Arts center takes shape in Marin - Headlands Center for the Arts, San Francisco

Sunset, June, 1988

Arts center takes shape in Marin Imagination and elbow grease are collaborating to transform an abandoned fort in the Marin Headlands into a bastion of creativity. Fort Barry, built in 1907 and vacated by the Army in 1971, has been resurrected as the Headlands Center for the Arts. There, resident artists working in a wide variety of media draw inspiration from the headlands' unique combination of natural and historical richness. Three years ago, boards covered the windows of the fort's two barracks, and layers of aging paint covered all interior surfaces. Patient work has revealed some of the buildings' surprisingly handsome pressed-tin ceilings, maple floors, redwood wainscoting, and oak balustrades. Besides providing artists with an environment conducive to site-specific projects, the center also offers programs to the general public. A series of field seminars led by guest artists continues in June with two Saturday programs, in mask making (June 4; $25) and dance (June 18; $15); both incorporate objects gathered by participants from around the headlands. Free dance classes for families will be offered at the center on June 5 and 12. In July and August, the center will host two interdisciplinary day-camp sessions for ages 9 through 13, each taught by three different types of artists (for example, a writer, a dancer, and a musician). Meet this year's artists in residence and see their works in progress during an open house from noon to 5 on Sunday, June 25. For information on future seminars, call (415) 331-2787. To get to the center from U.S. 101 north-bound from San Francisco, take the Alexander Avenue exit just north of the Golden Gate Bridge. Turn left at the sign for the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, go through the one-lane tunnel, and continue west 2 miles on Bunker Road; turn left at the sign for Fort Barry.

PHOTO : Artists, not soldiers, now occupy former army barracks in Golden Gate National Recreation

PHOTO : Area