Ruth Asawa Day: A Tribute

Established in 1982, the official Ruth Asawa Day acknowledges her significant impact as both an artist and a passionate advocate for arts education. This special day serves as a reminder of her enduring influence in San Francisco.

The San Francisco Fountain

At the heart of Asawa’s artistic contributions in the city is the San Francisco Fountain, which celebrated its 52nd anniversary recently. This fountain is prominently located near the Apple Store at Stockton and Post streets and showcases a captivating bronze sculpture adorned with bas-relief representations of notable San Francisco sites.

The fountain incorporates elements of children’s art, specifically crafted from baker’s clay by Asawa’s children and their friends. Furthermore, Asawa’s mother, Haru Asawa, contributed the intricate leaf designs that enhance the sculpture’s beauty.

Discovering Hidden Details

Despite frequent visits to the San Francisco Fountain, many observers may overlook its charming detailing. Recently, a gray day provided the perfect lighting to capture the fine intricacies embedded within the artwork, encouraging a deeper appreciation for Asawa’s vision.

Upcoming Exhibition at SFMOMA

Art enthusiasts can look forward to a retrospective on Ruth Asawa that will open at the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA) in April. Tickets will be available for purchase starting February 18 for museum members and March 11 for the general public, offering a chance to delve into Asawa’s remarkable body of work.