Armistead Maupin: 2016 Mayor's Art Award Recipient

Philip and I attended an event today honoring Armistead Maupin and his recent recognition of the 2016 San Francisco Mayor's Art Award. Armistead is the first writer to be recognized with the City's highest art award.

The event started at 5:00 and was held at the newly reopened (and gorgeously renovated) Herbst Theater.

Philip and I agreed to meet at 4:15. Of course, we were the two geeky super fans that arrived before anyone else. :)

The doors were opened around 4:45, and we scored second row, center seats. (Front row was reserved, but no one sat in front of us.)

Armistead was interviewed by local author and activist, Jewell Gomez. Their discussion latest an hour, and was very interesting.

I have mainly heard Armistead talk at book signings, where he focuses on the newest book, reads a passage then does some Q & A with the audience. This conversation discussed more about his background (growing up as a conservative in North Carolina), his literary influences, how he came to San Francisco, his relationship with San Francisco, etc.

I spoke briefly at the reception with him after, and he joked that I must have heard all of the stories before. I told him I hadn't and that we really enjoyed the talk he gave tonight.

Congratulations on your award, Armistead, and thank you again for sharing your gift with so many of us!