SFFallShow Archives - The San Francisco Fall Show

Alex Papachristidis on Design

Posted on September 20, 2022September 21, 2022 by Ariane Trimuschat

“I love what I do, it’s a joy, I never tire of it, never get sick of looking for fabrics. I still go to the D&D BUILDING myself, I’m inspired by every trip I take. I love what I do because it’s so relevant to my life, I love my clients because we have fun. Decorating is a great luxury, and it should be fun–my job is FUN.”

It’s this kind of enthusiasm that makes Alex Papachristidis instantly likeable. He reminds me of the age-old saying ‘Choose a job you love and you will never have to work a day in your life.’ I told him so, which made him laugh in agreement.

Alex Papachristidis

The New York City-based interior designer will create a Designer Vignette for the Grand Entry Hall of THE SAN FRANCISCO FALL SHOW next month, the fair’s 40^th Anniversary ‘Ruby Jubilee’. Papachristidis started his eponymous design firm, ALEX PAPACHRISTIDIS INTERIORS in 1987 while studying at Parsons School of Design.

“I was trying to decide what to do with my life,” he explained. “I didn’t want to go into the family business–shipping, I thought about restaurants and fashion, then I called my best friend. She walked into my apartment and said ‘darling! You have such great taste, you should be a decorator!’ I never looked back.”

Kips Bay Decorator Show House, 2016, Designed by Alex Papachristidis. Photograph by Tria Giovan.
Chandeliers from Gerald bland with Eve Kaplan gilded ceramic accents, Frederick P. Victoria & Son coffee tables with custom tops by artist Nancy Lorenz, Ceramic gourd by Christopher Spitzmiller, Eighteenth-century Italian giltwood chairs from Dalva Brothers, Custom sofa and Turkish-style poufs designed by Alex Papachristidis, made by J Quintana Upholstery; window treatments made by New York Drapery, fabric Cowtan & Tout fabric and Samuel & Sons trims, Carpet made up of antique Turkish tent panels from Beauvais

Design is ever evolving, always changing, but for the last few years through the pandemic, it is more than taste and aesthetics that have changed. Most of us have changed how we live, and what we need from our homes. “It taught people how important our home is,” says Papachristidis, “that we need to be prepared for all circumstances, need to feel safe and comfortable. I was already from that school, so I spent the COVID years reorganizing. There is nothing more rewarding than feeling organized,” he says.

“People felt there were gaps, they learned that their kitchens didn’t work as well as they should. They didn’t have enough space to work. A house needs to have a level of practicality. Our home is super user-friendly; I am a kitchen tinkerer, not a cook. It’s kind of how I am a decorator—I don’t make the upholstery, I put it together, I oversee.” A man with a vision.

Study designed by Alex Papachristidis. Photograph by Richard Powers.
Warren Platner chair, Gabriella Crespi ‘Z Desk’ in bronze, John Currin (above desk) & Elizabeth Peyton (windowsill) paintings,
Jean-Michel Frank vintage desk lamp

“A room should be a reflection of how the client lives,” explains Papachristidis. “It’s important that the rooms in your home flatter you; that you love the colors of your rooms, that you feel comfortable, they need to suit you.” That, he says, is the single most important element in a room.

An avid traveler, he cites history and travel as inspiration, but does not follow trends. “Museums, auctions, great houses, I’m a Francophile; I spent much of this summer in the South of France,” he lists these as sources of creativity.

“I think what dates things is when they look too much like everything else. When there is a moment in time when everyone is doing something and you do that thing, it will be dated. I don’t do trends. I go through personal phases of things that inspire me,” (he names Gabriella Crespi furniture as a current favourite), “if used in the right way it won’t be dated: a suite of 18^th century furniture in satin – pale teal-bluey green – it will look timeless. Papachristidis is particularly inspired by an elegance of years past, citing Gloria Guiness, Marella Agnelli, Elsie de Wolfe, and ‘everything Rothschild’ as sources of inspiration.

Powder room inspired by The Grotto Hall in Potsdam’s New Palace in Germany, designed by Alex Papachristidis.
Photograph by William Abranowicz. Eve Kaplan shell motif gilded ceramic tiles, Custom shell faucet by P.E. Guerin

“I love contemporary, artisanal furniture, 20^th century designs – the proportions are important—as with Maria Pergay furniture. I love walls upholstered in velvet, a mix of contemporary and classical. The modern needs to balance with the classical,” says Papachristidis.

