SFBG mention of our current show

Park Life First Anniversary/Benefit Group Show

Showing works by David Benzler, Kelly Tunstall, Sean McFarland, Chris Ballantyne, and more.

BY AMY GLASENAPP

Wednesday October 31, 2007

UNTITLED (FLOATING APARTMENT) (DETAIL), BY CHRIS BALLANTYNE

PREVIEW Since it opened a year ago on a street where many businesses come and go, Park Life has established itself as a spot to visit, between a good bowl of pho and a trip to Green Apple Books, by being one of the few independent art galleries in the Inner Richmond. When I'm waiting 45 minutes for a table at Burma Superstar, I can't help but glance across the street at the store's bright lights and vivid colors, a glowing beacon amid the early-closing businesses surrounding it, and I wander inside to pass the time.

If you've noticed Park Life but haven't yet satisfied your curiosity, you might want to do so Nov. 2, when it's having its First Anniversary/Benefit Group Show, which will include artists such as David Benzler, whose previous work has appeared at Needles and Pens and on the sides of assorted buildings; Kelly Tunstall, who develops intricate characters in her paintings and illustrations; Sean McFarland, who in 2005 received the James D.

Phelan Art Award in photography from SF Camerawork; and Chris Ballantyne, whose carefully crafted, compartmentalized paintings make me think of a resort golf course that has been worked on by a taxidermist, stuffed and rendered icy cold, forever in suspended animation. Alongside their work will be pieces by about 30 other nationally known and locally touted artists who have helped Park Life succeed in its precarious location. And you'll also have a chance to contribute to the community beyond Clement Street: a portion of the proceeds will benefit the San Francisco Coalition on Homelessness.

PARK LIFE FIRST ANNIVERSARY/BENEFIT GROUP SHOW Opens Fri/2, 6–10 p.m. Through Dec. 5. Mon.–Thurs. and Sun., noon–8 p.m.; Fri.–Sat., noon–9 p.m. Park Life, 220 Clement, SF. (415) 386-7275, parklifestore.com