It's May and while many are making vacation plans, graduates from the various art schools and departments in the Bay Area are frantically finishing up the work for their MFA. For the artists, it's an introduction to the crazy making world called "getting your art out there." For us, it's a chance to see what the next generation is working on and maybe pick out a few pieces that really speak to us. Most student work is experimental and still raw, which has it's own virtues. You may not be able to spot the next Picasso but no matter; it's fun to look, to talk to the artists who are almost always accessible, idealistic and eager to share. As always, support your local artists.
Mills College has a small program but one that produces quality work that often stands out above the usual installation/conceptual/experimental work of the other schools. I was particularly struck by the emotional power in the work of Monica Lundy. She explores issues of identity and social status through images of criminals and outsiders from California's colorful past.
Between You and Me features work by Nic Buron, Joey Castor, Chris Fraser, Dana Hemenway, Kija Lucas, Bobby Lukas, Monica Lundy, Kate Stirr, Adam Vermeire and Doug G. Williams.
Show runs from May 1 through May 30th on campus.
http://www.mills.edu/campus_life/art_museum/current.php
http://www.mills.edu/betweenyouandme/
http://monicalundy.com/
San Francisco Art Institute is great-granddaddy (or great-grand mother) of them all. It's gone through several incarnations and several moves from it's original home on top of Nob Hill. Although it's seen better days (and may still yet again), it's still here so not to go would be so square (daddy-oh!). Their MFA Graduate Exhibition will feature work by nearly 100 artists. So, be sure to have your coffee at hand because an exhibit this size is overwhelming.
SVernissage: Friday, 14 May 2010 from 6:00 to 8:00pm
On view: 15–22 May 2010, daily from 12:00 to 6:00pm
Herbst Pavilion, Fort Mason
http://www.sfai.edu/
Comments
Don't forget California College of the Arts-- their MFA show, featuring 66 artists, is up through next Saturday 5/15
See my previous article on art shows in May -
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