Living Room Console, designed by Alex Papachristidis. Photograph by Tria Giovan. Porphyry urn and 18^th Century German silver tankanrds, Stacked rock console in the manner of Emilio Terry from Glen Dooley Antiques, Tree-branch painting by Adam Ball from Kasmin Gallery

For his Designer Vignette at the Fall Show this year, Papachristidis looked to the show’s dealers. “I went to CARLTON HOBBS and found a big gilt console and a pair of mahogany chairs to which I added cherry red velvet on the poofs,” (in honor of the ruby jubilee). “I found a wonderful mirror from HYDE PARK ANTIQUES and a modern sculpture from GUY REGAL. I have a great love of Chinese wallpaper so with DE GOURNAY (hand painted wallpaper, the Designer Vignette sponsor), we did a collage of Chinese scenes. I added a silver and white chair rail, with a dash of yellow. And the floor will be stenciled by decorative painter JOSEPH STEIERT,” he added. Sounds fabulous, and we will all just have to wait until showtime to see the finished room.

‘Mood Board’ for 2022 San Francisco Fall Show Designer Vignette by Alex Papachristidis.
Chairs and console from Carlton Hobbs, Mirror from Hyde Park Antiques, ‘Ophelia’ Lamp by Christopher Spitzmiller

“Good rooms are made for people to use,” says Papachristidis. “They are not made to impress. First and foremost, they should be comfortable, friendly and usable.” I couldn’t agree more.

By Ariane Maclean Trimuschat

Ariane served as Show Director for the San Francisco Fall Show for 7 years through 2019. She is now the show’s Director-at-Large, living in Westport, Connecticut with her family. Follow Ariane on her blog, SOJOURNEST, where she focuses on all things home and travel and on Instagram at @arianetrim

A Conversation with SagreraBrazil Design

Posted on June 8, 2020August 20, 2020 by Ariane Trimuschat

For 15 years the design team of Cecilia Sagrera-Hill and George Brazil of SagreraBrazil Design have created unique and unexpected results for their clients, and their Designer Vignette for the 2019 Fall Show did not disappoint. For the Wanderlust theme, they focused on “West” and worked with de Gournay on a custom scenic wallpaper illustrating Venice and its role in the silk trade, its appeal to those on the Grand Tour and its sometimes perilous existence. The result was mesmerizing.

*Cecilia Sagrera-Hill and George Brazil in their Designer Vignette “West” at The San Francisco Fall Show 2019 (Photo – Devlin Shand for Drew Altizer Photography)*

I recently chatted with Sagrera-Hill and Brazil about their approach to decorating with antiques. “We love to incorporate antiques into our interiors, as they are pieces that tell a story” they shared. “Most of our projects are contemporary or modern designs and the idea of incorporating antiques seems foreign to most of our clients. Once they see the completed space, they understand how antiques add a warmth and depth that an otherwise contemporary interior might lack,” they explained.

Their favorite periods are Biedermeier and Art Deco. “They are styles that can effortlessly be incorporated into contemporary interiors. Their restrained geometry, fine craftsmanship and rich materials deliver a modern aesthetic.” When shopping for antiques the sculptural quality of an antique is important to them, “we can’t deny that craftsmanship and rich materials are also key components. The uniqueness contributes to the overall story of a project.”

When I asked them each to name a favorite decorative piece in their home, not surprisingly, both turned to their love of travel. Brazil chose an entire wall, “a gallery wall of art in our dining room that we have collected together over the past 20 years. The art reminds me of our travels and shopping at antique fairs and markets, he shared.” Sagrera-Hill named two pieces that make her smile every time she sees them, “an Indian head my husband, Harold and I found on our trip to India to celebrate our 5th anniversary,” was the first. The second one is a large painting titled Frijol Negro by Arturo Monroy, a Guatemalan artist. “As the title describes, it is a painting of a large black bean which I found in a local gallery in San Salvador, El Salvador, where I am from. I fell in love with it, it reminds me of my childhood. The original piece I saw was sold by the time we decided to purchase the piece so the artist commissioned one for us,” she shared.

Both have been longtime supporters of the Fall Show and are sad to see 2020 take a hiatus due to the pandemic. “I love the Opening Night Gala” says Brazil, “reconnecting with guests and dealers you don’t see that often. And I love that the show can be a great educational experience if you want it to be. All the dealers are so willing to educate you. I always learn something new.” Sagrera-Hill concurs “the galleries that participate are always willing to provide you with an education, and what better way to learn than from someone who is passionate about what they sell.”

*The San Francisco Fall Show Opening Night Preview Gala 2019*
*(Photo – Andrew Caulfield for Drew Altizer Photography)*

Their most memorable purchases at the show? “it was really a series of purchases for a client we made a few years back,” says Brazil. “Being able to preview the show and pre-shop (as members of the exclusive Designers Circle) helped us identify the perfect pieces of art and accessories for our client. Later, we were then able to spend a few hours with our client taking them through the show and finalizing our selections. It worked out so perfectly for them,” he reminisced. Sagrera-Hill added “it was fantastic. We would otherwise have taken multiply trips to various galleries. At the show we were able to see things in person over the course of a few days and create relationships with these galleries that we might not have had an opportunity before.” Sagrera-Hill has also has become a repeat customer of a show dealer, Rainforest Baskets, “the Embera Woven Masks” she shared. “So far we have a hummingbird and an owl. The owl is super special to me because anything that we have associated with owls always reminds me of our daughter, Sofia, which means wisdom.”

