(featured image) Matt Gonzalez, Illegibility, hoarsely, 2024. Found Paper Collage, 10 x 8 in. *Courtesy of Dolby Chadwick Gallery
The San Francisco art scene is buzzing this week, and we’ve got your ultimate guide to can’t-miss events that celebrate creativity, community, and cultural diversity! From inspiring student showcases at the Museum of Craft and Design to live art-making at 111 Minna Gallery, Wednesday kicks off with opportunities to witness art in action and support local talent. On Thursday, dive into cultural history with Letterform Archive’s thought-provoking exploration of Mexican print traditions. Whether you’re drawn to contemporary exhibitions or hands-on art experiences, there’s something for everyone in the lineup.
The excitement continues into the weekend with Friday’s festive Fort Mason Holiday Night Market, offering over 100 vendors, live music, and a free screening of The Nightmare Before Christmas. For those seeking deeper artistic insights, exclusive gallery previews like “RugLife” at the Museum of Craft and Design and Elaine Pratt’s “Dreamscapes” at the Commonwealth Club are sure to captivate. Keep the momentum going through Saturday with unique pop-ups, guided art walks, and exhibitions across the city. Ready to explore the full lineup and plan your art-filled week? Keep reading below for all the details!
Wednesday, Dec. 11th
*Banner courtesy of Museum of Craft and Design
Museum of Craft and Design
Wed, Dec. 11th 11AM-12:30PM
Join the Museum of Craft and Design for a special Trunk Show featuring unique, laser-cut jewelry created by AccessSFUSD: The Arc students. This event celebrates the students’ internship and creative achievements, empowering them to showcase their work and build confidence.
*Poster courtesy of 111 Minna Gallery
111 Minna Gallery
Wed, Dec. 11th 5-10PM
Join Sketch Wednesday at 111 Minna Gallery for a vibrant evening of live art creation, networking, and art sales directly benefiting artists. Featuring special guest Jay Howell, live music by DJ Josh Yule, and delicious bites by Chef Shay By The Bay, this event also showcases exhibitions by Howell and Attaboy.
Thursday, Dec. 12th
*Photo courtesy of Altman Siegel
Altman Siegel
Thu, Dec. 12th 11AM-5PM
Altman Siegel is opening a new temporary gallery space in Presidio Heights, featuring works by various artists that reflect on the changing of the seasons and moments of transition. The inaugural installation showcases a selection of works by gallery artists, including Liam Everett, Laeh Glenn, and Trevor Paglen, among others.
*Banner courtesy of Letterform Archive
Letterform Archive
Thu, Dec. 12th 6-7:45PM
“Europe Meets Mesoamerica: A Culture Clash of Skulls and Letters” explores the revolutionary 19th-century Mexican prints that inspired artists and type designers, highlighting the cultural fusion between European and indigenous traditions in Mexico. Join Jim Nikas, founder of the Posada Art Foundation, for a “Live at the Archive” presentation on the legacy of José Guadalupe Posada and the impact of his work on social movements and visual culture.
Friday, Dec. 13th
*Poster courtesy of Fort Mason Center for Arts & Culture
Fort Mason Center for Arts & Culture
Fri, Dec. 13th 4-9PM
Fort Mason Center for Arts & Culture (FMCAC), West Coast Craft, Off The Grid, and FMCAC resident groups present the Fort Mason Holiday Night Market 2024, featuring over 100 curated craft merchants, food trucks, live music, art installations, and holiday activities like photos with Santa, snow alley fun, and an ornament-making workshop. This free event also includes a screening of The Nightmare Before Christmas, waterfront views, and special dining menus from FMCAC residents.
Artwork: Oksana Levchenya, Pac Man and Cossacks, 2022. Hemp Thread and Natural Dyed Wool, 80 x 140 in. *Image courtesy of the Artist
Museum of Craft and Design
Fri, Dec. 13th 5-7PM
The Museum of Craft and Design invites members to an exclusive preview of “RugLife,” featuring works by 14 contemporary artists exploring cultural themes through rug artistry. Meet curators Ginger Gregg Duggan and Judith Hoos Fox and gain first access to this thought-provoking exhibition. (Dec. 14th – Apr. 20th, 2025)
Artwork: Michael Scagliotti. *Courtesy of Orion Custom Framing
Orion Custom Framing
Fri, Dec. 13th 5-8PM
Orion Custom Framing presents Michael Scagliotti’s solo exhibition of fluid paintings at their Mission St. studio. These meditative works, ranging from abstract patterns to impressionist landscapes, are showcased in handcrafted frames that enhance their organic, expressive character.
