The KQED-produced short documentary The Art of Doing It Yourself reveals the Bay Area as a haven for artists who are quirky, rebellious, and visionary — a reputation the city wears as a badge of honor. It tells the story of an eclectic band of do-it-yourself artists mobilizing to help one of their own, “Chicken” John Rinaldi whose warehouse, a combination artist hostel, performance space and community center, is imperiled. Along the way, we’re introduced to three artists, painter Ani Thompkins, circus aerialist Miriam Telles, and fire sculptor Charles Gadeken, who represent a San Francisco arts community that historically has focused more on artistic freedom than commercial reward.
KQED’s The Art of Doing it Yourself airs Friday, December 16, 2011 at approximately 11pm, as part of the PBS Arts Fall Festival. It follows a 9pm Great Performances production of The Little Mermaid from San Francisco Ballet, which presents a story, not of bubbling song and colorful crustaceans, but of Hans Christian Andersen’s original vision of unrequited love in a sophisticated and intense production.
Check KQED TV schedules for a full list of airdates and times.
