Willie Brown's Beau Brummell

Rich Newirth, for the last 2 1/2 years the commission's salaried director of cultural affairs, concurs: "If someone on the Art Commission has a good idea, it's a catalyst for involving other city agencies -- particularly the Planning Department."

Though the Art Commission employs a staff of 21 and operates on $3 million to $4 million annually, the programs mandated by the city charter preoccupy the commission much of the time, Newirth says. A strong president, he notes, could reallocate the agency's staff time -- redirecting efforts away from design review, for instance, for more emphasis on performing arts. "The actual power inherent in the position is a function of who's in that position," he observes.

Gatti's connections to the city's benefactors may help spread the wealth on Art Commission projects. Certainly, his ability to beg and borrow can't hurt; much of the material and food for Brown's inaugural, for instance, was donated -- thanks, in large part, to Gatti's ties to suppliers.

But questions of power aside, Gatti himself sees his role as one of bringing new ideas and passion to a broader public. "I'm known to be a bit impatient with lack of progress, with mediocrity," Gatti avers. "If something's superficial, I know it right away. But if it's heartfelt, then it's something I can get behind."

On one subject Gatti is firm: "If, on the Art Commission, I find that I am not making a contribution to the city, then I will resign." Though he acknowledges that he's a bit unsure of how his role will evolve, he says he trusts his "own healthy ego" and his love of art and music to guide him (he's a painter, as well as a piano, drum, and saxophone player). Gatti points to a shelf in his office, where a block of wood is inscribed with the words "It comes from the compulsion to create." He shrugs, then flashes a smile: "Start within and move out. It's that simple.