Artwork: Elaine Pratt, Garden Gate. *Courtesy of the Artist
The Commonwealth Club
Fri, Dec. 13th 5-8:30PM
The Commonwealth Club presents Elaine Pratt’s “Dreamscapes,” a captivating solo exhibition of dreamlike abstracts exploring themes of global warming, interpersonal drama, and equality. Join the opening reception and artist talk at 5:45 PM during the Members & Friends Holiday Mixer for an insightful look into Pratt’s creative process. (Dec. 13th – Feb. 2025)
*Poster courtesy of the Haight Street Art Center
Haight Street Art Center
Fri, Dec. 13th 6-8PM
The Haight Street Art Center presents “Amsterdam Calling: The Paradiso Posters of Martin Kaye, 1972-1983,” showcasing 90 screen-printed posters from Kaye’s iconic designs for Paradiso Amsterdam. This U.S. debut celebrates Kaye’s bold typography and innovative style, which stood apart from both 1960s psychedelic posters and 1970s punk flyers, making his work a unique response to Amsterdam’s vibrant urban environment.
*Poster courtesy of Rosebud Gallery
Rosebud Gallery
Fri, Dec. 13th 6-10PM
Get into the holiday spirit with Hella Queer, a holiday art market at Rosebud Gallery. Enjoy and shop unique art pieces from 10 local artists, cold drinks, and good vibes while supporting the local art scene.
*Poster courtesy of SF Camerawork
SF Camerawork
Fri, Dec. 13th 6:30-9:30PM
Celebrate 50 years of SF Camerawork at their Annual Holiday Benefit, featuring music, refreshments, raffle items, and exceptional photography at their Fort Mason gallery. Enjoy an evening of art, community, and festive fun while supporting San Francisco’s hub for innovative photography since 1974.
Saturday, Dec. 14th
Artwork: Javier Manrique, Feeling the Redwoods, 2017. Acrylic on Canvas, 48 x 60 in.*Courtesy of Sin Título Gallery
Sin Título Gallery @ Project Artaud’s SPACE 124
Sat & Sun, Dec. 14th & 15th 11AM-5PM
Sin Título Gallery hosts a pop-up show at Project Artaud’s SPACE 124, showcasing recent works by a diverse roster of Latin American artists, including Javier Manrique, Claudia Martínez Lanz, and Paula Valenzuela. (Dec. 14th & 15th)
*Banner courtesy of 1890 Bryant Street Studios
1890 Bryant Street Studios
Sat & Sun, Dec. 14th & 15th 12-5PM
The artists of 1890 Bryant are hosting a Festive Holiday Show, featuring gift-sized art from 40 artists, including jewelry, prints, pottery, and more. Enjoy festive refreshments and free admission while exploring art across two floors. (Dec. 14th & 15th)
*Banner courtesy of Galeria de la Raza
Galeria de la Raza
Sat & Sun, Dec. 14th & 15th 12-5PM
Celebrate the holidays at Galería de la Raza’s annual Holiday Mercado, featuring over 20 local San Francisco and Bay Area artists and vendors offering unique gifts. Don’t miss the final Lunada Literary Lounge of 2024 on Sunday evening. (Dec. 14th & 15th)
Artwork: Yu Jean Choi. *Courtesy of Inclusions Gallery
Inclusions Gallery
Sat Dec. 14th-15th 12-5PM
Inclusions Gallery hosts San Francisco sculptor and jeweler Yu Jean Choi for a special one-day jewelry event. Discover her handcrafted, one-of-a-kind jewelry featuring architectural forms, sculptural lines, and striking combinations of silver, gold, and gemstones.
Artwork: René Rodriguez, City Hall. Acrylic on Canvas. *Courtesy of Hayes Valley Art Works
Hayes Valley Art Works
Sat, Dec. 14th 1-4PM
Celebrate the holiday season at Hayes Valley Art Works’ Holiday Art Show featuring live jazz by the Jazz Gardeners, an artist reception, and a vibrant exhibit showcasing 16+ local artists. Enjoy festive music, art, food, and wine while discovering unique gift items, with proceeds supporting community art programs. (Dec. 1st – Jan. 12th, 2025)
Artwork: MGP Andersen, Childhood. Oil Painting, 36 x 36 in. *Courtesy of SFWA Artists Gallery
SFWA Artists Gallery
Sat, Dec. 14th 2-4PM
SFWA Artists Gallery presents “Remembrances,” juried by Donna C. Davis of UMA Gallery, alongside an Artist Salon featuring works by talented SFWA artists. Discover captivating exhibits from Susan Johnson, Zhanna Urodovskikh, Pam Borrelli, and more. (Dec. 10th – Jan. 3rd, 2025)
*Banner courtesy of Mission Vibrant
Mission Vibrant
Sat, Dec. 14th 2-5PM
Join a free guided art walk or self-explore the vibrant art scene of Mission Street, hosted by Mission Vibrant and Clare Eva. Visit participating venues like an.ä.log SF, Methode Made, City Art Cooperative, The Annex, Abanico Coffee Roasters, and Murales for a diverse range of exhibitions, including contemporary Ukrainian art, textile design, and interactive visual rhythms.
