Private Collections is a special one-night event offering an exclusive look at the art-filled homes of some of San Francisco’s most respected art collectors. This year, several collections were shown by Chuck and Diane Frankel, Rich and Judy Guggenhime, Sarah and Austin Hills, Francis Mill, Lenore Pereira and Richard Niles, Paul Sack, and Deborah and Andy Rappaport. Attendees were shown art in all forms and had the chance to get a deeper understanding of why people buy and collect the art they have.

The event raised over $60,000 for Enterprise for Youth, a nonprofit that empowers young people through career development and opportunities. They have secured various jobs with Kaiser Permanente and University of San Francisco, two of their leading sources for internships and entry-level jobs. Other companies in their network include Levi’s, Gap, IDEO, City Hall, and Wells Fargo. With over 21,000 alumni, Enterprise for Youth is gearing up for their 50th anniversary next year in 2019.

The premier collection showcased Deborah and Andy Rappaport’s compilation of contemporary art which spoke to the issues of our world and time. Guests were astounded by the breadth of the Rappaport collection including Enterprise for Youth’s CEO, Nínive Calegari. “I was flabbergasted. I love how connected their collection is to their romance. The two have revolutionary thinking and I love their humility,” she exclaimed. Among the many artists represented were Michal Rovner, Nina Katchadourian, Sandow Birk, Christian Jankowski, Stephen De Staebler, and Chris Doyle. They own pieces in many media with a particular focus on technology and time-based art. The Rappaport’s are the founders and owners of San Francisco's new Minnesota Street Project which offers economically sustainable spaces for art galleries, artists, and related nonprofits.

When asked about the Rappaport collection, Martin Young of Martin Young Design explained, “The event was a wonderful opportunity to interact with both Deborah and Andy, as well as learn about artists and see how each piece was thoughtfully and naturally integrated into their living environment. Personally, I enjoyed seeing Trevor Paglen C-Print, as much as Enrique Martinez Celaya’s Milk painting, and Asya Reznikov’s Packing Art History. The collection was truly diverse, yet singular in the presentation of a personal and warm home.”

Kathy Calegari and 2018 Honorary Chair, Jonathan Rachman.

One of the several collections offered was the Guggenhime selection of Cuban art. Rich and Judy Guggenhime replaced their contemporary print collection, including prints by Helen Frankenthaler, David Hockney, and small sculptures by Nathan Olivera and Roy Lichtenstein, with works of Cuban artists. Highlights of the Cuban collection included a painting by Nelson Domínguez, "If a Tree" by Lester Campa, and works by René Francisco (twice named Cuban artist of the year).

The night ended with a reception at Simon Breitbard Fine Arts where works from 10 San Francisco galleries were displayed for a silent auction. Guests mixed and mingled over their appreciation of the extraordinary art just witnessed at Private Collections.

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