RUTH’S TABLE HISTORY
1968-1976 THE VERY BEGINNING
1969
Ruth Asawa’s mosaic Growth is installed at Bethany Center Senior Housing.
The completed mosaic self-portrait made by the Alvarado community, 1971. Photo by Aiko Cuneo
1971
Alvarado Arts Project & SCRAP
Ruth Asawa at Ruth Asawa: A Retrospective View, San Francisco Museum of Art, 1973. Photograph by Laurence Cuneo. © 2024 Ruth Asawa Lanier, Inc. / Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York. Courtesy David Zwirner.
1973
Ruth Asawa’s first retrospective at SF MOMA
2010–2013: Founding & Early Growth
Lola Fraknoi and Jerry Brown
2010
Lola Fraknoi and Jerry Brown launch an innovative arts initiative designed to connect Bethany Center Senior Housing residents with the wider community.
Ruth Asawa gives her blessing to use her name for this initiative and donates her dinning room table to serve as a gathering point for creative connection
Ruth’s Table launches first gallery exhibition, “Taking Root.”
2011
Roots of an Artist documentary premieres.
2011
Mission shifts to intergenerational engagement, driven by community response.
2013
Ruth’s Table now hosts four contemporary exhibitions annually and major partnerships.
2014–2019: Expansion & New Space
2014
Plans begin for a permanent Ruth’s Table building at Bethany Center.
2018
Ruth’s Table relocates to 3160 21st Street, unveiling a new gallery and garden.
2019
Grand re-opening with Beyond the Warp and Weft exhibition.
2020–2022: Adapting & Innovating
2020
COVID-19 shifts programming online—art kits, virtual exhibits, and workshops launched.
2022
Bethany Center merges with Front Porch, strengthening arts-based programming.
2023–2025: Recent & Upcoming Programs
2023
Interwoven Histories explores textiles, migration, and resilience.
2024
First Annual “Boldly Ourselves” LGBTQ+ Pride Exhibition and Live Performance Showcase at Ruth’s Table
2024
Pan-Asian Exhibit curated by Jun Yang.
2024
Lunar Harmony Festival brings intergenerational art-making & performances.
2025
Radical Resilience exhibit (July) – Disability justice & accessibility in art.
2025
Pride Panel (June): Trans/Nonbinary POC voices on inclusive public spaces.
Key Contributors & Leadership
Lola Fraknoi
Founder
Visionary who launched Ruth’s Table in 2009.
Aiko Cuneo
Educator AND Artist
Developed collaborative, hands-on art programming.
Monica Lee
Teaching Artist
13+ years leading creative reuse & storytelling workshops.
Jessica McCracken
Senior Director
Led Enduring Inspiration initiative during COVID-19.
Jerry Brown
Bethany Center
Key figure in expanding Ruth’s Table into a permanent space.