts with the San Francisco Puppeteers Guild meeting, which is open to the public. Then, join exhibition curator Glen Helfand on a tour of the exhibition; watch a demonstration of different puppet styles with local puppeteer Fred C. Reilly III; hear about Ralph's life and work from Bruce Chessé, Ralph’s son and collaborator; and mingle with friends over light snacks and live music by Kitten on the Keys in celebration of the life and legacy of this San Francisco legend. Jewett Gallery is open during library hours. Co-presented by the San Francisco Bay Area Puppeteers Guild.
PROGRAM SCHEDULE:
1 PM Auditorium: Puppet Guild Meeting - open to the public
1:30 PM Jewett Gallery: Tour with Exhibition Curator, Glen Helfand
2 PM Auditorium: Puppet Demo with Fred C. Reilly III
2:45 PM Auditorium: Conversation with Bruce Chessé
3:45 PM Koret Lobby: Reception with musical stylings by Kitten on the Keys
Puppet Making Workshop: Saturday, July 20, 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
Latino A and B, Lower Level
Make a puppet inspired by Ralph Chessé: A San Francisco Century. During his long and prolific career, Ralph Chessé produced a wide range of artworks, most notably marionettes, which he created for productions of plays – Eugene O’Neill and Shakespeare were favorites – and his beloved children’s television series, Brother Buzz. Learn how to construct a simple puppet using string and other materials with local artist and arts educator Ramon Abad.
Coit Tower Mural Visits: Friday, August 16, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
1 Telegraph Hill Boulevard, San Francisco, CA 94133
Receive free admission to visit the WPA mural painted by Ralph Chessé at Coit Tower on Friday, August 16. This is a one day only deal; be sure not to miss the opportunity.
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