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.
"Gold In Peace, Gold in War" San Francisco Arts Commission Gallery
San Francisco's own Sarah Smith has created an art installation that explores the visual culture of our government institutions, and the City Hall-adjacent space is the perfect spot for Smith's look at the aesthetic of politics. We particularly love that she was inspired by the rising Phoenix, which is the official symbol of the City and County of San Francisco. Through January 29, SF Arts Commission Gallery, 401 Van Ness Avenue
"Winter Solstice" Scott Nichols Gallery
This winter-long photography exhibit looks at the many visual ways fall morphs into winter. The show includes holiday themes and Ansel Adams classics, as well as works from a handful of noted photographers. "Winter Solstice" might just be the season's coziest art exhibit. Through January 30, Scott Nichols Gallery, 49 Geary Street
"Rain" Berkeley Potters Guild
Head to Berkeley for a holiday festival unlike any other. The Potter's Guild's annual pottery showcase includes each artist's interpretation of rain—in ceramics. This fun studio show encompasses all there is to love about Berkeley, including chatty, fun-loving artists and free mulled cider. Through December 24, Berkeley Potter's Guild, 731 Jones Street, Berkeley
"Vernacular Vixens" Robert Tate Gallery
It's Ladies Month at the Robert Tate Gallery. "Vernacular Vixens" was culled from archivist Robert E. Jackson's collection of over 11,000 found and vernacular images. The resulting exhibit is a collection of 35 photos of women and the female form. Several photos from The National Gallery collection are included in this exhibits and are amazingly available for purchase. Through February 6, Robert Tat Gallery, 49 Geary Street, Suite 410
"Josh Jefferson: Head Into The Trees" Gallery 16
Perhaps inspired by his passion for jazz, Boston-based artist Josh Jefferson melds pieces of existing artworks into one. The collage artist isn't so much focused on the end result as he is with the process of creating. Turns out, the end result is pretty great regardless. Through December 31, Gallery 16, 501 Third Street
"A Studio In Iceland" Anglim Gilbert Gallery
This exhibit is too interesting to pass up. Six American artists were invited by Icelandic artist Pordis A. Siguroardottir to use her studio cottage on an island in Iceland at different times and in different seasons, sometimes in a group and sometimes alone. Their resulting work results in this fascinating exhibition. Through January 16, Anglim Gilbert Gallery, 14 Geary Street