(featured image) Christina Fong
The Bay’s art scene is absolutely popping off this week, and if you’ve been craving a culture fix, now’s the time to jump in. From Kate Tova’s bold mixed-media portraits lighting up 2100 Webster Street to a closing cocktail reception at CULT Aimee Friberg, Wednesday sets the tone with expressive works and thoughtful conversations. And that’s just the midweek warm-up.
By Thursday and into the weekend, the city transforms into an art lover’s playground—Wessling Contemporary honors the late Randall Sexton with a rare retrospective, Rosebud Gallery brings queer Latine voices to the forefront, and Castro Art Walk keeps the vibes high with 19 participating venues. Down in San José, Morgann Trumbull Projects debuts with a pop-up that explores ancestral memory and future dreaming. Hungry for the full rundown? Scroll on to see what’s happening and where to be.
Wednesday, Sept. 3rd
Artwork: Kate Tova, Frida 2020, 2021. Mixed Media on Wood, 24 x 24. *Courtesy of the Artist
2100 Webster Street Lobby
Wed, Sept. 3rd 4-6PM
2100 Webster Street Lobby presents Kate Tova’s “Maskerade Collection,” a series of mixed media portraits depicting celebrities wearing expressive face masks that reflect their unique personas. Inspired by the COVID-19 pandemic and her physician husband’s dedication, the series honors healthcare workers and celebrates care, resilience, and strength.
*Poster courtesy of CULT / Aimee Friberg
CULT Aimee Friberg
Wed, Sept. 3rd 5PM
CULT Aimee Friberg presents a closing event for Jessica Jane Charleston’s “Nightsong,” featuring an artist talk and cocktail reception. Writer and theorist Damon R. Young joins Charleston to discuss how self-portraiture, dreamlife, and current events influence her work.
*Poster courtesy of Presidio Theatre
Presidio Theatre x 111 Minna Gallery
Wed, Sept. 3rd 6-8PM
Presidio Theatre and 111 Minna Gallery present “Refractions of Place & Presence,” featuring Yingri Guan and Cristina Miraflor Ibarra, whose works explore performance, memory, and global perspective through technology-driven visuals and live watercolor painting. The exhibition includes an opening reception and artis talk moderated by Rhonel Roberts, offering insight into the artists’ processes and inspirations.
Thursday, Sept. 4th
*Poster courtesy of Good Mother Studio
Good Mother Studio at 945 Market St.
Thu, Sept. 4th 5-7PM
Good Mother Studio presents “Jattekul,” a group exhibition celebrating the start of their residency at 945 Market Street, featuring a dynamic lineup of artists. The opening includes food, drinks, and live music for a lively community gathering.
*Poster courtesy of SF Artists Alumni
SF Artists Alumni at Canessa Gallery
SF Artists Alumni at Canessa Gallery
Thu, Sept. 4th 5-9:30PM
SF Artists Alumni presents the “SFAI Alumni Show 1975–2014” at Canessa Gallery, celebrating over 50 years of creativity. The exhibition features paintings, drawings, sculpture, and pottery by notable artists including Mark Arnold, Melissa Ayr, Buddy Rhodes, and Helena Tiainen. (Sept. 3rd – 30th)
Artwork: Danae Mattes, Of Water, Dust, and Light, III, 2025. Clay and Mica on Canvas, 66 x 65 in. *Courtesy of Dolby Chadwick Gallery
Dolby Chadwick Gallery
Thu, Sept. 4th 5:30-7:30PM
Dolby Chadwick Gallery presents “Of Water, Dust, and Light,” a solo exhibition by Danae Mattes exploring the interplay of clay, water, and light through layered, gravity-shaped compositions that evoke both terrestrial landscapes and celestial phenomena. Rooted in decades of material experimentation, her works merge human gesture with elemental forces to create meditative reflections on nature’s cycles and transformations. (Sept. 4th – 27th)
Artwork: Luis Felipe Chávez. *Courtesy of Jonathan Carver Moore
Jonathan Carver Moore
Thu, Sept. 4th 5:30-7:30PM
Jonathan Carver Moore presents “INTERMedio,” a solo exhibition of oil paintings by Luis Felipe Chávez exploring migration, memory, and cultural identity. Chávez combines imagery of architectural and urban sites from Mexico and the United States to reflect his own immigrant journey. (Aug. 28th – Sept. 27th)
Artwork: Randall Sexton. *Courtesy of Wessling Contemporary
Wessling Contemporary
Thu, Sept. 4th 5:30-8PM
Wessling Contemporary presents “Will the Circle be Unbroken,” a retrospective of the late Randall Sexton’s landscapes, still lifes, and abstract works drawn from his personal collection, celebrating his impact as an artist and teacher. The exhibition highlights over 30 pieces that showcase Sexton’s mastery of realism, color, and form, offering a rare San Francisco presentation of his work in more than a decade. (Sept. 4th – Oct. 2nd)
Artwork: Mel Ramos, [1935-2018], Salou, 1985. Watercolor on Paper. *Courtesy of Modernism Inc.
