Margaret Tedesco, a beloved artist, curator, and influential figure in the Bay Area art scene, passed away on Saturday, October 18, after battling cancer for several years.
Known for her fervent support of local art and her omnipresence at community events, Tedesco made a mark on various platforms, from gallery openings to poetry readings.
She was a vibrant figure who both created and appreciated art. Her friend Leila Weefur described her as a person who inspired others to grow and explore their creativity, emphasizing that Tedesco pursued her passions without restraint.
Raised in an Italian-American family in Los Angeles, Tedesco’s early exposure to the vibrant Sunset Strip rock scene shaped her artistic sensibilities.
In 1988, she made the move to San Francisco, establishing herself as a modern dancer and choreographer in Santa Barbara before quickly integrating into the local art community.
Cliff Hengst, a close friend, remembered their first meeting at The Lab, admitting he had assumed she was from New York due to her confident demeanor.
Tedesco earned the nickname “The Conduit” for her incredible ability to connect people and share knowledge about the art that flowed through San Francisco.
Her power came not only from her extensive connections but also from her role as a graphic designer for the San Francisco Art Institute (SFAI).
During her 14 years at SFAI, Tedesco crafted the MFA catalogs, meeting with many graduating artists and building relationships within the community.
In a 2016 interview, she credited her exceptional memory of local artists and their works to the interconnectedness of the vibrant art community.
While Tedesco continued to perform as a dancer in her early years in San Francisco, she shifted focus towards curation in the late 1990s.
In 1999, Tedesco joined the board of New Langton Arts, a significant hub for multidisciplinary art.
Susan Miller, the executive director at the time, recalled her as an invaluable resource who brought in notable artists, enriching the programming and expanding its reach.
Simultaneously, she co-founded Moving Target Series, a traveling performance initiative that showcased art in various local venues.
In 2007, Tedesco launched 2nd floor projects, an exhibition space located in her Mission District apartment, which she kept hidden from her landlord.
The secretive nature of this gallery created unique challenges; Hengst recounted a performance where noise restrictions meant the group sang quietly in the lobby, illustrating Tedesco’s commitment to creativity even under constraints.
Each show at 2nd floor projects was accompanied by limited-edition chapbooks or prints, showcasing her collaboration with writers to produce texts that were works of art in their own right.
Jackie Im, co-director of the Mission District gallery Et al., noted how Tedesco encouraged artistic freedom through her invitations to create without strict guidelines.
Tedesco also contributed writings to Open Space, SFMOMA’s now-retired online platform, effortlessly blending references to films and artists that inspired her.
Although she had a background as a performer, many recognized Tedesco primarily as a behind-the-scenes supporter, preferring to remain out of the spotlight.
Scott Hewicker, a friend and artist, described her as camera-shy and particular about her public image.
Tedesco occasionally appeared in small roles, such as portraying herself in the play Seth Speaks.
In the same interview with Congratulations Pine Tree, she expressed her disinterest in pursuing a careerist path, valuing the integrity of her creative space.
Tedesco leaves behind an enormous and meticulously curated archive of artworks and printed materials in her apartment.
Over the years, she had shared glimpses of this collection on her social media, demonstrating her commitment to preserving art history.
At a talk in 2013, she described her archive as a “disparate collection of source materials” that inspired her work and provided comfort, while also being a burden.
After closing 2nd floor projects in 2017, Tedesco continued to curate exhibitions independently at various venues including the San Francisco Arts Commission.
Her influence persisted even as the San Francisco Art Institute, a pivotal space in her life, closed its doors permanently in 2022.
Despite her contributions to the arts, Tedesco maintained a private demeanor, with some friends unsure of her exact age.
Miller noted that Tedesco’s focus was always on the present and the current happenings in the art community.
Her energy and unwavering support of local artists shone brightly, as she continued to engage with others throughout her cancer treatment.
Longtime friend DL Alvarez observed that no one could truly fill Tedesco’s role in the Bay Area art world, highlighting her unique spirit and the impact she made on her peers.
image source from：kqed
