Nestled in the quiet but stately residence park of Balboa Terrace one house stands apart with red and white awnings and intense green landscaping. Inside are artistically cultivated rooms that take visitors on a roller coaster of self-discovery.
Homeowner and artistic director Gregangelo Herrera, who lost his partner and friends and had a fear of losing his own life during the AIDS epidemic, turned his grief and house into a positive outlet for self expression by creating unique shows and tours in 1989. He soon opened its doors to fellow artists and patrons to navigate similar and deep emotions, calling it the Gregangelo Museum.
While the business also evolved in 1992 to include the Gregangelo and Velocity Circus Troupe, with it all later being a part of the Gregangelo and Velocity Arts and Entertainment company, the mission has remained the same: bring joy to those in dark moments.
“Every time there was something, which there's always going to be something in life, we'd take that grief and turn it into something positive,” Herrera said. “I had no idea I was doing it at the time but now in retrospect, 40 years later, it's exactly what we're doing. The house has always been where people come to when they're grieving.”
The multi-cultural house has been a haven for artists, some of whom Herrera sponsors, from across the globe looking to be liberated from their harsh social norms, war, religious and other constraints. Herrera opens a door of acceptance, care and work for seekers with opportunities to create and collaborate on various projects under his artistic direction.
“People come, they think they're going to see art and they do but they end up becoming part of an experience facilitated by the guides,” stylist and tour guide Nick Brentley said. “We're not docents. We don't tell people, ‘Well, this was created in 1803 and made by this artist who lives over here and it cost this much.’ This is not this kind of place. It's very engaging. It's interactive. It's immersive. People are a part of it.”
Artists like Brentley, Michelle Musser and Monica Paz Soldan work on multiple types of thought-provoking public, private and virtual tours and shows throughout the year such as their “Tea Tour In The Wonderland,” “Into The Rabbit Hole” and “The Haunted Toys of Christmas” experiences, among other typically 60-90 minute unique events. Entry costs anywhere from $11 to over $200.
“What I believe our world really needs right now is to come and play,” Herrera said. “What we always do here, whether it's that show or any show, we're always showing you that we live among many realms.”
Despite the positive nature, it has not come without backlash. The museum has been in a multi-year battle with the homeowners association over its artistic landscaping.
After dozens of complaints, thousands of dollars in fines and multiple visits from building inspectors, Herrera was encouraged to apply for a historic landmark designation and, with help from District 7 Supervisor Myrna Melgar and countless community members, it was registered as the city’s 318th landmark in June. A conditional use authorization for the museum was unanimously approved by the Planning Commision on Oct. 24.
“We took the high road,” Herrera said. “They take the low road. We continue to take the high road. We went through every legal process.”
Even in the face of scrutiny, the museum’s focus has always been on how it can encourage patrons to look deeper within.
“It's a place that, no matter what you're feeling outside in the world, you come in here and have a community of people and you engage into art and to give to the community and you forget about the problems that you have,” creative director and Brazil native Marcelo Defreitas said.
Anne Marie Kristoff (she/her) is a recent graduate from San Francisco State University's journalism program. She enjoys writing about the arts, entertainment and nature.