Modernism Inc.
Thu, Sept. 4th 6-8PM
Modernism presents “Second Nature,” a group exhibition of 50 artworks from 1900 to contemporary exploring the blurred boundary between the organic and the constructed. The show examines how artists depict, manipulate, and reinterpret nature—through material, form, and process—inviting viewers to question what is real, artificial, or “second nature.” (Sept. 5th – Nov. 1st)
*Poster courtesy of Ingleside Gallery
Ingleside Gallery at People’s Barbershop
Thu, Sept. 4th 6-9PM
“Where It Hurts, Where It Heals” at Ingleside Gallery brings together Hassan Shabber, Ian the Meow, and Tanza J. Solis in a group show at People’s Barbershop, transforming the barbershop into a space for reflection and connection. Through bold, tender, and vulnerable works, the artists explore pain, healing, and resilience.
Photo: Debra Reabock, Portal to Imagination. *Courtesy of The Academy SF / Debra Reabock
The Academy SF
Thu, Sept. 4th 6-9PM
The Academy SF hosts a “Women Artist Pop-Up” featuring paintings, photography, jewelry, and woodwork by Debra Reabock, Denise Tarantino, Renee Switkes, Victoria Veedell, Katerina Connearney, and Kim Uno. This free public event pairs art with drinks and offers a preview for SF Open Studios.
*Poster courtesy of 5 Olive Gallery
5 Olive Gallery
Thu, Sept. 4th 6-10PM
5 Olive Gallery presents “In Case We Don’t Die: Life Atlantic,” featuring Danish artists Will Gurley and Bibi Katholm with paintings, sculpture, and interactive installations exploring the space between Europe and the U.S. Their work as Imagination Friendly transforms spaces into playful, educational, and exploratory environments.
*Poster courtesy of Rosebud Gallery
Rosebud Gallery
Thu, Sept. 4th 6-10PM
Rosebud Gallery presents “JuntEsTogether,” a group show co-curated by Cabure Bonugli and Arturo Nájera celebrating Queer Latine voices in the Bay Area with captivating works exploring culture, resilience, and community. This special exhibition, part of the SF First Thursday Art Walk, invites all to experience, connect with, and take home art that is bold, tender, and heartfelt. (Sept. 4th – 26th)
Friday, Sept. 5th
*Photo courtesy of Castro Art Walk
Castro Art Walk
Fri, Sept. 5th 4-8PM
Join the Castro Art Walk and dive into the neighborhood’s vibrant art scene, featuring 19 galleries and local spots with special exhibits—including a one-night pop-up at the San Francisco Railway Museum for Muni Heritage Month! Enjoy guided or self-guided tours, extended business hours, and a fun streetcar route connecting the neighborhood’s mini-art exhibits.
*Artwork: Paul Levinson. *Courtesy of The Academy SF
The Academy SF
Fri, Sept. 5th 5-8PM
The Academy SF hosts a lively reception that unveils their latest artist showcase, featuring works by Bill Samios and Paul Levinson, part of the Castro Art Walk.
