THRIFT TOWN (2005), BY KATHERIN McINNIS

"As Is"

VIDEO ART Ah, I love Thrift Town. After walking through the doors of the gigantic secondhand store — corner of Mission and 17th Streets in San Francisco — I head to the mountains of hand-knit goodies (some of which are discernible as scarves and gloves, some of which remain mysterious shapes). Next I climb the stairs to the second floor, where shelves upon shelves of coffee mugs and pans in every style, color, and condition are waiting patiently for an eager owner to discover them and take them home. You can truly find just about anything here, and for cheap. In homage to Thrift Town's contributions to the community, Mission 17 Gallery, housed in the unit just above the discount store, hosts "As Is," an exhibition of new works by video artist Katherin McInnis that focus on this "museum of great finds." The show includes interview sessions with regular shoppers like Guardian astrology columnist Jessica Lanyadoo, film curator Craig Baldwin, and filmmaker Douglas Katelus and captures the uniqueness and importance of this long-standing institution. (Eliana Fiore)

AS IS Mission 17 Gallery, March 3–31 (reception Fri/3, 6–9 p.m.)

Tues., 3–6 p.m.; Sat., 2–5 p.m., and by appt.

2111 Mission, Suite 401, SF. (415) 336-2349