In the Neighborhood

Artist Robin Galante examines life in San Francisco's Richmond District in a series of watercolor paintings depicting the neighborhood before and during the COVID-19 pandemic.

When Galante first began the series in 2018, her hope was to preserve the character of her evolving neighborhood through art. Having witnessed the city change rapidly since she moved to San Francisco in 2003, she painted scenes to capture what she loved about San Francisco's west side; pastel-hued homes and classic movie theaters, towering cathedrals alongside quirky dive bars. Using watercolor pencils and ink as her medium, she imbues her work with a sense of affection and nostalgia.

In March 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic arrived in San Francisco. Galante's mission to capture the uniqueness of San Francisco's west side felt more urgent than ever before, and she documented life during this uncertain time, painting what she observed as she wandered the streets close to home.

This exhibit features 40 original watercolor paintings, and some reproductions, spanning 2018 to 2022.

Related program: Exhibition walk-and-talk with Robin Galante, Saturday, December 10, 2:00 p.m.

Banner image: "Balboa Theater" by Robin Galante (detail)