The San Francisco Bay Area is currently witnessing a vibrant cultural revival. For those familiar with its artistic landscape, this resurgence parallels the community's past experiences during the initial dot-com boom. Despite some galleries and art nonprofits facing challenges, the spirit of collaboration and community support shines through. This spring, various arts organizations are focusing on local art history and fostering a sense of togetherness. From narratives of migration to in-depth explorations of the region's ecology, there's no better moment to engage with the Bay Area's art scene.
Cece Carpio: Tabi Tabi Po: Come Out with the Spirits! You Are Welcome Here
SOMArts, 943 Brannan Street, San Francisco, California
Through March 29
In her inaugural solo exhibition, renowned Bay Area muralist Cece Carpio showcases her unique style. The exhibition features canvas paintings and a multimedia installation that intertwine street art elements with folk traditions, merging ancestral memories with Indigenous tales. Each artwork is paired with a poem, marking Carpio's venture into literary expression, unveiling the stories behind her depictions of intertwined lovers, deities, and warriors.
Torreya Cummings and Sarah Lowe: Obstructed View of the House Through the Trees
Berkeley Art Center, 1275 Walnut Street, Berkeley, California
Through March 29
Cummings and Lowe transform the Berkeley Art Center into a Victorian-era space, delving into the enduring impacts of colonialism on California's landscape. Their exhibition invites reflection on evolution, extinction, and industrialization, prompting viewers to consider their role within nature's narrative.
Theresa Hak Kyung Cha: Multiple Offerings
Berkeley Art Museum and Pacific Film Archive, 2155 Center Street, Berkeley, California
Through April 19
This major retrospective of conceptual artist Theresa Hak Kyung Cha features archival materials from her time at Berkeley, alongside works created in Korea and New York. The exhibition highlights Cha's innovative use of language as a medium, showcasing performance art, videos, essays, and scrolls that collectively form a profound commentary on her artistic journey.
Trina Michelle Robinson: Open Your Eyes to Water
500 Capp Street, 500 Capp Street, San Francisco, California
Root Division, 1131 Mission Street, San Francisco, California
Through May 16
Robinson's dual-venue exhibition traces a decade of her artistic practice, intertwining Black American migration with her family's history. At 500 Capp Street, installations transform the historic home of artist David Ireland, while Root Division features an altar honoring her oldest known ancestor, celebrating community and shared heritage.
New Japanese Clay
Asian Art Museum, 200 Larkin Street, San Francisco, California
Through June 1
This exhibition highlights the work of 29 leading contemporary ceramic artists from Japan, showcasing the blend of traditional craftsmanship and modern innovation. The pieces range from abstract forms to intricate designs, challenging conventional boundaries in ceramic art.
P. Staff: The Prince of Homburg
Yerba Buena Center for the Arts, 701 Mission Street, San Francisco, California
Through June 14
The U.S. premiere of P. Staff's short film "The Prince of Homburg" explores themes of queer identity and state control. The exhibition features video and sculpture, merging interviews with experimental footage to create a thought-provoking experience.
Anoushka Mirchandani: My Body Was A River Once
Institute of Contemporary Art, San José, 560 South First Street, San Jose, California
Through August 23, 2026
Mirchandani's first institutional solo exhibition combines paintings, sculptures, and audio to narrate her family's migration story. Ethereal female figures populate her imagined landscapes, poignantly illustrating the quest for belonging across generations.
Monet and Venice
de Young Museum, 50 Hagiwara Tea Garden Drive, San Francisco, California
March 21-July 26
This exhibition brings together Monet's Venetian cityscapes, showcasing works from 1908. It places these masterpieces in dialogue with other artists, revealing the profound influence of Venice on the art world.
Love Letter: Bay Area Collectors as Cultural Stewards
Minnesota Street Project, 1150 25th Street, San Francisco, California
April 4-May 9
Curated by Jonathan Carver Moore, this exhibition highlights the diverse tastes of local art patrons. The collection emphasizes the importance of community support for artists, filling a significant gap in the city's gallery landscape.
Matisse's Femme au chapeau: A Modern Scandal
San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, 151 Third Street, San Francisco, California
May 16-September 13
This exhibition centers on Matisse's iconic "Femme au chapeau," exploring its impact on modern art. It delves into how this groundbreaking work reshaped artistic expression throughout the 20th century.