*Poster courtesy of an.ä.log Gallery
an.ä.log Gallery
Fri, Sept. 5th 5-9PM
an.ä.log Gallery presents “BENT,” a two-person exhibit featuring John Casey’s painted wood cutouts and sculptures alongside Duncan Sherwood-Forbes’ whimsical wire works. The show includes artist talks and workshops, inviting visitors to engage with the art through hands-on experiences. (Sept. 5th – 20th)
Artwork: Greg Climer, Football Player #2. Cotton on Linen Quilt. *Courtesy of MAG Galleries
MAG Galleries
Fri, Sept. 5th 5-9PM
MAG Galleries presents “Crushes,” a solo exhibition by Greg Climer featuring quilted portraits and textile works that merge traditional craft with digital technology to explore queer adolescence, desire, and masculinity. Through intimate imagery and innovative techniques, Climer transforms fleeting moments into lasting artifacts of tenderness, survival, and possibility. (Sept. 4th – 27th)
Poster art by Evil Mizu. *Courtesy of West Coast Craft
Fort Mason x West Coast Craft x Off the Grid
Fri, Sept. 5th 5-10PM
West Coast Craft brings its signature curated vendors to the Fort Mason Night Market, where shopping meets street food from Off the Grid and live music from Stern Grove Festival. Set against the waterfront backdrop of Fort Mason Center, the event promises a vibrant evening of artful finds, delicious flavors, and dancing under the stars.
*Poster courtesy of 9AM.art
9AM.art at Sweetie’s Art Bar
Fri, Sept. 5th 6-8PM
As part of the North Beach First Fridays art walk, Sweetie’s Art Bar presents “Vases with Heartbeats,” a solo exhibition by 9AM.art that transforms everyday moments into intimate, one-of-a-kind vase paintings. Each piece is an exclusive original—named, personal, and close to the heart. (Sept. 3rd – Oct. 1st)
*Poster courtesy of Arcana SF
Arcana SF
Fri, Sept. 5th 6PM-12AM
Arcana SF presents “CANDYLAND,” a vibrant two-person exhibition by Rachel M. Silva and Brent Hayden that transforms the gallery into a surreal dreamscape of bold palettes and abstract portals. The opening night also features an After Party from 9PM-12AM with live sets from Felipe D. Kennedy for an immersive, celebratory experience. *After Party Tickets $5.50 (Early Bird)
Photo: Artist John Lifton-Zoline at the San Francisco Conservatory of Flowers. *Image courtesy of Richard Lowenberg / Gray Area
Gray Area
Fri, Sept. 5th 6:30PM
Gray Area presents a screening of “The Secret Life of Plants” at the San Francisco Conservatory of Flowers, paired with a live plant music performance by Kal Spelletich. The event revisits 1970s Bay Area biofeedback art history, exploring plant intelligence, environmental perception, and the intersection of art, science, and sound. (Sept. 4th – 27th)
Artwork: Tom Heinz, Inflation. *Courtesy of City Art Cooperative Gallery
City Art Cooperative Gallery
Fri, Sept. 5th 7-10PM
City Art Cooperative Gallery presents its September show with works from over two dozen Bay Area artists, offering a vibrant mix of affordable, local art. As an artist-run cooperative, the gallery fosters community while providing both creators and the public a dynamic space to connect through art. (Sept. 3rd – 28th)
*Poster courtesy of Parts Peculiar
Parts Peculiar
Fri, Sept. 5th 7-11PM
Parts Peculiar hosts a final opening with “Joy of Saturn; Grief Becomes Gold,” a closure show to a project that began last November 2024. Featuring 20+ Bay Area artists, the exhibition explores grief as an alchemical process, transforming hardship into hard-won joy. (Sept. 5th – 28th)
Saturday, Sept. 6th
*Photo courtesy of Gallery 16
Gallery 16
Sat, Sept. 6th 1-4PM
Gallery 16 hosts an exhibition walkthrough with Tucker Nichols, where he’ll discuss “Mostly Everything,” his career-spanning show and book. The conversation will cover a wide range of themes from bucolic scenes to bugs—possibly even a game of Twister on his painting.
*Photo courtesy of Casemore Gallery
Casemore Gallery
Sat, Sept. 6th 2-3PM
Casemore Gallery hosts an artist talk and walkthrough with Cole Barash and curator Janie Perez-Radler, offering an in-depth look at “A Petal’s Edge,” an exhibition that reimagines photography through painting, sculpture, and installation.
