Four Underground Art Exhibits to See in 2016

By San Francisco Limousine Specialist on March 18, 2016

It’s no secret that San Francisco is home to some of the largest and most prestigious fine art institutions in the U.S. But if you’re looking for an authentic art experience that’s well off the beaten path, head to one of these respected underground art destinations, which offer plenty of unique visual artwork to explore.

The David Ireland House | 500 Capp St.

500 Capp Street isn’t just the house where the late American artist David Ireland lived for 30 years – it’s a work of art in itself. The internationally renowned artist embedded his century-old Victorian home with extraordinary art installations, transforming it into an immersive experience that exemplifies the integration of art and life. Newly restored and now open to the public, the house offers changing exhibitions of Ireland’s sculpture, drawings and handmade furniture from its extensive collection and archives.

Southern Exposure | 3030 20th St.

Founded in 1974 as one of San Francisco’s oldest artist collectives, Southern Exposure (SoEx) has grown to become the city’s leading alternative art space and is now among the most successful artist-run nonprofit organizations in the country. With a mission to provide an accessible space for emerging artist to produce and present new work, SoEx consistently turns out exceptional, risk-taking contemporary art in an intimate environment located in gray warehouse on the corner of Alabama and 20th Streets. Public viewing hours vary from project to project, but typically Tuesday – Saturday from 12:00 – 6:00 PM.

Gray Area Foundation for the Arts | 2665 Mission St.

Housed inside an old movie theater, this groundbreaking non-profit institution is devoted entirely to digital creativity and the overlap among art, technology and urban living. Artists use digital tools to create art and design projects that benefit society. The foundation also tests and scales projects with high impact potential and teaches digital tools to support artists and technologists. The broad selection of digital artwork the foundation supports, teaches and applies includes generative art, interactive media, data visualization, projection mapping, augmented reality, spatial sound, art games, and soft circuitry. A visit timed to the organization’s annual Gray Area Festival — a four-day event for artists, visionaries and scientists – is a must for anyone intrigued by intersection of the Bay Area’s tech and culture scenes.

San Francisco Arts Commission Galleries | 401 Van Ness Ave. (War Memorial Veterans Building)

If a visit to City Hall is on your agenda, be sure to head across the street to the San Francisco Arts Commission’s official public galleries, nestled in the ground floor of the War Memorial Veteran’s building. The historic structure, recently spiffed up with a renovation, typically showcases contemporary art that reflects both regional diversity and the Bay Area’s position among visual art production within an international contemporary art landscape. Don’t leave the area without checking out the gallery’s satellite venue, located just a block away at 155 Grove St., which features interesting site-specific window installations.

Call Us Today!

If visiting these art institutions or other famous fine art galleries in San Francisco are on your to-do list, why not book an art tour with Nationwide Limousine Service? Our friendly local drivers can drop off, pick up, and explore any part of town you desire, making trips to multiple locations in one day faster and more enjoyable. Whether it’s an art tour, a food tour, or a wine tour, our expert drivers and luxurious vehicles make touring the Bay easy and memorable.