Bartolini Gallery

Cultural Services

Name: The Legacy of Marin City, A California Story, from 1942 to 1962.

Dates: August 20 to November 1, 2022.

Schedule: open Monday – Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Closed weekends.

The Legacy of Marin City - A California Story Poster

The Department of Cultural Services and the Marin Cultural Association proudly celebrate the 80th anniversary of Marin City with two unique art exhibits and a special theater performance that celebrates the Black narrative and experience of people who have endured through incredible odds. The two exhibits are curated by Jahi of Microphone Mechanics in partnership with Performing Stars of Marin.

This interactive, historical, and immersive experience features memorabilia from Black shipyard workers who worked at the Marinship shipyard.

The exhibit includes contemporary original artwork by Chuck D of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame group Public Enemy, clay sculptures by San Francisco based artist Kaytea Petro, and original pieces made by Marin City youth in collaboration with Lynn Sondag, Associate Professor of Art at Dominican University of California. The Legacy of Marin City — A California Story will display original, never seen before photos and articles about the Black experience in Marin City from 1942 — 1962 from the Felecia Gaston Collection, the Anne T. Kent California Room Collection, The Ruth Marion and Pirkle Jones Collection, The Bancroft Library, the Daniel Ruark Collection, and news clippings from the San Francisco Archives.

Also featured, will be a music exhibit from 1942 – 1962, displayed on vinyl, featuring Sister Rosetta Tharpe, Duke Ellington, and Count Basie, as well as augmented and virtual reality experiences.

FREE GRAND OPENING Saturday, August 20 from Noon to 4 p.m.

This is just not an event — this is Marin City legacy.

Get tickets to The Spirit of Joseph James performance at our online box office.

Visit the Civic Center Gallery page for more info about the partner exhibit.

For more information go to MarinCity80.com.

Bartolini Gallery is located at 10 Avenue of the Flags, San Rafael in the Exhibit Hall/Showcase Theater building.