Artwork: Megan Seiter, Paix, 2024. Colored Pencil and Pastel on Paper, 22.5 x 14 in (left). Matt Gonzalez, This life-refuge, glowing, 2024. Found Paper Collage, 14 x 11 in (right). *Courtesy of Dolby Chadwick Gallery
Dolby Chadwick Gallery
Sat, Dec. 14th 2:30-4:30PM
Dolby Chadwick Gallery presents Megan Seiter’s “Bloom,” a series of detailed colored pencil and watercolor still-lives that capture the complexity of light and color in floral arrangements, and Matt Gonzalez’s “Labyrinths,” a collection of monochromatic collages made from found materials that explore the concept of the labyrinth through layered, graphic compositions. (Dec. 14th – Feb. 1st, 2025)
Artwork: Anoka Faruqee and David Driscoll, 2024P-26, 2024. Acrylic on Linen on Panel, 60 x 60 in. *Courtesy of Hosfelt Gallery
Hosfelt Gallery
Sat, Dec. 14th 3-5PM
Hosfelt Gallery presents “Dark Rainbow,” an exhibition by Anoka Faruqee and David Driscoll, featuring moiré paintings that explore the intersection of physics, color theory, and visual perception. The artists’ collaborative works create complex, layered patterns that transform the invisible into tangible, transcendent experiences of light and form. (Dec. 6th – Jan. 25th, 2025)
*Poster courtesy of Catharine Clark Gallery
Catharine Clark Gallery
Sat, Dec. 14th 3-7PM
Catharine Clark Gallery is hosting their Annual Holiday Party featuring a photobook artist market and a presentation of miniature paintings by Chester Arnold. The event includes a meet-and-greet with gallery artists, a showcase of new monographs and artist books, and opportunities to engage with creative practices and discover unique publications.
*Banner courtesy of San Francisco High School of the Arts
San Francisco High School of the Arts
Sat, Dec. 14th 3:30-6PM
Celebrate creativity at HSArts’ Winter Wonders 2024 at Herbst Theater, featuring exceptional student performances in ballet, Chinese dance, music, and vocal artistry alongside a stunning art exhibition. This inspiring afternoon showcases the talent of HSArts’ middle and high school students and the Dance Conservatory, offering a memorable celebration of artistry and excellence. *Tickets $50
*Exhibition poster courtesy of Babylon Burning
Babylon Burning
Sat, Dec. 14th 5-9PM
David Fullerton’s exhibition “Potential Causes of Our Current Consternation” opens at Babylon Burning featuring live printing, music by Carolyn from KXSF and KALX, and a pop-up with vintage clothing and jewelry. Join the event for a thought-provoking evening with art, music, and more, including hot sauce from El Enojado.
Artwork: Amandalynn, Medicine Woman. *Courtesy of Modern Eden Gallery
Modern Eden Gallery
Sat, Dec. 14th 6-8PM
Modern Eden presents “Medicine,” a solo exhibition by Amandalynn featuring 44 hand-painted illustrations from her Medicine Card Deck, along with works by other artists exploring healing through art. The event also includes classes and lectures on various healing modalities during the daytime on both Saturday and Sunday.
Artwork: Chase Irvin, Mud and Soil, 2024. Acrylic on Canvas, 22 x 28 in. *Courtesy of Root Division
Root Division
Sat, Dec. 14th 6-8PM
Root Division presents three compelling exhibitions: Chase Irvin’s “Asking for the Mud to Give Way,” a poignant exploration of grief through abstract self-portraiture; “New Works,” a dynamic group exhibition curated by PJ Gubatina Policarpio and Vanessa Perez Winder, celebrating the creativity of emerging artists from the Studios Program; and “Phygital Care,” curated by Judit Navratil, delving into the concept of intangible care as a collective practice bridging analog and digital realms. (Dec. 12th – Jan. 3rd, 2025)
Sunday, Dec. 15th
*Poster courtesy of Luna Rienne Gallery
Luna Rienne Gallery
Sun, Dec. 15th 11AM-5PM
Luna Rienne Gallery hosts a Holiday Pop-Up, featuring local makers offering recycled glass treasures, artisan jewelry, art prints, micro-batch sauces, designer clothing, aromatics, and Japanese light bites. Shop handmade gifts, cards, and crochet designs while supporting small businesses this holiday season.
Artwork: Tiffany Shlain, My Center will Hold, 2023. *Courtesy of the Artist
Contemporary Jewish Museum
Sun, Dec. 15th 11:30AM-12:30PM
Join artists Tiffany Shlain and Amy Trachtenberg for a conversation at Contemporary Jewish Museum, as they explore the intersections of identity and heritage through their artworks in the California Jewish Open. The event is part of a monthly series, “Connecting with Jewishness Through Art,” where artists discuss how their artistic practice expresses their Judaism or Jewish identity.
*Poster courtesy of Gem Studio
Gem Studio
Sun, Dec. 15th 2-6PM
Gem Studio hosts a free Student Showcase, transforming the studio into a gallery for one day to celebrate the artwork of young artists created since its opening in 2023. Enjoy a day of art, snacks, drinks, and a small activity as the community celebrates creativity in this free, family-friendly event