The Precita Center in the Mission District of San Francisco.
For years, the Precita Center has been a cultural institution, education center, and neighborhood hangout for kids and young adults in the Mission and beyond. Faced with funding cuts, writer and educator Gabe Martinez—who manages the center’s GED program—started organizing a quarterly arts and music show to raise money for students who need to pay for testing fees.
The colorful backyard of the Precita Center.
The GED program at the Precita Center has assisted hundreds of students over the years. This year, the program had 22 graduates, who will continue on to college, work programs, and paths to improve their lives. Gabe hopes the upcoming arts and music event, Stories in the Making II, will raise funds to keep the program going.
Fence with cityscape art in the rear yard.
For the August 6 show, he’s rounded up poets like James Cagney and Sojari Bradley, local musicians, and a live band: an assortment of performers who will come together for an evening of creative collaboration. I toured the center with Gabe, along with poet and performer Myron Michael, who will host the show.
Some photographs from the center, the rear yard, and its new garden:
Plant boxes in the backyard, against a bright wall.
One of the numerous images featuring quotes from famous thinkers and leaders.
Faces of the famous, the bold, the inspiring.
Painted rocks and images against a fence in the backyard.
Near the front entrance.
The striking facade on Precita Avenue, at the base of Bernal Heights.
Stories in the Making II
Saturday, August 6
Precita Center
534 Precita Avenue (nearest cross street: Alabama)
San Francisco, CA
Doors: 7:00 pm
Open Mic: 7:30-8:00 pm
Featured Performers: 8:00 pm
Entry: $5
There will be food, drinks, and a raffle, too.
Can’t make it? Consider donating by sending a check of any amount to: Precita Center; c/o GED Program; 534 Precita Avenue; San Francisco, CA 94110.
Read more about the GED program—and recent graduates—via the Stories in the Making blog.
Yeah, the center is definitely alive — I’ve always liked its colorful facade — a great, positive space for children and young adults.
Gabe and the students will appreciate your donation so much! Thanks.
You’ve done a great job of advertising Precita Center and its fundraising event. You’ve convinced me to make a donation. The photos are so “alive”.
Yes, Julie. This is Gabe, and I am truly appreciative–as are my students!! And Cheri, this was awesome!!!
Beautiful photographs. I worked in San Francisco last year and I didn’t have the pleasure of visiting this center. I hope to see it in person one day. Thanks for the article! http://www.daretheschools.org
Nice Photographs!
Hi Emad–I noticed your note on my Albany Bulb post, too. Thanks for visiting my blog and glad you like these photographs. I’m going to Los Angeles this weekend, so perhaps I’ll find some cool stuff to share!
Cheers,
Cheri