Harriet Sebastian & Nick Refuerzo x For You

Harriet Sebastian (b. 1932; Cincinnati, OH) is an American painter, singer, performance artist, writer and community activist living in San Francisco, CA. Harriet created a painting called Bridgemen that represents the men who built the Golden Gate Bridge and the Bay Bridge. Bridgemen was temporarily exhibited at San Francisco City Hall next to the Mayor's office. Harriet would love City Hall to be Bridgemen's permanent home. She is currently working on a memoir called The Miracle Children and has published a book of poetry called Harriet Speaks. She said to us, “I have had a beautiful life. I’ve been a strong person and have used my strength to stand up for myself and for others, too." For You (Erika Chong Shuch, Rowena Richie and Ryan Tacata) met with Harriet over the phone, recorded a few of her stories, and collaborated with animator Nick Refuerzo on Lady Harriet.

Nick Refuerzo is a Denver based editor and animator. He received his BA in Film & Media Studies at the University of California, Irvine. He studied in Paris and London, receiving an MA in Filmmaking at The London Film School. He has edited and animated short films that have been nominated in over 40 international film festivals, and edited and animated music videos for major musicians including Andrew Bird and Kishi Bashi. Currently he works in the news industry nationally, creating content for over 60 markets across the United States. He has won regional and national Edward R. Murrow awards, a Walter Cronkite for Excellence in Television Political Journalism award, and 3 regional Emmys.