Sunday, February 14, 2010

Frankenart and Aquariums

Today I took the 31 bus line down Balboa to get to Frankenart Mart. What is Frankenart Mart? Even the owner, Leslie Henslee isn't sure. Henslee opened the mart a few years ago with her cats Zeke and Reuben (Henslee jokes that they will take over when she retires). It's a place where you can draw, paint, write, sell and trade art.
There are different themes for different months and this month is movies. Henslee encourages anyone to make a movie and the mart might screen it using the stores projector. She said that some films are so bad but make for a good laugh. The theater seating consists of four chairs in the middle of the room, two of them were already occupied by Zeke and Reuben.
Cam Thornley visits the mart on a weekly bases and refers to himself as a Frankenart fan/ artist. He said he passed by the store a few years ago and had to check it out when he saw a "crazy woman dancing with her cats in the window."
Once a month, Henslee sets a date and gives away free hot dogs to anyone who visits the store. She said it's not just USF students who like to come here, it's a place where all types of hungry San Franciscans show up and hang out.
You can't let the smell of the 6th Avenue Aquarium and Flowers, located on Clement Street between Sixth and Fifth avenues, turn you away because it is now one of my favorite shops.The front of the store looks like a typical florist, but located in the back are aquariums full of salt water creatures such as eels, sting rays, and sand sharks which can be purchased for $299.99. I had so much fun walking around, but had to breathe through my mouth.

2 comments:

  1. Thanks for this! I'm definitely checking out these two places. That's one of the things I love about this class -- learning about new places and events from you guys! Thanks!

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  2. I live in the area and I have always been so curious about Frankenart Mart. It seems to never be open and the curiosity has been growing for the past two years for me! The mystery is finally solved! Thanks. Also the aquarium/flower store is one of my favorites on Clement St. Did you go upstairs? It probably isnt safe or even legal, but there are some cool fish up there too.

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