Client Spotlight
Getting to know the businesses within the buildings we roof always brings new insights. While installing a new foam roof for Project Artaud, an artist’s colony in San Francisco, we had the chance to step inside, explore the vibrant community, and learn about the rich history and talented artists there.
Project Artaud
Project Artaud is a non-profit arts complex in San Francisco that supports artists from various disciplines, including visual arts, dance, theater, writing, and filmmaking. The complex features four performance theaters, a multi-purpose visual arts gallery, and 79 live/work spaces for over 100 artists.
History of Project Artaud
In 1971, Project Artaud began by transforming an abandoned 100,000-square-foot building, formerly the American Can Factory, into affordable housing and studio spaces for artists. Named in honor of Antonin Artaud, an advocate for creating art in unconventional spaces, the project reflects his vision. From the start, its mission has been to offer sustainable living and working spaces for artists, fostering an environment where the arts can thrive and building a dynamic artistic community. Today the member-run, non-profit organization is home to a thriving community of innovative sculptors, designers, photographers, filmmakers, writers, musicians, and performers.
Meet Brian Goggin
We were invited to tour Project Artaud, where we had the privilege of meeting legendary artist Brian Goggin and witness the sculpting phenom in the process of creating his latest masterpiece, “Lantern Gate.”
Lantern Gate
Hand-made from cement and concrete, this nearly ten-foot-tall arched sculpture was designed by Goggin to represent twisted roots overtaking a decomposed archway with fire nozzles blossoming from the vines. complete, Goggin’s site-specific sculptural installation will be installed as an illuminated pedestrian passageway at the Natomas Fire Station near Sacramento.
“Freestanding gates are traditionally used in landscape settings as a symbolic means to transform one’s consciousness. The sculpture will encourage distractions from everyday life, allowing a return to a state of conscious strength and calm. It conveys to the visitor they have arrived at a unique place, where firefighters work in a state of watchful readiness.” Brian Goggin