*Rainforest Baskets Booth at the 2019 Fall Show*

For Brazil, the pandemic and isolation has had a silver lining “It has been great being home with my partner Vasili and just slowing down a bit, cooking a lot and spending time with our dogs. Also, I’ve been on the phone a lot more with family and friends catching up – something I normally don’t do.” For Sagrera-Hill, “It has been great being home with my husband and two children. The challenges outweigh the time we are spending together, which has been joyful. I have found that we create more art projects, build new Legos together and simply hangout with each other.”

SagreraBrazil’s Collecting Do’s and Don’t’s
It is all about a cohesive and orchestrated interior that respects the architecture as well as enhances the design and reflects the client’s personality:

A single piece at the end of a hallway can be that signature piece and becomes a sculptural element, which we would consider a “do” moment.

Don’t choose pieces that scream “Look at me, I’m an antique!” This tends to create a division of the overall aesthetic and feel of the space.

Do choose pieces that provide a function as well as provide beauty and authenticity. There’s nothing worse than an antique chair or table and the client has to tell someone not to sit on it or use it.

By Ariane Maclean Trimuschat
Ariane served as Show Director for the San Francisco Fall Show for 7 years through 2019. She is now the show’s international liaison as Director at Large, living in London with her family. Follow Ariane on her blog, Sojournest, where she focuses on all things home and travel.

At Home with Designer Allison Caccoma

Posted on May 26, 2020May 26, 2020 by Margan

Walking into Allison Caccoma’s boutique, Decoration, in San Francisco’s chic Presidio Heights neighborhood is like entering an impeccably curated home that still feels inviting and relaxed. You just want to sit down in the middle of the shop and open a good book. She has an intuitive sense for mixing colors and patterns together and an eye for stunning objets d’Art to bring a sense of whimsy to a room.

*Allison Caccoma Decoration storefront on Sacramento Street in San Francisco*

In 2015 when the show introduced a curated revival of the Designer Vignettes, Caccoma was a natural choice. In keeping with the theme that year, “Time After Time”, each designer picked a period on which to focus their vignette and Caccoma chose “Lounging in the Reflection of the 18^th Century” and masterfully mixed old and new, with the walls wrapped in a stunning custom de Gournay wallpaper, a bold version of an 18^th century British textile design, and a high gloss graphic painted floor with a mix of mid-century and 18^th century furniture. She took the theme to heart.

*Allison Caccoma, sitting in her vignette, “Lounging in the Reflection of the 18th Century,*
*at the 2015 Fall Show*

With such an affinity for mixing beautiful things, I asked her to confess one favorite piece she owns. “it is of sentimental value,” she shared. “I ‘inherited’ a small slipper chair that was Albert Hadley’s and was left by him at our workroom when he passed away. I don’t know its provenance, but it has a beautiful gilded base with carved fluted legs and stretcher. Every time I look at it, I think of him and am grateful for all that he taught us.”

*Slipper chair from Albert Hadley’s workroom*

For Caccoma, history makes a home. “By history, I mean unique pieces of furniture, objects, books, or art that have a story of who you are or where you have traveled”, she says. “Even if the house is new, it instantly becomes a home when filled with interesting items and collections. You can have a beautiful room with pretty decorating but if it doesn’t have a story, it doesn’t have soul. Soul makes a house a home.”

Travel is an important part of Caccoma’s life and work. “I typically travel once a month” she shares, “so I finally have the opportunity to truly enjoy my home during this shelter-in-place time. I have loved being home during the day as I can appreciate how beautiful the natural light is. I wake up each morning and open the windows the gentle breeze is amazing. I’ve made it a point to have fresh flowers everywhere as well. Flowers seem to be bringing us all joy. Maybe because it’s spring too.”

With so much time spent at home these days, workspace has become something new. “The most beautiful room in my home is the dining room—which is why it has become my temporary office. It is a corner room with two stunning original arched windows overlooking a street intersection in Presidio Heights. The architecture is 100+ years old with beautiful plaster mouldings. There is a fireplace in the room—we believe this room was once the parlour.”

Separating work life from personal is not an issue for Caccoma. “I don’t think I have separate lives!” she confesses. “My work is truly my life but that is largely because decorating is so much about lifestyle. My creative space for drawings, finish samples, schemes, etc. and other desk work remains in one space, but I spend hours in my living room perusing my design books and magazines or on my laptop sourcing, listening to podcasts or webinars, etc. It’s really all one space for me.

The lack of social engagements or commuting time has not slowed Caccoma down. “Even without my normal busy schedule, I have no free time now.” She says. “I have the interior design business, and my shop to run, plus I’m President of the Institute of Classical Architecture and Art (ICAA) NoCal Chapter – all of which have had to pivot and adapt to our new world. It has honestly been an inspiring challenge as we are all in it together!”

