Documenting Careers and Events in the Bay Area
Independent-Ran Coverage on Events in the Bay Area Celebrating Artists and Professionals across all Mediums and Industries.
HWC: The Heart is Still Here
A Love Letter to San Francisco
Photo & Text by Francisco Montanez
Mr. John Musgrove.
29 March 2025
On Saturday, Mar. 29, Harry W Creative opened its newest collection of SF-based artists, titled The Heart Is Still Here: A Love Letter and Tribute to San Francisco.
HWC creates a hybrid home-gallery that is sufficient in providing exposure and passage to artists, simultaneously providing an intimate setting for warm connection amongst guests and exhibitors.
The roster features a dynamic group of artists, each bringing a unique style and a personal affection for the city embedded in their work. Featured artists include Miriam Sweeney, Derek Lynch, Shrey Purohit, John Musgrove, Phillip Hua, Alvar Jacomet and Harry Williams.
Close to the ground, I walked through the tents while crouching and even staying under for a brief amount of time while heavy rain prevailed. These are tents that remained stagnant over the course of 3 months already by the time I came by.
More than 75 people had attended throughout the night. It wasn't quiet nor demanding of attention, but rather lively and full of connection and conversation. Artists and attendees quickly bonded over the artwork and their shared love for San Francisco.
While the collection was open to the public for one night only, the artworks are still available to view and purchase.
Candid Conversations
Observing Phillip Hua
Consciously Aware
Live Performer of the night.
Opportunity Build Breaks Barriers in Bay Area Construction Workforce
Photo & Text by Francisco Montanez
29 March 2025
On Mar. 21, the Rising Sun Center for Opportunity in Oakland proudly celebrated the graduation of its winter cohort from their Opportunity Build program.
Graduates Posing for Friends & Family
The Opportunity Build Program provides free MC3-certified trainings for both men and women, with a strong emphasis on empowering women to excel in the male-dominated construction industry.
The 10-week pre-apprenticeship course equips entry-level applicants with the knowledge and practices necessary in the building trades and in the construction workforce.
More than 20 graduates officially received their MC3 Certificates, a nationally recognized credential that opens doors for careers in construction, carpentry, welding and other skilled trades.
Walking Down the Aisle
The graduates and program staff reflected on the past 10 weeks leading up to this moment. From juggling responsibilities to overcoming misfortunes outside of the program, their perseverance to thrive was undeniable.
Nearly half of the cohort have already secured job offers, begun interviews or joined trade unions–– a promising testament to other current and future participants in the program!
Friends & Family Gathered
Program Head speaking to ‘25 Cohort, CEO of Rising Sun Center for Opportunity pictured left.
GAMMA: The Work is Mysterious & Important
Text by Francisco Montanez
3 April 2025
