Vaillancourt Fountain. Photo courtesy of San Francisco Public Library.

Docomomo US/NOCA board members will be picnicking at Embarcadero Plaza on Friday, May 23 to celebrate the plaza and fountain, and to welcome the Vaillancourt family who are visiting from Québec!

Armand Vaillancourt, the fountain’s sculptor, will be joining us to share his unique perspective about his work and its contribution to Bay Area history. We’re excited for a relaxed and inspiring Friday evening of listening, sharing, and straight-up leisure in this beloved, endangered plaza. Please stop by to say hello and welcome Mr. Vaillancourt!

Whether you join us, or picnic another time, bring something to sit on, a snack, a sketchbook, a camera, your skateboard, brick-rubbing materials. Don’t miss out on sending a letter to advocate for the preservation of this significant public space!

We’ll have limited edition vintage fountain postcards for all who stop by to say hello!

Read about Armand Vaillancourt’s visit in the May 22, 2025 issue of San Francisco Chronicle.