With the recent announcement that the San Francisco Fall Show would take a hiatus for 2020 due to the pandemic, and return in 2021, I asked Caccoma what draws her to the show each year, and if she has a favorite “find”. “I love everything about the SF Fall Show, she replied. “Not only is it a visual feast but it is truly an iconic San Francisco design community event that we all cherish. I’m passionate about antiques and am always delighted to see dealers travel from all over the world to join us. I so look forward to shopping the show with my clients. One of my favorite finds is a rare set of four unusually large early 19^th century antique Chinese framed wallpaper panels from Daniel Stein Antiques this past year. EVERYONE wanted them and my client purchased them! They now adorn her living room absolutely perfectly!”

By Ariane Maclean Trimuschat

At Home with Paul Vincent Wiseman of The Wiseman Group

Posted on May 5, 2020May 5, 2020 by Margan

Paul Wiseman’s iconic design firm, The Wiseman Group was founded in 1980, just two years before the founding of The San Francisco Fall Show. And he has been an avid supporter throughout the show’s 38-year history. His whole team arrives to preview the show each year and I have watched Paul take them on his own personal guided tour, chatting with dealers and locating treasures. So it was an honor to have The Wiseman Group create a Designer Vignette for the Grand Entry of 2018 Show. Wiseman chose “Stars” as the focus for the vignette, from that year’s theme, The Sun, The Moon, and The Stars. Not surprisingly, the celestial imagery incorporated into the display, through a combination of surrealist works by American artist and filmmaker Joseph Cornell and custom wallpaper designed in collaboration with de Gournay, offered a sparkling deep blue night sky with an otherworldly aura.

STARS – Designer Vignette by The Wiseman Group at the 2018 San Francisco Fall Show
*Photo by Drew Altizer*

I chatted by phone with Wiseman from his home in Belvedere, CA, and asked about how he brings design into his own home and what turns a house into a retreat. “When people of all walks of life can be comfortable in your home, when the owner of the home has things that are very personal—things that make you real,” he says. Wiseman has an affinity for unique objects, antiques, and art “pieces that have soul-even if you don’t know what you are looking at.” But he doesn’t have a favourite piece. “Each piece is from a different realm of beauty,” he says. “I view all my objects as some aspect of myself. They caught my eye and gave me pleasure. My home is my sacred temple.” When pressed, however, he was able to name four pieces that bring him joy:

A William Kentridge wall sculpture. “It is so much about shadow and dark and light, it’s made of black steel, is 5’ tall x 4’ wide and looks like a calligraphy stroke,” says Wiseman.

“A period Ming lacquered scholar’s desk that I use as a coffee table in my living room” and a Han Dynasty 3-footed vessel. “It looks quite contemporary” he shares, “but it is 2-3,000 years old.” If it looks familiar, you may have seen it on the cover of Wiseman’s design book Inner Spaces (Gibbs Smith 2014)

An opalized ammonite. “It’s the second largest in the world,” he shares (The Smithsonian has the largest). “It is 80 million years old and changes colors when you pass by it: green to red to orange.”

Wiseman has been working on his home in Belvedere for 20 years. “I’ve created a summer house environment. The staff is surly,” he jokes, “Spa Belvedere.” But he has created an oasis. “I have a 100-year old arbor, I’ve created an herb garden and a Bali Bed with pillows and cushions. I love going down there. I have a pair of 2nd-century Roman busts and they sit there between the columns, looking down on the bed. It’s heaven, it is its own world. I sit and watch the water and the boats.”

Color is important to Wiseman. “I was born and raised in California. The greens and golds of our landscape have always resonated with me. I appreciate so many other colors—nature shows you colors that you never thought could work together. I collect Wedgwood, I love the color. I bought three pieces from Bill Blass’s collection and sent them to Peru with Sandra Jordan (of Sandra Jordan Prima Alpaca) and she made me an Alpaca textile in that color.”

During this time of quarantine, I asked Wiseman how he is creating a space to separate work from personal life. “My home and garden is my workspace,” he says. “Even at my office, I don’t have a desk, I have a chaise.” And what is the thing he is indulging in during the pandemic that he normally doesn’t allow himself? “Baking! I’ve done three bread puddings with bourbon, raisins, brown sugar, pecans, and vanilla. I have leftovers for breakfast. Yesterday I baked Martha Stewart’s Meyer Lemon Upside Down cake. Instead of flour, you use ground almonds.”

I’d call that Home SWEET home.

By Ariane Maclean Trimuschat

A Journey Across the Globe at The 2019 Show

Posted on December 20, 2019December 23, 2019 by Vera Vandenbosch

As all trips must, the 38th annual San Francisco Fall Show has come and gone. With the theme Wanderlust: Around the World with Art, Antiques & Design, this year’s Show paid homage to an insatiable travel bug and our world’s rich and diverse visual heritage. The Show is the major fundraiser for Enterprise for Youth, the 50 year old nonprofit that has helped secure over 25,000 first jobs for San Francisco youth. Enterprise continues to champion young people through extensive training and internship experiences.

