Alessandra
Born and raised in San Francisco, Alessandra is a graduate of Mills College with a BA in Business Communications and a minor in Studio Art.
Alessandra is passionate about people, education, the arts and urban permaculture. Throughout her career Alessandra has worked with an array of esteemed organizations such as The Whitney Museum of American Art, The Shubert Organization, Children’s Fairyland, and Ets-Hokin Studios.
Now, Alessandra serves as the Operations Manager at First Graduate, a San Francisco based non-profit that helps students become the first in their families to graduate from college.
Collaboration
‘Pyramid Pioneers’ at Howl Arts
When I was asked to mat and frame the photographs by the esteemed Lynn M. Grabowski for Howl Art’s exhibit, Pyramid Pioneers, I replied with an undoubted and emphatic “Yes!”
The Pyramid Club, known for nurturing emerging talent, was a space where legendary performers like Madonna and RuPaul first graced the stage. It was truly an honor to be involved in the preservation of such an iconic cultural epicenter that played a pivotal role in shaping the artistic landscape of New York City.
Opening night was a celebration of the club’s lasting legacy, featuring a book signing and reading from We Started a Nightclub. The gallery was packed with people eager to experience the exhibition, which showcased a stunning array of media, illustrating the vibrant and eclectic nightlife of the Pyramid Club throughout the 1980s. Being part of the preservation of this legendary venue, where groundbreaking art and performances flourished, was a deeply meaningful experience for me. It underscored my passion for ensuring that spaces where art, culture, and community intersect continue to thrive for future generations.
Collaboration
It was an honor to assist in the screen-printing event for my good friend Flloyd, whose solo show entitled ‘Dicks and Divas’ was on exhibition at Howl Arts in New York City in the Fall of 2023.
“Unapologetic, persistent, and honest – Flloyd’s current work concerns itself with erotic desire, the muse, and modulation.”
Custom Framing
Senior Thesis Exhibition
Mills College Art Museum 2022
Tools to Dismantle - ‘Spray’ and ‘Cut’ - Acrylic on canvas 2021
‘To Return’ - Digital photograph 2021
Each piece matted and framed by Alessandra Bolger
‘Chinatown’ - Digital photograph 2022
‘Connected’ - Digital illustration 2022
Community
Pamela Parker and the Roosters Live at the New Farm SF 2021
As a co-founder of the New Farm SF, this cultural hub is very near and dear to my heart. Serving the cities youth as a free all ages music venue and urban permaculture education center, the New Farm provides a practice space and performance venue for local talent and is home to two native plant nurseries as well as a gaggle of chickens and goats.
Film
Flavia Elisa Mora - Murals as a Form of Resistance in San Francisco 2021
Join Flavia and I on a walk through the Mission District of San Francisco as Flavia tells her story as a poet, artist and activist.
Directed, shot and edited by yours truly.
Costume Construction
Gregangelo Velocity Circus 2011
I constructed these 15 foot tall body suits for stilt walking circus performers during my time as a costuming intern at Gregangelo’s Velocity Circus. Made of velcro and battery powered luminous orbs this project was a fun challenge.
Observational Drawing
‘Toil’ - Pencil on paper, 18”x24”
Throughout the years I have enjoyed the way my many skills merge and interact. This drawing combines my love of costume construction and observational drawing.