Behind the Scenes

With 2%-for-art funding generated by the Balboa Pool renovation, the San Francisco Arts Commission engaged local artist Jason Jägel to create a 37 x 13-foot mural. Conceived as a swimming pool of the imagination whose visitors come from diverse times, places and realties, All My Friends at Once pays tribute to the facility and the surrounding neighborhoods it has served since it opened in 1959. Central to the composition are figures symbolizing the San Francisco Merionettes, an award-winning synchronized swimming club formed in 1956, which continues to practice at the Pool today. 

According to the artist, “I would like All My Friends At Once to contribute to the joy and adventure of Balboa Pool. The mural wants to share your time at the pool, celebrate our neighborhoods and fill you with color."

“Jason Jägel is a celebrated San Francisco-based artist whose work can be found in the collections of the Museums of Modern Art in both San Francisco and in New York City, to name a few,” says Director of Cultural Affairs Tom DeCaigny. “We were thrilled to have the opportunity to work closely with our colleagues at the Recreation and Park Department to incorporate a permanent public artwork by such an esteemed local artist into this beautiful new facility.” 

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