Yang Sayang, meaning "precious things" in Indonesian, traces how selfhood shifts under the gaze of others and grows more nuanced in response to love, heartbreak, and the weight of societal events. Journey through poems rooted in African American and Chinese Indonesian identity in McCallum's debut collection, Yang Sayang.

Yang Sayang

On Saturday, December 13, 2025, Decentered Arts hosted **Verse in Fog** at Decentered Studio (1175 Folsom St) — a hushed, city-soaked evening of poetry from four San Francisco voices.

Rhea Joseph, Decentered Arts co-steward and event curator, opened the night, inviting the room to listen like the fog: patient, curious, and wide. Each poet offered a love letter to the city — its streets, ghosts, and fierce tenderness — followed by exclusive screenings of the award-winning poetry shorts _tethered_ and _Welcome to the Tenderloin_.

**Featured readers:**
• **James J. Siegel** — Pushcart-nominated, author of _The God of San Francisco_, and longtime Literary Speakeasy curator.
 • **James Morehead** — Poet Laureate Emeritus (Dublin, CA), poet-filmmaker and creator of the award-winning short _tethered_.
 • **Rhea Joseph** — poet, curator, and Decentered Arts steward, bringing community and movement to the mic.
 • **Jessica Kie McCallum** — multidisciplinary writer and maker exploring identity and expression.

Doors opened at 6:30pm; the program ran from 6:30–8:30pm. The evening unfolded with intimate readings, film interludes, and an after-show hum of conversation — a small, fierce gathering celebrating the poems the city keeps writing.


Verse in Fog: A Poetic Celebration of San Francisco

Four San Francisco poets unfurled city-love and film shorts at Decentered Studio—foggy, intimate, cinematic readings with community resonance and after-show vibes.

The October edition of _Gen Blend_ brought writers and neighbors together for an evening of community, creativity, and shared food at Ruth’s Table. Hosted by Liz Cahill and Jessica Kie McCallum, the event featured readings by **Mary Graves**, **Carl Weiner**, **Daphne Gottlieb**, and **Barbara Handler**, each offering distinct reflections on memory, family, love and personal growth.

After the readings, **Spandan Rath**, a classically trained tabla artist, filled the room with rhythm and warmth, bridging generations through sound before the night transitioned into the open mic. Guests shared original poems and short pieces under the guidance of the Decentered Arts hosts, closing the evening with conversation, snacks, and gratitude.

_Gen Blend_ continues monthly on the first Thursday, nurturing an intergenerational community of writers and listeners in San Francisco’s Mission District. The event is a collaboration between [Ruths Table](https://www.ruthstable.org/), [Community Living Campaign](https://sfcommunityliving.org/) and the [Litquake Elder Project](https://www.litquake.org/elderproject). 



Gen Blend October 2025

An intergenerational writer's potluck and open mic. Every first Thursday at Ruth's Table.

On September 29th, Decentered Studio came alive to celebrate the debut of Jessica Kie McCallum’s poetry collection, _Yang Sayang_. Friends, family, and community members gathered for an evening of art, poetry, and conversation in honor of this landmark publication from Decentered Press.
The evening opened with live music by Nic Hampton—who also designed the book’s striking cover—setting the tone for what followed. A lineup of powerful poetry readings by Connie Lin, Lilly Shi, and Lorrie Change brought their unique voices to the stage before the spotlight shifted to Jess, who shared selections from _Yang Sayang_.
The program continued with a lively Q&A featuring members of the publishing team—Rhea Joseph, Liz Cahill, and Ben Draffin—who discussed the book’s journey to publication. The night closed with a book signing, where attendees had the chance to connect with Jess personally and leave with signed copies of _Yang Sayang_.
Guests dined on Indonesian snacks catered by Dakota (@kamu\_siapa\_kitchen), and Jessica's famous coconut sticky rice Mia Terracotta captured the warmth and beauty of the evening in her lense. The book is available for purchace [here](https://decentered.org/books). 


Yang Sayang by Jessica Kie McCallum Book Launch

Jessica Kie McCallum's debut poetry book Yang Sayang launched on decentered press. This was also the first solo book published off Decentered Press. 

Gen Blend: A monthly intergenerational writers potluck and open mic

**Every First Thursday  |  5:30 - 7:30pm**
Ruth's Table, 3160 21st St, San Francisco, CA 94110 | Free
Join Decentered Arts and our partners [Ruth's Table](https://www.ruthstable.org/), [Community Living Campaign](https://sfcommunityliving.org/), [Adobe Books](https://www.adobebooks.com/), and [Litquake's Elder Project](https://www.litquake.org/elderproject.html) for this inspirational event. Featuring Writers from the Community Living Campaign Writing Program, the Elder Project workshops, local writers across a wide age range, and YOU! Limited Open Mic time available for pieces under 3 minutes. 

