A Different Kind of Sushi

The Sushi staff and volunteers start moving into their new (old) space this weekend. Isn’t that kind of bittersweet? For those of you who knew Sushi back when it was in the Reincarnation building, it’s strange to see them moving back to the same building, only it’s not the same building anymore. No more strange eyes staring at you (see the photo in my first post). It’s all shiny and new now (except the Sushi space which still feels pretty raw).

Anyway, there are some phenomenal special events in November and December to celebrate the new Sushi. You really should check them out.

First up is Jordan Fuchs’ show called Thicket. This is a pre-opening event on Saturday, Nov. 7 at 8 pm. I am interviewing Jordan on Monday and will share what I learn early next week. So stay tuned for that one.

Next is Beyond Theory, an exhibition of paintings, video and installation works by a group of six Serbian artists that will be showcased in Sushi’s new visual arts space. The artists are in residence for 10 days and will have performances and discussions from Nov. 22 - Dec. 20. The opening reception is Sat. Nov. 22 from 7 -10 pm. Can’t wait to interview that group.

Finally, we have the big grand opening celebration - La Pocha Nostra, The New Barbarian Collection, Winter ‘08. This group is led by Guillermo Gomez Pena and will include an intensive performance workshop at Sushi for local artists. So far, these guys scare me the most. Just look at the photo. Lynn swears Guillermo is “a sweetheart”. He’s the guy in the skirt. Hmmm.

A friend pointed out (that same dear friend of mine who got me into this in the first place) that if you don’t know who I am, you still won’t know after reading my about page (well you’ll have some understanding of me, but you won’t even know my name). So, herewith, a brief introduction to your intrepid author.

My name is Indra Gardiner Bowers. I live in San Diego with my husband, son, various fish and one very large frog. I am a founding partner of Bailey Gardiner, a creative agency. Sometimes, I blog for dontdrinkthekoolaid. And I Twitter under the handle @bgindra.

My agency is doing pro bono creative design and public relations for Sushi. Here is the cool new logo our designer Francis developed for Sushi. I love it and will have more about the thinking behind this logo in a subsequent post.

If you want to know more, go to Facebook. I’m there too. Otherwise, just keep reading the blog. OK?

After four years of wandering through bars and other public spaces, Sushi gets to go home. I’m writing about Sushi, A Center for the Urban Arts, based in downtown San Diego at Eleventh and J St. While the former Reincarnation building was re-imagined into Icon, a mixed use urban site, Sushi was homeless.

In about a week, the Sushi staff and volunteers will schlep all their stuff into the new space. And the adventure will begin anew.

I love what it says on the Sushi homepage about the space - “a new fluid and transparent space where the art experience will be personal, intimate, and unexpected.” I am expecting all of that and more.

This year’s line up of talent is exceptional. Due to the incredible relationships she has fostered over the years, Executive Director Lynn Schuette has put together an entire season of premieres. And with artists like Karen Finley, Guillermo Gomez Pena and Tere O’Connor that’s big news for San Diego.

I’ll keep you posted with photos of the progression, inside tips, interviews and insights. Let me know if there’s something you’re curious about.