San Francisco-based street artist, fnnch. has been very busy recently with his new work to honor the sainted Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence.
The artist is best known for his trademark ‘honey bears’ that he has placed around the city, and when he reproduces them as artwork they sell out in minutes. These new works are to help raise much need funds for the Sisters.
It’s hard to believe that the Sisters have been around for 42 years now. They started out in their nun-like drag preaching about the benefits of living authentic lives and warning against the dangers of religious moralizing. They evolved into a unique mixture of charity, protest group, and street performances, with missions around the world. The San Francisco mission had donated thousands of small grants to community causes over the years. |
The new artwork was painted on the side of the gay bar, Powerhouse, on the corner of Dore Alley and Folsom, and was unveiled during a blessing ceremony on Saturday.
Easter weekend is a big one for the Sisters, as they usually hold their ‘Hunky Jesus/Foxy Mary’ contest in Dolores Park on Easter Sunday. This year’s gathering had to take place online because of the Covid pandemic, but a number of members gathered for the launch of the artwork, along with the artist.
To coincide with the new Sister Bear artwork, fnnch also produced a limited-edition number of prints, which went on sale on Easter Sunday. 50 paintings and 150 prints sold out in 60 seconds and raised $24,375 for the Sisters.
https://fnnch.com/Video courtesy of Drew Altizer Photography
P.S. Sister Roma may be a Saint on the Streets but she is also something of a scene-stealer. Check out this parody video from the wonderful Daniel Franzese to see what we mean
