Klea McKenna Maker

What are you up to these days? This fall has been all about art. I just finished a photographic installation for Z Space at Theatre Artaud, it’s a series of large color photograms made within the darkened theatre. I'm also working on a completely different kind of project with my friend Nikki Grattan that we began earlier this year. It’s a blog called In The Make that showcases weekly studio visits with artists and designers through photographs and text. The project has been an incredible ride so far, and we have big plans for it in the future.

SF is... hard to leave and wonderful to come home to.

Where would you have your last meal on earth? Soba noodles and sautéed kale from my backyard garden; the comfort food of a hippie childhood. 

Who's your favorite quintessential local character? The girl who runs up Bernal Hill each day in a string bikini. She really owns it.

Where's your go-to date place? Saturday morning date with my husband: we grab coffee and scones at Sandbox Bakery and then wander through the Alemany Farmers' Market (or flea market, if it's a Sunday). There’s nothing I’d rather do.

Why do you love your neighborhood? I can walk up the hill and watch hawks circling over the city or I can walk down the hill and get beers and pozole with friends. I grew up rural, so I need a little open space. Bernal is my happy medium.

What's your favorite SF institution? The Conservatory of Flowers. It’s like a $5 trip to the tropics. On a cold winter day you can just stand in there, breathe the warm humid air, and be transported.