Great Art Strolls in the Bay Area
The beginning of each month brings another round of free art walks. Not only do they support local artists, galleries, and boutiques, they’re also community oriented with lots of boozing and schmoozing. Grab a glass of wine and a handful of cheese cubes—it’s time to get artsy.
(SAN FRANCISCO)
Where: Downtown San Francisco
When: First Thursdays (Nov 5 from 5:30-7:30 pm)
Must-see: Igor & Marina @ Caldwell Snyder Gallery through Nov 15—Dreamy mixed media paintings by Russian husband/wife team
A local tradition since 1993, First Thursday is one of the most reputable events of its kind. Hosted by the San Francisco Art Dealers Association, their dozens of member galleries hold open houses and stay open later than usual. Most of the venues are centrally situated in Union Square, but others are located in Pacific Heights, Yerba Buena, Potrero, and Civic Center. Unlike most art walks, this event is especially high-end. Nonetheless, the cool factor remains in tact due to the caliber of talent and international acclaim.
Where: Lower Nob Hill/Tenderloin
When: First Thursdays (Nov 5 from 6-10 pm)
Must-see: Radical Functions @ SMAart Gallery through Nov 21—Ceramics exploring the interaction between functional sculptures and queer bodies
If downtown is filled with highbrow critics and merlot sniffing savants on first Thursdays, the Lower Polk Art Walk is packed with hipsters and punks chugging tall cans of PBR. What better setting than the far reaches of Lower Nob Hill where the Tenderloin marks its turf with piss stained walls and gutters brimming with garbage. The art is edgier, the air is thicker, the crowd is younger, and the party goes on much later. Something interesting is bound to happen, and if not, there’s always a derelict nearby to point you to the best Thai restaurant.
(EAST BAY)
Where: Uptown Oakland—Telegraph between Grand and 27th
When: First Fridays (Nov 6 from 6-9 pm)
Must-see: Rodeo Girl @ Maple Street Denim through Nov 8—Oakland’s own Alison
Tharp is well known as a TV personality, zine publisher, and quirky artist
This list wouldn’t be complete without Art Murmur. Founded in 2006, it’s grown into one of the largest monthly events in Northern California. Whether you’re into people watching, food trucks, or a variety of entertainment options, uptown is the place to be. City slickers who avoid Oakland at all costs would marvel at the diversity on First Friday. It’s basically an all-ages street festival with drinking, smoking, and dancing at every turn. There’s no shortage of distractions, and the artwork is insanely creative, which is indicative of the East Bay’s emergence as a cultural epicenter.
Where: Jingletown and Alameda
When: Second Fridays (Nov 13 from 6-9 pm)
Must-see: Nature (re)Defined @ Gray Loft Gallery through Dec 11—Photography show inspired by the natural beauty of Northern California
Compared to Art Murmur, this event is not only mellower and family friendly, it’s also quite sprawling. It encompasses Jingle Town (an arts community adjacent to the Oakland Estuary) and parts of Alameda across the Park Street Bridge. The crowd tends to be a little older (and wiser) with children and golden retrievers in tow. Many local restaurants, coffee shops, and tea houses participate in the festivities, hosting performance art, live jazz, DJs, and film screenings.
(NORTH BAY)
Where: Mill Valley
When: First Tuesdays (Nov 3 from 6-8 pm)
Must-see: Stanley Mouse @Famous4 through Nov 30— Art show and book signing of a local legend known for his album artwork and psychedelic concert posters during the 60s-70s
Meet the man who co-invented the Grateful Dead’s iconic skull & roses logo. His new paintings almost feel like a different artist. The impressionistic renderings suggest female empowerment, revealing a more refined, sensitive side of Mouse. The 24 participating venues at First Tuesday Art Walk are within a very close proximity, lining Mill Valley’s downtown plaza along Throckmorton Ave.
Where: Downtown San Rafael—4th St between G and Lincoln
When: Second Fridays (Nov 13 from 5-8 pm)
Must-see: Fire & Water @ Art Works Downtown through Nov 13—Juried exhibition with 50 submissions from around the Bay Area
Fire & Water is a special exhibition representing many mediums from paintings to photographs, touching on the themes of drought and global warming. 2nd Fridays feature art exhibits, live music, hor d’oeuvres, drinks, open studios, interactive galleries, and receptions of new work by local artists.
(SOUTH BAY)
Where: Downtown San Jose—SoFA District
When: First Fridays (Nov 6 from 7-11 pm)
Must-see: Orbital @ Anno Domini through Dec 12—The eccentric street art of Dale Marshall from the UK, who cut apart a 30-foot self-portrait into abstract portions
Downtown has come a long way over the past decade with a bustling arts district emerging near the San Jose State campus. South First Fridays is a self-guided tour through Silicon Valley’s best museums, galleries, and independent businesses featuring special performances and eclectic exhibitions. The crowd is young and energetic, and you’d be hard pressed to find a better concentration of culture in the Peninsula.
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Art walks in Redwood City and Sausalito formerly took place on second Wednesdays and Saturdays respectively, but they’ve both been suspended. Other art walks will re-emerge in the spring, and we’ll keep you posted…
For the original article please visit: http://www.upout.com/blog/san-francisco-3/the-best-art-walks-in-the-bay