This is a free event and potluck! Bring something to share! Beverages available. Each month a delectable culinary creation by Amirali Mir will be shared, as a generous contribution to our potluck.

**Visitor Guidelines: **Face masks are optional.
**Access: **Ruth’s Table gallery and adjacent green space are wheelchair accessible. 
**ASL Interpretation:  **ASL interpretation is available upon request. 72-hour notice required. 

**Registration:  **_Free and open to all. [RSVP here](mailto:contact@ruthstable.org?subject=RSVP%20For%20Gen%20Blend&body=Hello%2C%20I%20would%20like%20to%20RSVP%20for%20Gen%20Blend%20on%20Thursday%208%2F8%20at%205%3A30-7%3A30pm.%20Name(s)%3A)._

**Donate: **The program is free, donations are welcome. 

Support our mission further by making a tax deductible donation to DCA:
<https://givebutter.com/decentered>

**Support the Arts**

At Decentered Arts we believe in building resilient community through art of all mediums. To help achive this we produce Decentered Open Mic, Eventracker, Writers Group, Poolside Poets, curated events, and more to come!
Your support helps us keep this up and dream bigger.

[Donate](https://givebutter.com/decentered)



Gen Blend March 2025

Welcome to Decentered Open Mic, a space where you can shine your light, exorcise your demons and give others a glimpse into your corner of the universe. Music, poetry, storytelling or any art forms yet to be born on our stage, all are welcome. Join us every Sunday at 6pm.


Decentered Open Mic

Our multi-genre open mic features everything from poetry to stand up comedy, music, films and more. Every Sunday at The Center SF, join us!

On an evening in September the Phoenix Hotel hosted Poolside Poets.

Guests came dressed in their best "Wonderland Tea Party"

Think: demure hats and extravagant fascinators, flowing fabrics and whimsical prints, lace gloves with chunky boots, velvet waistcoats and floral crowns, oversized bows and feathered berets, slip dresses with statement hats, psychedelic patterns with vintage coats, tea-length skirts and platform sneakers, sequin vests with frilly collars, powdered cheek and smudged eyeliner, mismatched gloves, flowy capes and bold fascinators — mix & match: lace, chiffon, velvet, tweed, tulle, sequins, florals, vintage finds, festival flair, whatever evoked a mad, marvelous tea.

Featured Poets: Rhea Joseph, Jessica McCallum, Andrew Paul Nelson, Tureeda Mikell, Lorrie Change, Jorell, Connie Lin, Grace Chao, Kevin Madrigal Galindo, Zara Jamshed

Featured Musician: Breezy ( Spotify: <https://open.spotify.com/artist/7bvfenePiLz7CDxOPBBwQD?si=MJHCBE0WST-ch8bD0fHHPQ> )


Poolside Poets September 2024

Psychedelic hats, tea-stained lace, and poetry soaked the Phoenix Hotel—guests dressed like Alice tripping through a spoken-word wonderland.

Gen Blend: A monthly intergenerational writers potluck and open mic

**Every First Thursday | 5:30 - 7:30pm**
Ruth's Table, 3160 21st St, San Francisco, CA 94110 | Free
Join Decentered Arts and our partners [Ruth's Table](https://www.ruthstable.org/), [Community Living Campaign](https://sfcommunityliving.org/), [Adobe Books](https://www.adobebooks.com/), and [Litquake's Elder Project](https://www.litquake.org/elderproject.html) for this inspirational event. Featuring Writers from the Community Living Campaign Writing Program, the Elder Project workshops, local writers across a wide age range, and YOU! Limited Open Mic time available for pieces under 3 minutes.

This is a free event and potluck! Bring something to share! Beverages available. Each month a delectable culinary creation by Amirali Mir will be shared, as a generous contribution to our potluck.

**Visitor Guidelines: **Face masks are optional.
**Access: **Ruth’s Table gallery and adjacent green space are wheelchair accessible.
**ASL Interpretation: **ASL interpretation is available upon request. 72-hour notice required.

