San Francisco Art Institutes “135th Anniversary” Gala
The San Francisco Chronicle article:
I was at the Art Institute party, an on-campus gala involving gowns and awards in the service of art, the creative spirit and, as the architectural students might say, a sense of place that grabs you the minute you step into the courtyard. Experienced galagoers marveled at the multilevel decor by Francesco Digrado of Acme Events in L.A. and music by Tony Okungbowa, whom organizers proudly identified as the DJ on “The Ellen DeGeneres Show.'’ The clear tent in the main quad allowed the bay and Telegraph Hill view to be seen as through a scrim. Evening set in, the moon rose and the sky darkened, and as we picked up our dinner forks, the KaBoom show started around the bend in the waterfront. The explosive rumble of fireworks could be heard in the distance, and it was like a PBS series, formally dressed lords and ladies of London dining without even a nod’s notice to the blitz booming around them.
editorial by
Leah Garchik
Thank you Leah. 
A special thanks to -
Kathie Lowry -
Director of Special Events - SFAI
Thank you for believing in me and ACME to fulfill the quest of such an exclusive gala. Celebrating 135 years of history would be quite the challenge for any designer. SFAI is a magical forum with magical people. What a remarkable experience this was for me, as a designer, to be a part of this institute’s history and the art community of San Francisco.
You were an absolute pleasure to work with and I am honored to have had the opportunity.
Readers:
I have a new found love for SFAI and would urge everyone to visit the institute. I would advise for people to take a moment to listen, and you will hear all of its past that is etched in the mortar that holds the walls together, we should stop to observe our future in the making as you walk on history. The institute is open 24/7.
Thank you again.
Francesco DiGrado
designer
