The grand opening of Progress Park was so much fun! My old studio was located just a couple blocks from the then in-Progress Park, the neighborhood’s best kept secret. A neighbor told me I should check it out, so I did. It took me a few minutes to find it, because it really was hidden – right under the highway in a little dog friendly nook.
Whaaaat? A hidden, super secret, fenced dog park 2 blocks away from my studio? Pinch me.
If you know Gozer, you know he loves to run, so this was just about heaven for my ball-crazy racer.
And for me too, because a tired ball-crazy racer is a happy ball-crazy racer.
Needless to say, I was beyond excited to photograph the launch party for the finished park. What was once an unused lot had become a beautiful space for people and pets to play and relax. The succulent garden was in full bloom, the dog park was freshly mulched, and the neighborhood felt so alive!
I always appreciated the Dogpatch-Potrero border for its gritty, industrial feel – it made for great photographs and it had a sort of “urban peace” to it. It wasn’t as congested as other parts of the city, but full of dog-friendly neighbors and entrepreneurs who made the place feel like home.
Lady got her hair cut for the event, she rocked her mohawk!
We set up a “mobile photo booth” behind the Ruffles table and took pet portraits for all the neighbors and visitors.
It wasn’t long before there was some serious cute happening.
Zoe was all about showing off for the camera.
She’s native to the big mitten, like me! Hello, Michigan.
Panza and Lady got “intimate” for the camera.
Sweet, shy Bailey gave a neener and a smile for the camera.
The neighbors followed suit.
Lady wasn’t the only one showing off her tricks.
The only problem was…
…the SFSPCA was right next to us!
With adoptable animals.
Really cute ones.
That means we had to sum up massive amounts of self control.
The animals were SO. CUTE. And homeless! And 25% off! UGH!
When adorable homeless animals are calling your name (and you already have 3 dogs, a snake, and 2 blind/deaf foster puppies) it helps to distract yourself with more temporary, less living indulgences.
…like pink lemonade cupcakes.
After cupcakes, ribbon-cutting and art bus viewing, it was back to the photo booth to puparazzi the puppy party.
Princess Zoey learned how to fly!
Dapper dogs everywhere!
It was heaven for pet photographers. My lovely assistant Brittan and I kissed and snuggled a lot of cute animals.
And the neighborhood partied till the Cow came home.
Nobody knows where he came from.
I am so incredibly proud of my neighbors for what they have accomplished.
They have turned an unused and forgotten space into a peaceful, artistic living space for all of us to share.
“The greatest achievement was at first, and for a time, but a dream.” – Napoleon Hill
If you’d like to visit Progress Park, it’s located at 25th & Indiana St.
Click here to see the FULL Progress Park event album and purchase prints.
If you’d like to purchase specialty items, such as standout mounts, gallery-wrapped canvases,
coffee table books, etc. contact laureliz@rufflesartstudio.com