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.
Mel Ziegler: Flag Exchange, Walter and McBean Galleries
Artist Mel Ziegler traveled to all 50 states between 2011 and 2016, where he exchanged distressed American flags flying at civic and private locations—including city halls, post offices, hospitals, homes, and schools—for brand new flags. Those collected distressed flags make up this thought-provoking installation. Through April 1st, Walter and McBean Galleries, 800 Chestnut Street, SF.
Nocturnes & Noir Night Photography Exhibit, Harvey Milk Photography Center
This exhibit focuses on both night landscape photography popularized in the late 19th century and Film Noir, popularized by those 1930s flicks we love so much. They exhibition aims to challenge our understanding of the nighttime genres and maybe even introduce "neo-noir." Through April 2nd, Harvey Milk Photography Center, 50 Scott Street, SF.
Lynn Hershman Leeson: Secrets from the Crypt, Anglim Gilbert Gallery
Bay Area media artist Lynn Hershman Leeson explores social behavior, identity and the impact of technology on all of us in this new retrospective at the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts and this solo exhibition at the Anglim Gilbert Gallery. Lesson is known for her use of "net-based media art," which you'll have to go see for yourselves. Through April 8th, Anglim Gilbert Gallery, 14 Geary Boulevard, SF.
Talk to Me, Creative Growth/Oakland
Artists Dan Miller, Rosa Giron, William Scott, Carlos Fernandez, Susan Janow, Jane Kasher and others from the Creative Growth Art Center offer an in-depth view into their process in this exhibition. We're particularly interested to see how artist Dan Miller's obsession with lightbulbs manifests into art. There will be a "Talk to Me" workshop on March 18th from 11am till 2pm, where visitors can learn letter-printing and sticker-making. March 3rd through April 14th, Creative Growth, 355 24th Street, Oakland.
Stacy Steers, Catherine Clark Gallery
The clip on the Catherine Clark Gallery's website will be more than enough to sell you on checking out this mixed media installation by Stacy Steers meant to examine the psychological terrain of the inner worlds of women. Part Edward Gorey, part nothing we've ever seen before, this is a show we don't want to miss. Through April 15th, Catherine Clark Gallery, 248 Utah Street, SF.
10th Annual Plastic Camera Show, Rayko Photo Center
More than 90 different photographers from around the world will participate in Rayko's 10th Annual International Juried Plastic Camera Show. Along with the 83 international artists juried into this (toy camera) competition and just 89 pictures selected out of 5,000 entries, previous Plastic Camera show participants' work will also be on display. Through April 23rd, Rayko Photo Center and Gallery, 248 Third Street, SF.
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