**Registration: **_Free and open to all. [RSVP here](mailto:contact@ruthstable.org?subject=RSVP%20For%20Gen%20Blend&body=Hello%2C%20I%20would%20like%20to%20RSVP%20for%20Gen%20Blend%20on%20Thursday%208%2F8%20at%205%3A30-7%3A30pm.%20Name(s)%3A)._

**Donate: **The program is free, donations are welcome.

Support our mission further by making a tax deductible donation to DCA:
<https://givebutter.com/decentered>

**Support the Arts**

At Decentered Arts we believe in building resilient community through art of all mediums. To help achive this we produce Decentered Open Mic, Eventracker, Writers Group, Poolside Poets, curated events, and more to come!
Your support helps us keep this up and dream bigger.

[Donate](https://givebutter.com/decentered)



Gen Blend September 2024

On an evening the Phoenix Hotel hosted Poolside Poets.

Guests came dressed in their best "Mystical Seduction"

Think: lace and velvet, sheer layers and harnesses, forest-fairy wings with leather boots, lingerie as outerwear, cutouts with mossy textures, corsets under billowy capes, sultry slip dresses and thigh-highs, iridescent body paint and avant-garde makeup, floral crowns with chains, chiffon layered with leather, mesh and velvet mashups, feathered collars and harness straps, moonlit sequins and earthy boots — mix & match: lace, velvet, mesh, leather, chiffon, sequins, harnesses, whatever summoned enchantment and desire

Featured Poets: Ben Draffin, Rhea Joseph, Liz Cahill, Baruch Porras-Hernandez, Giovanna Lomanto, Denise Maisel, Blake Sugarman, Theory, Spinelli, Connie Lin, Jane

Featured Musician: Major Butta (Spotify: <https://open.spotify.com/artist/69whnvOI33go5sIHpIKpVq?si=Ziy8grTbR6OT1YazU1K_DA>)

Dancers: Jessica McCallum, Eline Castro & Gabby Wei


Poolside Poets June 2024

An evening of sexy poetry, live music and dance at the historic Phoenix Hotel. Brought to you by Decentered Arts, Rhea Joseph, Ben Draffin, Liz Cahill, and friends.

On an evening in late December the Phoenix Hotel hosted Poolside Poets.

Guests came dressed in their best "Velvet Night"

Think: velvet robes and fuzzy slippers, onesies with sequins, snuggies with combat boots, bathrobes with heels, blanket capes over silk pajamas, fuzzy socks and stilettos, velvet blazers with thermal leggings, cashmere turtlenecks and glitter pants, faux-fur coats over pajamas, silk robes with beanies, oversized cardigans paired with metallic boots, knit sweaters over lace slips, robe + corset mashups, pajama tops with leather pants, shawls and chunky scarves — mix & match: velvet, faux fur, silk, knit, fleece, leather, denim, sequins, whatever kept you cozy and sparkly on the longest night.

Featured Poets: Loke Tamba, Theory, Rhea Joseph, Maya Cowan, Lorrie Chang, Charlie Getter, Hay, Halim Madi, Jacquelynn Kohain-King, Jessica McCallum, Elise Liu, Lilly Shi

Featured Musician: Loke Tamba <https://tinyurl.com/Loke-Tamba>


Poolside Poets December 2023

Cozy poets wrapped in velvet and onesies shared fire-lit verse—guests WORE their softest layers on winter’s longest night.

On an evening in early October the Phoenix Hotel hosted Poolside Poets.

Guests came dressed in their best "Meet Me at Sunset"

Think: sunset silks and sand-streaked denim, gauzy linens and terracotta, slip dress with sandals, straw hat and sunglasses, bronzed skin and bronzy highlighter, flowy kaftan and bare feet, linen blazer over a silk slip, crochet cover-up and heels, sundown sequins, warm ombre prints, driftwood neutrals, thrifted glam, sundress with combat boots, layered scarves and loose shirts, sun-kissed lipstick, last-light layers — mix & match: linen, silk, cotton, mesh, chiffon, leather, denim, whatever caught the golden hour glow

Featured Poets: Liz Cahill, Rhea Joseph, Spinelli, Theory, Giovanna Lomanto, Lorrie Chang, Denise Masiel, Charlie Getter, Jess McCallum, Maya Cowan, Sara Saavedra, Paul Reginato

Featured Musician: Alex in Waves <https://open.spotify.com/artist/71dmPddi53mtjP9lgacYjQ>

Dancers: Eline Castro, Gabby Wei & Heather Maitland


Poolside Poets October 2023

Guests glowed in golden-hour glam as poets, dancers, and musicians lit up the Phoenix Hotel for a dreamy poolside night.

Jessica Kie McCallum

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