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The Unique Atmosphere Of Haight Street
The sunny Saturday of September 15, where the sun's rays were just starting to get hot at noon, I finally found a parking spot up on a steep hill on San Francisco's street.
entering onto the start of Haight and seeing down the entire street of the overlapping art installations and trippy murals, I find myself transformed into a vessel of inspired artistry. All senses are touched with the culture and passion of generations from the bohemian 1950s, Hippies from the 1960s, and the overwhelming diversity of ideas and styles of today.
The hustle and bustle of the Haight Ashbury Street fair makes me hypnotized to spend all time possible here. And as an artist, I feel most at home.
Picture by Me
Real San Fransisco Tours
The Summer Of Love
The Summer Of Love
Haight street is one of SF’s most internationally celebrated neighborhoods and its reputation sprung from the Summer Of Love.
The Summer Of Love in 1976 was caused by a mass migration of “hippies”, a subculture of free minded individuals who value the idea of free expression and style. From this migration new culture and beliefs were brought to San Francisco. From across the United States, 100,000 hippies ultimately settled in the neighborhood and surrounding district of Haight, starting the beginning of the 60s style of Haight streets forever.
Although this summer was monumental for Haight streets identity, crime and homelessness become overwhelming due to drug use and overcrowding. This left the Haight district in ruin as businesses left and people felt unsafe from the community, eliminating the idea of peace and love.
Despite this moment of misfortune, the neighborhood went through a period of regrowth during the late 1970s. New business and sense of community helped with repopulating and reinstating the element of Haight street. The message of “peace, love and happiness” was once again prevalent to the residents.
Infographic by Me
Legacy Of Music
through the influence of different musicians, Haight street retains a certain unique style of expression.
Music culture sprang from Haight street from many famous musicians who all lived in historical homes on the Haight. Artists like Janis Joplin, Jimi Hendrix, the Grateful Dead, and Jefferson Airplane arose from performing and being influenced by The Haight.
Despite the district being broken down, the community built it back up from the addition of art and music bringing people together. The creation of new styles and emerging artists that later became nationally famous placed Haight street on the map as a place of free expression and uniqueness.
Sotheby's
Vogue
Impact Of Artists
Impact Of Artists
California Collection
It is important to the community to support local artists so they continue to fill the area with their works, maintaining Haight’s identity of free expression and style. Works from over 175 artists can be bought in shops throughout Haight, especially one named “Love On Haight”.
Haight street’s artistic culture is then diffused through being purchased and brought to other places. New art installations from local artists can expand the sense of the culture unique to Haight outward to the rest of San Francisco.
Oscar Lopez, Haight Street Art
From the work of artists such as Oscar Lopez, the youth becomes engaged with local art.
Being born in Mexico City, Oscar Lopez became inspired by graffiti and urban art. After moving to San Francisco, uses his culture and knowledge of issues relevant to both of his countries to be an activist. Today he educates and has developed a system of having kids participate in his mural making process. This includes speaking to them about current world problems and fostering them to become expressive and caring about social issues while hopefully also solving them.
Haight Street Art Center displays works from many local artists and their stories and messages towards the public. This creates a system of educating while expressing their ideas. Being open minded is very prominent in the attitude of Haight street as it is an epicenter of diversity and personality.
Datebook
Foursquare
A Day On Haight Street
Haight streets' attractive qualities can make anyone want to spend the day there. Street fairs and permanent shops reflect Haight street’s colorful and lively atmosphere.
The Golden Gate Park located just around the block of Haight Street serves as a commutative place where residents and visitors can celebrate. This natural element to the area balances the urban landscape with a place visitors can get fresh air, go on picnics, or even hike. Bike riding is big and people are able to rent them and ride through the park while enjoying the views of the redwoods.
Haight-Ashbury Street Fair is one of the most important events for the district as it serves as a celebration which brings people together while sharing cultural history. HASF has earned international recognition as being an event in San Francisco which is most celebrated and valued by locals. From this event visitors are able to be immersed in the diversity of art and color.
Musicians and businesses are attracted to the Haight district for the purpose of this street fair, making it even more lively from the sale of goods and atmosphere that music brings.
Due to Haight street's magnetic and unique nature, visitors and locals are able to venture into the culture and history that makes the district so popular. one can easily express their style and voice through the openmindedness of everyone, making the environment so welcoming
I have yet to find a place that exhibits so much emotion and personality from just looks alone. Combined with the locals, Haight street ensnares anyone who enters.
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