42 degrees is a new arts agency based in San Francisco. It is the culmination of a continuum of conversations between Ricardo Richey (APEX) and Lani Rovzar regarding the changing cultural landscape of San Francisco. Ricardo Richey is a local artist who has become increasingly in demand by many of the new start-ups located in the SF Bay Area. His clients have often asked for his advice on the idiosyncrasies of the art world in the Bay Area, a topic many of them lack in expertise. Long-time SF arts administrator, Lani Rovzar has been concerned about the flight of many local artists due to the raising cost of living. There seemed to be a disconnection between the opportunities for San Francisco based artists and the desire to have local art. They saw a need to bridge the gap and formed 42 degrees to bring local businesses, the city, and private collectors to the same table as local artists, enabling them to more easily make investments into our arts culture and make it more readily accessible to the greater community at large.

42 degrees provides creative services, consultancy, and events planning. They believe in fostering arts education, a culturally rich community, and provide opportunities for their clients to participate in this endeavor. 42° is a recognized fiscal sponsored organization of the Intersection for the Arts Incubator Program, and is eligible for grants and may be able to provide tax-deductible recognition of contributions for eligible projects.

Their roster of artists began with artist friends who they knew shared their vision and concern for the integrity of the arts in the Bay Area. It has grown as they have met and vetted other amazing talent. 42 degrees is always open to meet and potentially work with or represent local artists.

About Project°901

One of their first projects of ongoing local art installations with high public visibility is Project°901. Over a 10 month period, they brought San Francisco’s City Planners, Hudson Pacific Properties and Nordstom Rack together to further beautify the Mid-Market corridor and engage the passersby through a rotating series of window art installations by emerging and established Bay Area artists. In partnership with Hudson Pacific Properties, they created an installation in an unexpected setting in ground level display windows located in the historic 901 Market Street building. The windows are on 5th Street between Market and Stevenson Alley. The installations are visible 24/7 with natural light during the day and special lighting in the evening. On this busy block adjacent to a bus stop and San Francisco Centre, shoppers, tourists and office workers alike can interact with art they would normally have to seek out in art galleries or sections of the city where street art is more common.

The artwork will change quarterly featuring different artists. Their goal is to highlight and patron the work of local emerging and established artists while enriching the Mid-Market neighborhood experience.

The first installment for Project°901 is by SF-based street artist and co-founder of 42 degrees, Ricardo Richey, known as APEX. It will be on view until the end of March. His installation is two large-scale pieces of spray painted mirrors.  The color and form of the design are reflective of two of his distinctive styles.  The use of mirrors encourages the pedestrians to interact with the art, be it by checking out their personal appearance in the center mirrors, taking personal and group selfies, viewing the depth of the design as it engulfs the viewer in a reflecting hall of mirrors where the design seamlessly repeats depending upon the angle viewed.

Learn about Apex

APEX has garnered much attention throughout the Bay Area and abroad, and has been commissioned by clients including Outside Lands, Spotify, the Puma lounge at the America’s Cup, Scion, Red Bull, Zynga, GoDaddy, and Starbucks.
Read his bio and view examples of his portfolio. Apex

Learn about 42 degrees

Read more about 42 degrees. Learn about their services and Intersection for the Arts Incubator Program. View the roster of artists and read their bios and see their art.