RSSTop Destinations for Artists in San Francisco
It’s no secret that San Francisco embodies the spirit of art and expression in a way that few cities can. That’s why artists of all shapes, sizes, genres, and media consistently flock to the Bay to explore and grow. Artists heading into San Francisco for any reason should mark these top spots on their list of must-sees.
San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA)
Though the main building is closed for expansion through early 2016, the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art hasn’t disappeared. In fact, it’s now appearing “everywhere (and what better experience is there than one that will never be repeated?).” Throughout the Bay Area, SFMOMA will be holding exhibitions and events for all ages. Visitors to specified locations can immerse themselves in modern art in a visceral way, like with their “Play Artfully” series, in which locations provide short explanations of small games to play with friends. Eventually, SFMOMA will be moved back home, and visitors can continue to browse its lauded collection of modern and contemporary art.
Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco (deYoung/Legion of Honor)
No artist should leave the Bay Area without visiting one of the country’s largest art museum collections. For over 100 years, the deYoung Museum and the Legion of Honor have been serving San Franciscans as the largest public arts institution in the city. While the deYoung Museum exhibits world-renowned pieces from the Americas (including works from all periods of American art), Africa, and Oceania, the Legion of Honor houses European, Mediterranean, and Near Eastern collections. Altogether, the Fine Arts Museums’ collections exceed 151,000 works of art, so some artists may want to plan a multi-day trip just for this experience.
San Francisco Art Institute
Aside from being one of the Bay area’s top schools for students seeking a career in the visual arts, the San Francisco Art Institute is a perfect opportunity to peek into the minds and portfolios of upcoming young artists. Browse through several distinct galleries of student and professional works, including the inspiring Diego Rivera Gallery, home to one of three incredible murals by the late artist himself. For artists looking for a more hands-on experience with the Institute, open drawing studio sessions are free with no registration; just bring your drawing materials and practice drawing from a live model with other aspiring and professional artists.
871 Fine Arts
Just down the street from the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art is this truly unique combination gallery and bookstore specializing in books on contemporary art. Take time to appreciate the works displayed, and then take a deeper dive into the genre with both new and out-of-print titles. If books alone won’t satisfy your taste for a contemporary art souvenir, 871 Fine Arts sells prints, paintings, drawings, and sculptures, as well.
Bay Area Museum Tours
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