From Disco Days to the Tech Craze: 50 Years of ArtSpan SF Open Studios

Celebrate 50 years of ArtSpan’s San Francisco Open Studios, a testament to the
enduring power of art to bridge communities and to the unyielding spirit of the artists who have
been at the forefront of shaping San Francisco's cultural identity.

Since 1975, ArtSpan’s citywide SF Open Studios program has connected local artists to San
Francisco’s residents and visitors. From Disco Days to the Tech Craze: 50 Years of ArtSpan SF
Open Studios invites you to immerse yourself in the rich history of SF Open Studios and
ArtSpan’s unwavering commitment to uplifting the local art scene.

The exhibition unfolds as a narrative told by legacy artists who opened their studio doors to the
public in the 70s and 80s. Hear their first-hand accounts while exploring archival imagery and
meticulous documentation allowing you to trace the city’s artistic transformation. Engage with a
diverse array of artworks that have blossomed within San Francisco’s embrace while reflecting
on the symbiotic relationship between the city and its artists. Experience the history of the
largest and longest-running open studios program of its kind in the nation and discover why
supporting local creators is a responsibility, integral to preserving San Francisco's status as a
global hub of creativity, counter-culture and free-thinkers.

Curated by ArtSpan's Joen Madonna, Nick Maltagliati and Vanessa Wilson. 

Opening Program and Reception: Thursday, September 12, 5:30–7:30 p.m. Light refreshments served.

Workshop: Screenprinting with Calixto Robles: Thursday, October 3, 5–7 p.m. 

Latnio/Hispanic Room, Lower Level 

This drop-in hands-on workshop provides guests an opportunity to learn screenprinting techniques and try their hand at pulling a print to take home.