A Bit of History: The Last Straw first opened its doors in 1975, thanks to Marge Heard. Back then, it was a place to meander in a less than busy residential and distant part of town. The name is polysemous meaning— the final straw as well as a reference to basket weaving; baskets being a constant item stocked throughout Heard’s time there. After 49 wonderful years, Marge decided it was time to retire, and the shop closed in December 2023.
Current: On April 20, 2024, Graham Woo-Holoch reopened The Last Straw. Graham, an artist, curator, and designer based in San Francisco, has long been acquainted with Marge having grown up visiting the shop. The Last Straw continues to provide a place for neighbors and broader audiences. In the past decades the Sunset (let alone San Francisco) has changed a lot.
The shop was reopened as a call to action, a last straw of sorts. The Last Straw is a platform for contemporary art, artist editions, and artist projects. Curatorially Holoch is focused on giving context to object and exhibition. In the coming months the space will offer artist talks, workshops and community events. Exhibitions typically run for two months, and the space hosts various events and workshops throughout the year.
For inquiries or to participate, please contact us at graham@thelaststrawsf.com. The shop is open on weekends, Saturday and Sunday, from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM, or by appointment.
graham@laststrawsf.com
4540 Irving Street,
San Francisco, CA 94122