Forty-six of the world’s finest art and antique dealers converged on the Fort Mason Center for Arts & Culture and lined their booths with treasures spanning from antiquity to the present. The Show was pleased to welcome the below international roster of Exhibitors:

American Furniture & Decorative Arts
Jeff R. Bridgman American Antiques
Roberto Freitas American Antiques & Decorative Arts

Ceramics
Janice Paull
Jesse Davis Antiques

English & Continental Furniture & Decorative Arts
Aedicule
Antonio’s Bella Casa
Carlton Hobbs, LLC
Daniel Stein Antiques, Inc.
De Angelis
Earle D. Vandekar of Knightsbridge, Inc.
epoca
Finnegan Gallery
Foster Gwin Gallery
Guy Regal
Il Segno del Tempo Srl
James Sansum Fine & Decorative Art
Jayne Thompson Antiques
Milord Antiques
Steinitz Gallery
Yew Tree House Antiques

Ethnographic Art
Galen Lowe Art & Antiques
Joel Cooner Gallery
Lotus Gallery

The Orange Chicken
Rainforest Baskets
Rodrigo Rivero Lake
The Zentner Collection

Jewelry & Precious Metals
DKF Estate Jewelry
Gallery 925
Greg Pepin Silver
Jogani
Lawrence Jeffrey
S.J. Shrubsole

Paintings & Fine Art
Charles Plante Fine Arts
David Brooker Fine Art
Dinan & Chighine
Haynes Fine Art
Henry Saywell
Los Angeles Fine Art Gallery
MODERNISM Inc.
Montgomery Gallery
Trinity House Paintings

Photography, Works on Paper, & Books
Arader Galleries
Hayden & Fandetta Books
Peter Fetterman Gallery

Textiles & Rugs
Mansour

Designer Vignettes: “A Compass Rose: North, South, East & West”

Tasked with transporting us to the far reaches of the globe, five talented interior designers rose to the challenge and created mini worlds to astonish guests. Each designer collaborated with de Gournay to create a custom, hand-painted wallpaper to adorn his/her vignette, and worked with Show Exhibitor’s to curate a collection of exceptional art and antiques to adorn the space. With creative direction from Suzanne Tucker, designers Alessandra Branca, George Brazil and Cecilia Sagrera-Hill, Veere Grenney, and Hutton Wilkinson took inspiration from their personal travels and histories to bring a part of the world to life.

North, Alessandra Branca
South, Veere Grenney
East, Hutton Wilkinson
West, George Brazil and Cecilia Sagrera-Hill

Our gracious sponsors, Haute Living and De Sousa Hughes, ensured that the Grand Entry Hall was nothing short of transportive with decor by J. Riccardo Benavides, and his team at Ideas Event Styling. The hot air balloon in the entry drew crowds in with the allure of discovery and enjoyment.

Atmosphere and Candid Photos from the Opening Night Gala on October 2, 2019.

WEST – George Brazil and Cecilia Sagrera-Hill

Opening Night Preview Gala
Enterprise for Youth welcomed nearly 2,000 guests to the Opening Night Preview Gala, with the support of Sotheby’s International Realty, a long time sponsor. The Cosmo Alleycats delighted patrons in the foyer with their signature, vintage sound and kept them enthralled later in the evening with a performance in the cafe. As guests continued through the Grand Entry Hall, they were greeted by the youth servers, the board of Enterprise for Youth, and an assortment of foods capable of making any foodie blush. With eighteen bars adorning the Show floor, guests had their fill of handcrafted cocktails, Napa Ridge Winery’s Chardonnay, Villa Sandi Prosecco, and the ever-popular caviar stations sponsored by The Caviar Co.. We were pleased to welcome back The Macallan to Fort Mason for a special tasting of their world-renowned scotch. To round out the bar, Edrington donated Noble Oak Bourbon, Partida Tequila, and Snow Leopard Vodka. At the north end of the Show floor, guests could venture to sweeter parts of the globe with churros and an array of confections. As the night came to a close, Marin Country Mart bestowed upon the Gala a Miette candy bar that any adult could be giddy over. Guests filled goody bags with sweet treats and grabbed hint water bottles for the ride home. As guests got in their cars after a night to remember, they were presented with a final parting gift from Gold Collective.

Show Chair, Suzanne Tucker, moves the world for us each year, and we are constantly awed by her dedication, talent, and passion. We also offer gratitude to our wonderful Preview Gala Committee: Riccardo Benavides, Susan Boeing and Christopher Redlich, Barbara Brown, Claud Cecil Gurney, Kathy and Rick Hilton, Lindsay and Peter Joost, Laura King Pfaff, Alison Pincus, OJ and Gary Shansby, Sarah and Stephen Sherrill, Allison Speer, and Diane Wilsey, and the many volunteers who dedicate their time and energy to ensure our Show is as successful as it can be.

