The concept behind ArtPärdē Inc. began in 2018 in New York City as a platform for artists to experiment with their craft in a casual atmosphere.
As a full-time artist in NYC, founder Bethany Mitchell first created a curated art salon called ArtSpaß with her roommates Leigh Schanfein and Sara Ciampa in their Brooklyn apartment. Artists would perform experimental acts in the small space, providing a unique performance experience free from venue fees and constraints. After Bethany moved to San Francisco in 2021, ArtSpaß evolved into ArtPärdē, maintaining the spirit of experimentation within a lively house-party atmosphere.
With the help of co-producer Meghna Purkayastha, ArtPärdē Inc. has expanded across San Francisco theaters, presenting over 8 shows and promoting more than 70 local artists. In 2024, ArtPärdē Inc. became an established 501(c)(3) nonprofit, solidifying its mission to support the arts community.
Bethany Mitchell
Founder + Co-Producer
Raised in Mission Viejo, California, Bethany has been a professional dancer for over 20 years on both coasts. She has performed with companies such as Liss Fain Dance and Robert Moses’ Kin in San Francisco, and Battery Dance and Indelible Dance in New York City. While living in New York, she toured as a dancer and teaching artist in more than 40 countries and performed original music at Rockwood Music Hall. In addition to producing ArtPärdē in San Francisco, she has produced her one-woman musical Boxsteps and Beers at The Marsh and Potrero Stages, as well as her music video Dicks, which was accepted into the 2021 Berlin Music Video Awards.
Meghna Purkayastha
Co-Producer
Raised in Orange County, California where she studied Kathak Indian Classical Dance for more than 11 years under guru Punam Kumar. She performed her Samarpan in 2012 and later led the Smith College South Asian dance team, SC Masti, as lead classical dancer and choreographer. Her love for the arts is also inspired by piano which she learned for 10 years, and violin for 3 years. Today, she continues to dance all over San Francisco and works as an Account Executive at Slack, using her business acumen to support fundraising and development efforts.
