The Eminent Domain Awareness Group Show features some of the 200+ artists whom Varnish Fine Art has been proud to exhibit since opening in April 2003. In May 2003, co-owners Jen Rogers and Kerri Stephens first learned about a neighborhood-devastating San Francisco project in an SF Business Times article titled, "The Wrecking Ball is Swinging." This is the final group show, but two solo exhibitions will be displayed before the current location of Varnish is demolished. This gallery and wine bar will have to vacate 77 Natoma Street, but the owners hope that by raising awareness about eminent domain they can stop its abuses on this and future San Francisco projects.

Few people know that a San Francisco agency, the Transbay Joint Powers Authority (TJPA), is eliminating 33 small, local businesses, including Varnish Fine Art, and numerous residences in order to demolish all properties and later resell the land. The TJPA is forcing Varnish, among the first tenants and years before the end of the lease, to vacate this September for an October 2009 demolition of its nearly 100 year old building.

Reception/Awareness-Raising Event: Friday June 5, 7pm-Midnight, featuring:legendary Dead Kennedys frontman, Jello Biafra, recent Vice Presidential candidate and former SF Board of Supervisors President Matt Gonzalez, newsman, author and Argonaut Editor Warren Hinckle, music by Burnt House and DJ Evil Justin, live screenprinting by Political Gridlock and The Firehouse, + surprise guest performers. Admission is Free.

Artists: Jennybird Alcantara, Rita Alves, Beth Bojarski, Albert Dicruttalo, Ron Donovan, Ron English, Jose Ismael Fernandez, J.C. Garrett, Carlos Huante, Grant Irish, Lex Lucius, Oyster Pirate Workshop, Michael Page, Kevin Peterson, Jennifer Rogers, Dan Romo, Reuben Rude, Kristen Sard, Wayne Shaffer, Winston Smith, Joe Sorren, Chuck Sperry, Kerri Stephens, Stanislav Szukalski, Sri Zeno Whipple, and Ken Whitaker

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