Special Events
In the weeks leading up to the Show, patrons were invited to take part in a number of events made possible by our wonderful sponsors and partners. The Battery hosted a panel discussion, sponsored by Heritage Auctions, for the Show’s Young Collectors, where leading professionals in art and design discussed Wander & Lust: The Pleasures and Pitfalls of Buying Art on Vacation. California Home + Design honored Enterprise for Youth and the Show at their fall kick-off event at Spruce. The first week in September also boasted the 2019 Launch Party at DZINE where guests were treated to performances by Margaret Jenkins Dance Company and Paul Drescher. Designers and Artisans Circle Chair, Ken Fulk and St. Joseph’s Arts Society hosted a party for the Show’s Benefactors and Designers and Artisans Circle that allowed friends, old and new, to gather in a stunning setting with delectable bites and finely crafted cocktails.

The morning of the Preview Gala, Designers and Artisans Circle members, along with select members of the press, were invited to take a sneak peak at the collections brought for the 38th iteration of the Show. The Designers and Artisans Circle Preview, sponsored by Cosentino and Luxe Interiors + Design, was a brunch event brimming with croissants and conversation.

The time-honored, Thursday tradition of the Chairman’s Luncheon was hosted by Suzanne Tucker and sponsored by Geographic Expeditions and Sue Fisher King this year. Guests arrived at The Room with a View to honor India Hicks, who graced the audience with a laugh-tinged talk about changing in the airport bathroom and sharing a ride to the Show with long time volunteer and friend of the Show, Matthew Maccaul Turner. Balleto Vineyards wine was generously provided by Micahel Franzia, Board President. Nob Hill Gazette joined the event as media sponsors and lunch was catered by McCalls Catering & Events.

The excitement did not subside as the week continued with an impressive array of lecturers that graced us with their expertise. The Lecture Series, generously sponsored by HEWN and The St. Regis San Francisco, welcomed Madeline Stuart, India Hicks, Veere Grenney, Rush Jenkins, Wendy Moonan, Bunny Williams, George Brazil, Meaghan Roddy, Hutton Wilkinson, and Suzanne Tucker. Arlene Schnitzer and Jordan Schnitzer, Directors of The Arlene & Harold Schnitzer CARE Foundation sponsored the Authors’ Alcove and made possible a number of book signings by the above mentioned people as well as Fawn Galli, Estee Stanley, and Fred Lyon.

De Sousa Hughes’ founders Erik Hughes and Geoffrey De Sousa hosted a lively cocktail hour panel discussion in celebration of launching their new book with author Alisa Carroll. The talk was a wonderful gathering of minds, sipping wine and discussing a shared passion for crafting and design.

On closing day, the Show honored Enterprise for Youth’s founder, Glady Thacher, with a brunch sponsored by First Republic. The event celebrated the truly remarkable work she has done and gave voice to a lovely young lady in Enterprise’s program. At the podium, Skye Goette explained her challenges growing up in a single-parent household and having to come to terms with her diagnosis of dyscalculia. She articulated beautifully and authentically how the Enterprise for Youth programs cemented her vision of herself and provided clarity about her future as a professional educator.

Each day the Show floor was packed and full of lively energy with those shopping, dining, and attending the exciting array of events at the Show. At the center of the Show floor, guest dined at the Academy of Art Cafe with a new look mastermined by Interim Show Director, Kay Evans, and executed by Ideas Event Styling.

Thank you to everyone whose support of The San Francisco Fall Show and Enterprise for Youth helped make 2019 a success. All proceeds from the Gala, Show and lecture ticket sales, catalogue ads, sponsorships, and dealer booth rent directly support Enterprise for Youth. Your support makes a difference in the lives of many San Francisco youth.

We look forward to seeing you all at Festival Pavilion September 23-27, 2020 to celebrate. In the meantime, don’t forget to wander!

A Shining 2018 Show

Posted on February 9, 2019July 29, 2019 by Vera Vandenbosch

SAN FRANCISCO, CA – Atmosphere at The San Francisco Fall Art & Antiques Show Opening Nigh Preview Gala on October 10th 2018 at Festival Pavilion, Fort Mason Center for Arts & Culture in SAN FRANCISCO, CA (Photo – Devlin Shand for Drew Altizer Photography)

Like the fleeting majesty of a shooting star, the 37th annual San Francisco Fall Art & Antiques Show has passed. This year’s Show paid homage to the mighty figures in the sky with its theme,The Sun, The Moon & The Stars: Celestial Imagery in Art, Antiques & Design. The Show is Enterprise for Youth’s major fundraiser. With half-a-century of youth development experience, Enterprise continues to champion the young people of this city through training and internship experiences.

Fifty of the world’s finest Exhibitors converged on the Fort Mason Center for Arts & Culture and lined their booths with treasures spanning from antiquity to modernity against a backdrop of brilliant Farrow & Ball paint colors.

