The 'Fisties: Best Place to See Art
When asked to nominate the best place to see art in this city, we admit to feeling a bit reticent.
Though we’ve certainly been hot for many teachers, we’ve never been down with pedagogy, after all, and firmly believe in a “to each, his own” approach to art and art making.
We took an academic approach to the problem nevertheless, searching our previous posts for patterns in art loving.
A clear winner emerged victorious: though we use the term with some trepidation, we think that the Mission district is the “best” place to view art in San Francisco.
We’ve got a thing for art that’s made by living people, and the Mission district houses some of San Francisco’s most compelling contemporary art galleries. Jack Hanley Gallery, Ratio 3 gallery, the Backroom Gallery at Adobe Books, and The Lab are regarded well beyond the Bay Area, as each has consistently supported the careers of emerging artists while bringing compelling national and international names to our local audience.
Community muralists have been working in the Mission since the 1970’s, and Preceta Eyes Mural Arts Studio offers walking and bicycling tours of famed mural spots, including both Balmy and Clarion Allies. Galería de la Raza has supported the Mission for over 30 years as an interdisciplinary space for art, thought and activism; initiated by artist and activist John Leaños, their Digital Mural Project builds on Galería’s long history of mural painting in the Mission.
Speaking of community action, Triple Base Gallery, Low Gallery, Queen’s Nail Annex, and Needles & Pens work tirelessly to foster a growing scene of young artists with a constantly changing constellation of art shows and performances. The Second Annual Mission Art Walk was held in September, and featured stops at many other spots, such as 66 Balmy, Woodward Flats, Mission 17, Balazao Gallery, Artist X-Change, and Hallway Bathroom Gallery.
Steeped in a rich history all its own, the Mission still moves forward, and it’s this constant striving for newness that makes it so great, we think. We know you’ve got your own favorite spots though, so shout ‘em out below!