From Jul 6 – Aug 22, SF’s YBCA hosts The Bowls Project: Secrets of the Apocalyptic Intimate by Jewlia Eisenberg and Charming Hostess.  This performative installation piece, inspired by Babylonian Jewish women’s amulets known as “demon bowls,” explores the intersection between ancient and modern worlds. Housed within a stunning double-vaulted masonry dome created by celebrated architect Michael Ramage and featuring videography by multi-media artist Shezad Dawood, The Bowls Project creates an intimate, powerful and satisfying intersection between the ancient and modern worlds. The Bowls Project is free to the public in the YBCA Sculpture Court and features an array of public programs, including Thursday night music, Friday night rituals, and Sunday afternoon education workshops.

The Bowls Project Opening Night Ceremony
Tue, Jul 6, 6-8 pm; Sculpture Court; FREE

Performance by Charming Hostess with special music guests
Thu, Jul 15, 22 & 29, Aug 5, 12 & 19, 6-8pm; Sculpture Court; FREE
YBCA’s New Frequencies curator Isabel Yrigoyen and Charming Hostess co-curate a music series with musicians responding to the themes of the project. During performance, the music evokes a sonic space suggested by the spiraled inscriptions of the demon bowls. Charming Hostess will perform the music in Aramaic and English. Musical context for The Bowls Project is drawn from the female body, the rich traditions of the Babylonian Jews, and the apocalyptic intimate strain of American folk music.

In the Bowls: Radical Ritual with special guests
Fri, Jul 16, 23 & 30, Aug 6, 13 & 20, 6-8pm; Sculpture Court; FREE
Joël Tan, Director of Community Engagement at YBCA and Charming Hostess co-curate a ritual participation series with community groups responding to the themes of the project.

Exploring the Bowls: Interact
Sun, Jul 25, Aug 1, 8 & 15, 2-4pm; Sculpture Court; FREE
Charming Hostess offers a series of workshops for visitors who wish to get deep into the themes of the Bowls Project in a hands-on way, including amulet making, text-study, and movement.

The Bowls Project Closing Day Ceremony
Sun, Aug 22, 4-6 pm; Sculpture Court; FREE