Beat Icon honored with art show, readings and more

While the genesis of what is considered the start of the Beat Generation may have been centered in New York City in the 1940s when Allen Ginsberg, William S. Burroughs, Jack Kerouac and more met at Columbia University, it was San Francisco that became the epicenter of a movement that shook the literary and cultural establishment.

It was during that same time in the 1950s, with the founding of City Lights bookstore by Lawrence Ferlinghetti, that Ginsberg's seminal poem “Howl” was published.

Ferlinghetti, who passed away last year at the age of 101, became not only the champion for the Beats, but also one of their longest-living members and spokespeople.

He may be known more for his bookstore and publishing, but the New York native was an incredible poet, writer and artist in his own right, publishing the classic collection of poems “A Coney Island of the Mind” in 1958, and creating a myriad of paintings and drawings.

A collection of his original works of art will be on display at the Empress Theatre starting Saturday, with a special grand opening celebration taking place.

“This is really at my heart because when I was in college, I was fortunate enough to meet Lawrence Ferlinghetti and Allen Ginsburg, and they came in and they read poetry,” said Susan MacDonald, Vallejo Community Arts Foundation board member.

“He's always been one my heroes — it's going to be a really great night.”

MacDonald owns six pieces of Ferlinghetti's art, and they will be on display among the other collections that have been brought in for this special occasion.

The night's festivities will include a reception, a “Beat Happening,” an appearance from the Beat Museum of San Francisco's “Beat Mobile” exhibits, and more.

If You Go: When: May 28 though June 24 Where: Empress Theatre and various locations around Vallejo For More Info: empresstheatre.org