With so many things to do in San Francisco, it's easy to miss the many fantastic art exhibits and shows that pass through smaller galleries, as opposed to big museum shows. While it's nearly impossible for even the most ardent art lover to see it all, we've once again curated a collection of must see exhibits currently (or soon to be) gracing the walls of San Francisco's finest art spaces. Plan accordingly.
"The Black Woman is God," SomArts Cultural Center
What happens when 60 artists working in sculpture, painting and new media come together and focus on the endless contributions of black women artists and social change-makers? "The Black Woman is God" is about to find out in this exciting curated exhibit. The month-long exhibition includes performance pieces and panel discussions in addition to a ton of thought-provoking art. Through August 17, SomArts Cultural Center, 934 Brannan, SF.
"Casey Grey: Paper Trail," Legion San Francisco
Noted San Francisco artist Casey Grey works exclusively with paper in this month's run at Legion. Using spray paint and masking techniques, Grey's work uses every day images sourced from—wait for it—Google. Through August 19, Legion San Francisco, 679 Clay Street, SF.
"Inside Out and Upside Down," Great Highway Gallery
Head far out to Ocean Beach and check out this emotional exhibit from artists Jason Arnold and Jonathan Steinberg. Arnold's oil paint portraits focus on actual people from his personal life, whereas Sternberg's mixed media work utilizes everything from paper to a mass-produced surf toy. Through August 13, Great Highway Gallery, 3649 Lawton Street, SF.
Florian Ladstaetter, Velvet Da Vinci
Vienna's Florian Ladstaetter brings his complex body adornments and jewelry pieces to Polk Street. We're particularly obsessed with Ladstaetter's hand-painted wooden bead necklaces, but with entire exhibit is completely lust-worthy. Through July 31, Velvet Da Vinci, 2015 Polk Street, SF.
"Mystery and Narrative," Slate Contemporary/Oakland
Plot twist! Slate Contemporary's newest exhibit features four artists whose work draws us in to various and complex artistic mysteries. Featuring artists Monique Crine, Michael Garlington, GR Martin and Danielle Mourning, the exhibit's works are seriously mesmerizing and will haunt the viewer long after they leave the gallery. Through July 30, Slate Contemporary/ Oakland, 473 25th Street, Oakland.
"Our Town," Richmond Art Center
The City of Richmond put out a call for local artists to present their impressions on what makes Richmond unique. The result is "Our Town," a juried exposition of Richmond—in art. In a poignant coincidence, the exhibit includes a stunning photographic portrait of Betty Soskin, the Park Ranger who was recently attacked in her Richmond home. Through August 26, Richmond Art Center, 2540 Barrett Avenue, Richmond.