By Vanessa VerLee

Since 2020, a quiet stretch of 37th Avenue in the Sunset District has been a hub of connection and creativity. Nestled between A.P. Giannini Middle School and Sunset Boulevard, and free from residential homes or driveways, this street has transformed into a vibrant space for markets, cultural events and community collaborations.

At the heart of these activities sits “The Artship,” a vividly painted shipping container serving as a creative hub during events. It offers art supplies, themed workshops and cultural programming that blends education, community building and play.

Angie Petitt, a Sunset District resident since the early 1990s, founded Sunset Mercantile in 2014, a mission-driven business that fosters community through markets and events. With locations across the neighborhood, the organization plays a central role in activating 37th Avenue and beyond.

The concept of The Artship emerged from “Playland on 43rd Avenue,” a project where Petitt and collaborators transformed a neglected parking lot into a thriving community space with a skate park, garden, playground and The Artship, a shipping container that the Friends of Playland transformed into an artist in residence space.

Although Playland has since been replaced by the Shirley Chisholm Village housing development, supporting local educators and their families, the spirit of Playland on 43rd Avenue lives on in The Artship, now located on 37th Avenue near Ortega Street.

Helping to maintain that spirit, former Playland on 43rd Avenue Steward, Karen Hendrickson, joined the Sunset Mercantile team in 2022, bringing her passion for art and literacy to helping to coordinate art activities, cultural programming and literacy programs, including a free library to the community through The Artship.

“Every time we host an event, The Artship is part of it,” Petitt said. From tie-dye workshops to crafts inspired by current events to cultural events like their recent Diwali celebration, The Artship engages participants of all ages. “We’re trying more and more to bring adults into it, to tap into their creative side and inner play.”

During the pandemic, 37th Avenue was temporarily closed, offering a safe outdoor space for activities like dance classes and school graduations. This inspired Petitt’s vision for a permanent community hub.

“If the street were permanently closed, the possibilities are endless,” she said. “We could work with schools, host interactive exhibits and create spaces for seniors and teens – a place for community connection and well-being.”

However, significant hurdles remain. The street is currently used by school buses, and approvals from both the City and the school district are required. Funding is another challenge.

While grants from organizations like New Deal have supported The Artship’s programming, much of the work relies on Petitt’s staff and limited resources.

“I’m passionate about it, so we (the staff of Sunset Mercantile) just kind of keep it going,” Petitt admitted.

To address these constraints, Petitt is considering a nonprofit arm for Sunset Mercantile.

“A lot of people have suggested going nonprofit,” she said. “There’s so much we do that could fit under that structure, making it easier to fundraise for projects such as The Artship.”

Despite these challenges, 37th Avenue’s events are thriving. The farmers markets and Secondhand Saturdays draw lively crowds, while cultural celebrations, like Día de los Muertos, offer rich programming for families. There is also an outdoor play and seating area built by the local non-profit Climate Action Now and a community garden. The Artship’s presence extends to nearby events outside of 37th Avenue, such as the Movies in McCoppin series, where The Artship staff member Nova Taylor went mobile offering craft-themed projects for the films shown.

Looking ahead, Petitt dreams of expanding offerings to include evening events like night markets and illuminated exhibits.

“I see this as a great opportunity, especially for teens,” she said. “There’s not a lot for young people to do in the Sunset, and it would be wonderful to give them a safe, fun place to gather.”

Whether it is through solar panels for The Artship, expanded programming including wellness classes or permanent street closures, Petitt’s vision is bold and inclusive. With the dedication of her team at Sunset Mercantile and the support of the community, this unassuming stretch of 37th Avenue is poised to become a cornerstone of Outer Sunset life.

“We’ve already seen how much good can come from creating these community spaces,” she said. “The possibilities really are endless.”