American Furniture & Decorative Arts

American Garage
Antique American Wicker
Jeff R. Bridgman American Antiques
Roberto Freitas American Antiques & Decorative Arts

Antique Weapons & Arms

Patrick & Ondine Mestdagh
Peter Finer

Ceramics

Janice Paull
Jesse Davis Antiques

English & Continental Furniture & Decorative Arts

Aedicule
Carlton Hobbs LLC
Clinton Howell Antiques
Daniel Stein Antiques, Inc.
De Angelis
Earle D. Vandekar of Knightsbridge, Inc.
epoca
Finnegan Gallery
Foster Gwin Gallery
Guy Regal
Il Segno Del Tempo Srl
James Sansum Fine & Decorative Art
Jayne Thompson Antiques
Milord Antiques
Steinitz Gallery
Yew Tree House Antiques

Ethnographic Art

Galen Lowe Art & Antiques
Joel Cooner Gallery
Lotus Gallery
The Orange Chicken
Rainforest Baskets
Sue Ollemans Oriental Works of Art
The Zentner Collection
Rainforest Baskets
Sue Ollemans Oriental Works of Art
The Zentner Collection

Jewelry & Precious Metals

Gallery 925
Kentshire
Lawrence Jeffrey
S.J. Shrubsole

Paintings & Fine Art

Charles Plante Fine Arts
Daphne Alazraki Fine Art
David Brooker Fine Art
Dinan & Chighine
Haynes Fine Art
Henry Saywell
Los Angeles Fine Art Gallery
MODERNISM Inc.
Montgomery Gallery
Trinity House Paintings

Photography, Works on Paper, & Books

Arader Galleries
Hayden & Fandetta Books
Peter Fetterman Gallery
Philadelphia Print Shop West

Textiles & Rugs

Tony Kitz

Designer Vignettes: “The Sun, The Moon, The Stars, & The Zodiac”

With the illuminating task of capturing the sky within three walls, the incredibly talented interior designers that rose to the challenge created a truly stellar experience for guests attending the Gala and Show days. Each designer worked with de Gournay to create a custom, hand-painted wallpaper to adorn his/her vignette, as well as with Show Exhibitor’s to curate a collection of exceptional art and antiques to adorn the space. Under the stewardship of Suzanne Tucker, acting as creative director, Ken Fulk, Charlotte Moss, Madeline Stuart, and Paul Wiseman sought to recreate the celestial bodies we have been in awe of for centuries.

SAN FRANCISCO, CA – Vignette by Charlotte Moss with custom wallpaper by de Gournay (Photo – Drew Altizer)

The Sun, Charlotte Moss

SAN FRANCISCO, CA – Vignette by Madeline Stuart with custom wallpaper by de Gournay (Photo – Drew Altizer)

The Moon, Madeline Stuart

SAN FRANCISCO, CA – Vignette by The Wiseman Group with custom wallpaper by de Gournay (Photo – Drew Altizer)

The Stars, The Wiseman Group

SAN FRANCISCO, CA – Vignette by Ken Fulk with custom wallpaper by de Gournay (Photo – Drew Altizer)

The Zodiac, Ken Fulk

Our gracious sponsor, Kohler, ensured that the Grand Entry Hall was nothing short of transportive with decor by J. Riccardo Benavides, and his team at Ideas Event Styling, the stars in the entry danced along the ceiling and glittered with a luminescence that could rival the night sky.

Just past the Grand Entry Hall was the Celestial Lounge sponsored by Shreve & Co.where guests could relax and admire exquisite jewelry from Shreve that brought to light celestial motifs and heavenly stones that have long been the muse of jewelers.

Opening Night Preview Gala

This year Enterprise for Youth welcomed nearly 2,000 guests to the Opening Night Preview Gala, with the support of Sotheby’s International Realty, a long time sponsor. The Cosmo Alleycats delighted patrons in the foyer with their signature vintage sound. As guests continued through the Grand Entry Hall, they were greeted by the youth servers, the board of Enterprise for Youth, and a melange of truly decadent foods. With twenty-six bars adorning the Show floor, guests had their fill of handcrafted cocktails, Napa Ridge Winery’s Chardonnay and the crowd pleasing vodka and caviar stations. We were also pleased to welcome back The Macallan to Fort Mason for a special tasting of their world-renowned scotch. Tucked away in The Lecture Theater, guests were invited to indulge in a sweet tooth’s paradise. As the night came to a close, Candytopia and Shortlist wrapped the Show with a candy bar that any adult could be giddy over. Guests were welcomed to fill goody bags with sweet treats for the ride home.