*Poster courtesy of Makaan Residency
Makaan Residency at Minnesota Street Project (MSP) Foundation Studios
Sat, Sept. 6th 2-5PM
Makaan Residency presents “We Are Guests Here” at their Staging Gallery at MSP Foundation Studios, a showcase by Helia Pouyanfar that explores the transient state of the refugee body and its relationship with place through construction materials and familial archives. Pouyanfar, a 2025 Recology Artist in Residence, brings an accomplished practice with exhibitions across the Bay Area and beyond.
*Banner courtesy of MerchArt.shop
MerchArt.shop at Caldero
Sat, Sept. 6th 2-7PM
MerchArt.shop presents “Charcuterie,” a solo exhibition by Ian Beermann at Caldero, featuring vibrant, food-inspired paintings and sketches that blend humor, hospitality, and surreal artistry. The works are available for purchase, with a portion of proceeds supporting future art programming.
Artwork: Harry Bertoia. *Courtesy of Hosfelt Gallery
Hosfelt Gallery
Sat, Sept. 6th 3-5PM
Hosfelt Gallery presents “In the Great Oneness: Drawings, Sculpture & Sound,” the first major West Coast exhibition of Harry Bertoia’s work since 1956, featuring more than 60 sculptures and drawings spanning four decades. Celebrated as a pioneer of Mid-Century Modernism, Bertoia’s practice fused form, sound, and nature into a visionary redefinition of sculpture. (Sept. 2nd – Oct. 11th)
*Poster courtesy of Recology x di Rosa SF x Minnesota Street Project
Recology x di Rosa SF x Minnesota Street Project
Sat, Sept. 6th 3-7PM
Recology and di Rosa SF, in partnership with Minnesota Street Project, present “On the Hunt: Scavenger Stories from Bay Area Artists,” an afternoon of dialogue, exploration, and community. Join artists Dana Hemenway, Ron Moultrie Saunders, Nasim Moghadam, and Packard Jennings for a panel moderated by Recology’s Deborah Munk, then explore a scavenger hunt at 1275 Minnesota St., capped with a wine reception at di Rosa SF.
Artwork: Lette Valeska. *Courtesy of Lost Art Salon
Lost Art Salon
Sat, Sept. 6th 4-4:45PM
Lost Art Salon presents “Lette Valeska: Powerful Visions,” a Curator’s Talk by Rob Delamater exploring the life and work of Lette Valeska, highlighting her expressionist paintings and experiences as a Jewish artist during WWII. The discussion also contextualizes Valeska alongside other influential Jewish artists and offers a chance to view the Valeska Collection.
Artwork: Jud Bergeron, Stacked Shapes, 2025. Ink and Copper Leaf on Paper, 20 x 30 in. *Courtesy of Nancy Toomey Fine Art
Nancy Toomey Fine Art
Sat, Sept. 6th 4-6PM
Nancy Toomey Fine Art presents “After Context,” a solo exhibition by Jud Bergeron exploring a single sculptural form as a generative model for variation, disruption, and material experimentation. Through iterative transformations, the works reveal how meaning shifts when form is reframed and reimagined. (Sept. 3rd – Oct. 25th)
Artwork: Tor Archer, Venus of the Pines, 2021. Copper, Marble Base, 34 x 9 x 9 in. *Courtesy of Scott Richards Contemporary Art
Scott Richards Contemporary Art
Sat, Sept. 6th 4-6PM
Scott Richards Contemporary Art presents “Natural Influence,” Tor Archer’s latest solo exhibition of bronze and copper sculptures that intertwine botanical forms, mythology, and symbolism to explore humanity’s bond with nature. Through biomorphic works that balance strength and fragility, Archer invites reflection on our collective need for harmony with the natural world. (Sept. 6th – Oct. 25th)
Photo: Stephanie Duprie Routh, Knowing, 2021/25.Archival Pigment Print on 35 x 51 sheet, framed in black, ed. 1/4+1AP, 32 x 48 in. *Courtesy of SLATE Contemporary
Fox Projects at Minnesota Street Projects
Thu, Sept. 6th 4-7PM
