It's been more than 20 years since 7x7 launched as a monthly print magazine in downtown San Francisco and, since then, we've had as many lives as the city itself. This month, we're celebrating our latest iteration.
On Thursday, June 20th, hundreds came out to Jackson Square to fete the opening of 7x7 Social Club, a three-month pop-up made possible by SF's Vacant to Vibrant program. In our art-filled space across from the Transamerica Redwood Park, we celebrated local talents in a debut event that only hints at what's to come.
7x7 Social Club's interior designer Jon de la Cruz with Hoffman Hardware designer Krista Hoffman and 7x7 editor Chloé Hennen.(Leilani Xicotencatl)
A Packed House
When the doors opened at 4pm, the community showed up and showed off—with killer outfits, infectious energy, and an appetite for all we had to offer. Most on-demand may have been the fried chicken and Calabrian chile aioli bites from nearby Cassava; perhaps that’s because all the blueberry and lemon-thyme choux from Maison Nico were immediately gobbled up. We kept the drinks flowing though, thanks to beer and cider from Fort Point and tastings of fruit-infused vodka from Hanson of Sonoma Distillery. And no one went home empty-handed: Our friends from Bloom Gallery gave away more than 150 gorgeous bouquets.
The place was packed with 7x7 readers and Social Club members (are you one?), along with curious neighbors and those party-hopping from Vacant to Vibrant openings that night. There were also guest appearances from the many creative people whose work is gracing our space: Jon de la Cruz, the generous interior designer who made 7x7 look its chicest; Erin Hupp, whose ceramic mirror portals invited guests inward; glass artist Jason Stropko, who lent a few handmade pieces to spruce up our shelves; Miranda Jones, who came armed with a heated seat from Galanter & Jones to keep us warm; Jaime Lovejoy, the artist behind one of our favorite paintings; and Krista Hoffman, whose stylish interior hardware is cleverly displayed like jewelry in our shelfie-ready built-in cabinetry which displays works by several incredible local artists as well as a selection of books curated by Litquake.
Whoever wasn’t there in person was there in presence, with our space dedicated as a showcase for the artists who inspire us—no one could miss the stunning gold metal watercolor wall hand-painted by Caroline Lizarraga. Look out for more about our many artistic collaborators, coming soon to 7x7.
Cue the magical moment when DJ Sami Fink spun Talking Heads' “This Must Be the Place." Yes.
San Francisco Arts Commissioner JD Beltran gets a free bouquet from the team at Bloom Gallery.(Leilani Xicotencatl)
What’s Next at 7x7 Social Club
Through the city’s Vacant to Vibrant program, the space is ours for the next three months and we intend to make the most of it.
On Tuesday, June 25th, we're hosting our first-ever workshop, with ceramics artist Malia Landis. She’ll teach us how her incredible porcelain botanicals and bugs come to be, and guide an intimate group through creating a piece of their own.
After that, watch our Instagram for a schedule of upcoming programming, including a sushi-making class with Robin's Adam Tortosa, a gold-leafing workshop with Caroline Lizarraga, live screen printing with Simon Ungless, and an aspic and terrine tasting happy hour with Maison Nico's Nicolas Delaroque.
7x7 Social Club is designed as a living gallery of Bay Area art, design, fashion, literature, and more. It is intended to be a place where you can stop in on weekday afternoons to mingle, work, and be inspired. Look for a posting of our open hours coming soon.
Until then, we’re grateful to all who stopped by and we can’t wait to see you again.
// 7x7 Social Club will be hosting creative workshops, vinyl nights, chef tastings, and more special events at 524 Washington Street (Jackson Square). Members of 7x7 Social Club will receive first access and exclusive pricing. Sign up now, and follow us on Instagram for updates.
(Leilani Xicotencatl)
Cassava co-owner Yuka Ioroi serves the restaurant's famous fried chicken to glass artist Jason Stropko and 7x7 writer Lisa Plachy.