Show Chair, Suzanne Tucker, moves the world for us each year, and we are constantly awed by her dedication, talent, and passion. We offer gratitude also to our wonderful Preview Gala Committee, Diane Wilsey, Riccardo Benavides, Susan Boeing and Christopher Redlich, Claud Cecil Gurney, Kathryn and Bo Lasater, Laura King Pfaff, OJ and Gary Shansby, Sarah and Stephen Sherrill, Allison Speer, and Hillary Thomas, and the many volunteers who dedicate their time and energy to ensure our Show is as successful as it can be.

Friends Hugging SF Fall Art & Antiques Show

Special Events

In the weeks leading up to the Show, patrons were invited to take part in a number of events made possible by our wonderful sponsors and partners. The Battery hosted a panel discussion, which was sponsored by Bonhams, for the Show’s Young Collectors, where leading professionals in art and design discussed the Do’s and Don’ts of Collecting. Susan Boeing and Christopher Redlich graciously opened their gorgeous home to the Show’s Benefactors and hosted a beautiful evening. The Gold Collectivehosted a reception for our Designers and Artisans Circle members at The Museum of Craft and Design that celebrated craft and talent in the most fitting of locations.

The evening before the Preview Gala, Designers and Artisans Circle members were invited to take a sneak peak at the collections brought for the 37th rendition of the Show. The Designers Circle Preview Reception, sponsored by The Shade Store, was an evening of cocktails and conversation. The Shade Store also had a special treat for guests in the form of an interactive window wall, fittingly named “the window to the night sky”, with beautiful drapery and a Giotto-esque starry backdrop by Katherine Jacobus Decorative Art, that could be used as a photobooth and engaging display of their products in a tangible setting. Photos hashtagged #StarryNightSF filtered into the Dessert Room on Gala night, filling the room with the joyous faces of actual Show attendees. The night ended with a raffle that saw amazing prizes from both The Shade Store and Grand Entry Hall sponsor Kohler.

Thursday afternoon was host to the Chairman’s Luncheon, hosted by Suzanne Tuckerand sponsored by Geographic Expeditions. Guests arrived at The Room with a View to honor Carolyne Roehm, taste the delectable wines provided by Knights Bridge Winery, and enjoy the catered lunch by McCalls Catering & Events. As a special treat, Julia B. sent guests home with a beautiful set of celestial-inspired linen cocktail napkins.

The excitement did not subside as the week continued with an impressive array of lecturers that graced us with their expertise. Thanks to The St. Regis San Franciscoand Luxe Interiors + Design, the 2018 Show welcomed lectures and panel discussions by Jay Jeffers, Suzanne Kasler, Stacey Bewkes, Michael Stern, Hutton Wilkinson, Pieter Estersohn, Maureen Footer, Charlotte Moss, Nina Campbell, and Suzanne Tucker. Arlene Schnitzer and Jordan Schnitzer, Directors of The Arlene & Harold Schnitzer CARE Foundation, sponsored the Authors’ Alcove and made a number of book signings, by the above mentioned people as well as Susanna Salk, Grant Gibson and Joa Studholme, possible.

At the Cocktail Hour Series, guests sipped complimentary wine from Napa Ridge Winery while hearing from experts in a breadth of artistic fields. At the first talk, sponsored by California Home + Design and The Bath + Beyond, Suzanne Tucker, Cynthia Spence, Joa Studholme and Alisa Carroll discussed the interplay of decorating a home with art and antiques. Later that evening, Enterprise for Youth’s Young Professionals Group and Board President, Michael Franzia, hosted a Young Collectors Night that invited guests to sample a selection of wine from Bronco Wine Company while mingling amongst the art. The next talk in the Cocktail Hour Series was sponsored by Heritage Auctions and featured a lively conversation about celestial imagery in art and timepieces with Keith Davis, Clementine Chen, Alissa Ford and Holly Sherratt.

On closing day, the Show hosted a brunch in honor of Enterprise for Youth’s founder, Glady Thacher, to celebrate the truly remarkable work she has done and the opportunities that Enterprise continues to give young people in our city. Shortly following the brunch, attendees were welcomed to a world premiere preview of LAUTREC! His Muses & Their Music in the Lecture Theater produced by George Daugherty and the world class singers from the San Francisco Opera. Nearby, in Aedicule’s booth, the art that inspired the musical theatre concert was framed in period splendor by Peter Werkhoven.

Suzanne Tucker moderates discussion with Charlotte Moss and Nina Campbell

Each day the Show floor was packed and full of lively energy with those shopping, dining, and attending the exciting array of events at the Show. Many new faces, along with those who haven’t missed the Show in its 37 year history, graced us at the Opening Night Preview Gala and during the Show days.

Thank you to everyone whose support of the Show and Enterprise for Youth helped make 2018 a success. All proceeds from the Gala, Show and lecture ticket sales, catalogue ads, sponsorships, and dealer booth rent directly support Enterprise. Your support makes a difference in the lives of many San Francisco youth.

We look forward to seeing you all at Festival Pavilion October 3-6, 2019 when we celebrate the 50th anniversary of Enterprise for Youth.