Fox Projects, founded by SLATE Contemporary Co-Director Danielle Fox, debuts with “Daydream in Memories of Youth & Grammar of Possibility” at Minnesota Street Projects, featuring Stephanie Duprie Routh’s nineteen-photograph series exploring memory, identity, and sensuality. The exhibition is accompanied by Dalya Sachs’s poetry and a commissioned scent by Lula Curioca, with a hand-bound limited-edition catalogue highlighting the multimedia experience. (Sept. 5th – 27th)
Artwork: Daniel Albrigo, Mystic100s, 2025. Oil on Canvas, 14 x 22 in. *Courtesy of Eleanor Harwood Gallery
Eleanor Harwood Gallery
Sat, Sept. 6th 5-7PM
Eleanor Harwood Gallery presents “Binding Spell,” curated by Hunter Saxony III, highlighting the diverse practices of tattoo artists whose independent studio work expands the boundaries of contemporary art. Running alongside Saxony’s solo exhibition “Axis of Compassion,” the show explores multifaceted artistic identities and challenges traditional perceptions of tattooing as a creative practice. (Sept. 6th – Oct. 19th)
Artworks: (left to right) Yvonne Mouser, Janus Spirit Cabinet, 2025. Sumi Ink Painted White Oak, Aluminum, Glass, Light, 76 x 37 x 17 in. Zaida Oenema, Reflection, 2025. Handsawn Plywood/Multiplex, Paperpulp, Water, Pigments, Binder, UV-Varnish, Handmade Walnut Frame, 63.7 x 46.5 in. *Courtesy of Municipal Bonds
Municipal Bonds
Sat, Sept. 6th 5-7PM
Municipal Bonds presents two concurrent exhibitions: “Interstice” by Yvonne Mouser and “Reflections” by Zaida Oenema. Mouser’s sculptural works—cabinets, benches, tables, and stools—merge function with form to explore thresholds, transformation, and the balance between permanence and change, while Oenema distills fleeting encounters with the natural world into architectonic compositions through hand-sawn wood, layered paper pulp, pigments, and intricately cut or burned paper reliefs. Together, the exhibitions reflect on material intelligence, temporal states, and the rhythms of the environment. (Sept. 6th – Oct. 25t
Artwork: Scott Albrecht. *Courtesy of Hashimoto Contemporary
Hashimoto Contemporary
Sat, Sept. 6th 5-7PM
Hashimoto Contemporary presents “What Holds Us,” a solo exhibition by Brooklyn-based artist Scott Albrecht that explores themes of human connection and acceptance. Through reconstructed forms in meticulous three-dimensional spaces, Albrecht invites viewers to engage with color, form, and sentiment in a new visual language. (Sept. 5th – 27th)
Artwork: Oliver Lee Jackson, Untitled 7.21.25, 2025. Oil on Panel, 36 x 36 in. *Courtesy of Rena Bransten Gallery
Rena Bransten Gallery
Sat, Sept. 6th 5-7PM
Rena Bransten Gallery presents a survey of paintings, sculptures, and works on paper by celebrated artist Oliver Lee Jackson, showcasing decades of his expansive, spiritually resonant visual language. The exhibition reflects the gallery’s 40-year relationship with Jackson, whose work bridges abstraction and figuration to explore human connection and transcendence. (Sept. 5th – 27th)
*Poster courtesy of 500 Capp Street
500 Capp Street x Et al. x Slash
Sat, Sept. 6th 5-8PM & Sun, Sept. 7th 12-3PM
500 Capp Street, Et al., and Slash present “The Fall Invitational,” a collaborative fundraiser celebrating Bay Area artists and experimental practices. Saturday, Sept. 6 kicks off with a VIP Preview (3–5 PM) offering early access and artist talks, followed by the Main Event (5–8 PM) featuring an exhibition, art sale, performances, and raffle. Sunday, Sept. 7 wraps up with Community Day (12–3 PM), including an art sale, raffle, and DJ set. All proceeds support the three organizations sustaining the Bay Area arts ecosystem. *Tickets $25-$250
Artwork: Bill Kane. *Poster courtesy of Themes+Project
Themes+Project
Sat, Sept. 6th 5-8PM
