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.
"Burnt Rice," Oakland Asian Cultural Center
The OACC is an East Bay treasure that deserves a visit, and "Burnt Rice" is the perfect excuse. This heart-tugging exhibit focuses on Filipino family traditions such as storytelling, medicine and healing practices. Stick around for ongoing programs like yoga taught in Cantonese or Taiko lessons. Through December 16, Oakland Asian Cultural Center, 388 9th Street, Oakland
"I Dreamt Bees Made Sweet Honey from My Past Failures," George Lawson Galley
The title alone of this (totally relatable) exhibit deserves some attention. It's actually paraphrased from a line in a famous Spanish poem by Antonio Machado. A handful of artists were tasked with finding inspiration from the quote—and past failures. This exhibit is basically the artistic equivalent of learning from one's mistakes. Through December 17, George Lawson Gallery, 315 Potrero, San Francisco
Mark Flood, Ever Gold [Projects]
Brace yourselves for this large-scale exhibit exploring the war for social justice. Artist Mark Flood takes us on an intense visual journey at one of San Francisco's most progressive and interesting galleries (that doesn't want to be called a gallery). While Flood's installation has been shown in Copenhagen and Oslo, this is its North American debut. Through December 22, Ever Gold [Projects], 1275 Minnesota Street, San Francisco
"Tom Sachs: Space Program: Europa," Yerba Buena Center for the Arts
Do you believe in aliens? You might after visiting the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts this winter. New York sculptor Tom Sachs takes over the entire YBCA South of Market campus with his exploration (literally) of extraterrestrial life—specifically on Jupiter. Through January 15, Yerba Buena Center for the Arts, 701 Mission Street, San Francisco
"Hindsight: Josh Keyes | Sandra Yagi | Ahren Hertel," Modern Eden
Hindsignt is always 20/20, and we often don't have it until it's too late. This exhibit focuses on the post-apocolypic consequences of our damage to the environment and the planet's fragile eco-system. In many way, the artists contributing to "Hindsight" offer us a chance to glimpse a potential—and disastrous—future. Through December 3, Modern Eden, 403 Francisco Street, San Francisco
The 29th Annual Leo D. Stillwell Student Exhibition, San Francisco State
Check out what the next generation of San Francisco artists are exploring and creating at this annual student show at SF State. Juried by peers, the exhibition features undergraduate and graduate student works in a variety of mediums. The show will also feature work from its namesake, Leo D. Stillwell Jr., a 22-year old watercolor and oil painter who died in 1948. Through December 1, Fine Arts Gallery, Fine Arts Building, San Francisco State, 1600 Holloway, San Francisco
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