Themes+Projects presents “Light Bodies,” by Bay Area artist Bill Kane, featuring nineteen new lenticular works that merge ancient Tibetan thangka traditions with contemporary abstraction. These monumental, light-responsive pieces create a chapel-like experience, inviting viewers into a contemplative exploration of color, form, and spirituality. (Sept. 6th – Oct. 25th)
*Banner courtesy of International Art Museum of America (IAMA)
Tendergold Gallery at International Art Museum of America (IAMA)
Sat, Sept. 6th 5:30-7:30PM
Tendergold Gallery at International Art Museum of America (IAMA) presents “Beauty and Hallucination” by Inga McCaslin Frick, a captivating exhibition that blurs the boundaries between physical and virtual worlds through painterly compositions integrating material and digital elements. Frick’s work invites viewers to explore layered illusions of reality, creating a mesmerizing and thought-provoking experience. (Sept. 6th – Oct. 6th)
*Poster courtesy of TINT Gallery
TINT Gallery
Sat, Sept. 6th 5:30-7:30PM
TINT Gallery presents “Celestial Bodies,” featuring Betsy Kenyon’s sun-drawn pinhole camera works and Julia Westerbeke’s punctured paper terrains. Inspired by the sky and life cycles, the exhibition invites viewers to pause and reflect on celestial forces. (Sept. 6th – Oct. 25th)
Artwork: Lynn Hershman Leeson, I See the Future, 2025 (detail). *Courtesy of Altman Siegel
Altman Siegel
Sat, Sept. 6th 6-8PM
Altman Siegel presents “About Time,” Lynn Hershman Leeson’s third solo exhibition with the gallery, featuring new works that blur the boundaries of art, science, and technology. Centered on an experimental anti-aging antibody and accompanied by digital collages, works on paper, and video, the show reflects Hershman Leeson’s radical practice of anticipating cultural and technological shifts through art. (Sept. 6th – Oct. 11th)
Sunday, Sept. 7th
Artwork: Kanna Aoki, Cypress Tree Tunnel. Triptych, Oil on Canvas, 3 Panels, 60 x 36 in. *Courtesy of STUDIO Gallery
STUDIO Gallery
Sun, Sept. 7th 3-5PM
STUDIO Gallery presents a new solo show by Kanna Aoki, featuring her signature local scenes alongside fresh abstracts, large florals, and playful ceramics. The exhibition offers a vibrant mix of works that highlight Aoki’s dynamic range. (Sept. 4th – 22nd)
Beyond SF (Bay Area Picks)
Artworks: (left to right) Ahn Lee, Dream Future, from These I will not lose, 2023. Ceramic, Glaze, Cold Finish, 20 x 12 x 12 in. Sarah Hotchkiss, Double Pink, 2025. Monotype with Handcoloring on Paper, 16 x 12 in. *Courtesy of Morgann Trumbull Projects
*Morgann Trumbull Projects – San José
Fri, Sept. 5th 5-8PM
Morgann Trumbull Projects opens a pop-up gallery at 445 S First Street in San José’s SoFA arts district, presenting a dynamic program of contemporary art in a 2,000-square-foot gallery space. The pop-up features “Ancestral Resonance,” a four-person exhibition exploring ancestry and future-building by Ahn Lee, Charlene Tan, Kristiana Chan, and Nancy Nguyen, alongside “Flat File Show,” showcasing unframed works on paper by Bay Area artists. The gallery also hosts community-focused programming, including artist talks, exhibition walkthroughs, and a Community Press Pop-Up Shop with books, objects, and ephemera from independent local presses, creating a vibrant hub for art and engagement in San José. (Sept. 56th – Oct. 11th)
*Poster courtesy of Oakland Museum of California (OMCA)
*Oakland Museum of California (OMCA) – Oakland
Fri, Sept. 5th 5-9PM
Experience Friday Nights at OMCA with a live performance by Grammy-winning Alphabet Rockers, Drag Storytime with Per Sia, coloring activities with Moms 4 Housing, high-energy set from DJ Broad Strokes, and interactive gallery chats offering fresh perspectives on OMCA’s exhibitions. Plus, enjoy bites from Off the Grid while exploring galleries and soaking in a vibrant, family-friendly community atmosphere.