About Art SV/SF

The inaugural Art Silicon Valley/San Francisco (Art SV/SF) kicked off on Thursday, October 9, 2014 with a VIP Opening Night at the San Mateo County Event Center.  A lively and diverse group of collectors, curators, art advisors, designers and tastemakers attended the event, which presented 70 of the world’s most respected galleries and art institutions, representing 750 artists from 42 countries including Italy, France, Germany, England, The Netherlands, Finland, South Korea, Switzerland and Venezuela.

Art SV/SF continued through Columbus Day weekend as Art Miami’s first international contemporary and modern art fair on the West Coast. Centrally located between Silicon Valley and San Francisco, the fair was the first of its kind in the Bay Area, seeking to spotlight investment-quality works of art alongside important emerging and new media artists. This included a special exhibition of monumental Banksy works from his 2013 New York City residency, John Carpenter’s Dandelion Clock interactive art video, and John Slepian’s Transcendence performance installation presented by ZERO1, among many others.

VIP attendees included Bay Area notables such as George Lucas and Mellody Hobson, Douglas and Lisa Goldman, Aaron and Krista Giovara, Orlando and Katie Bravo, Bruce and Davina Isaacson, Pablo Ortiz, Jennifer Biederbeck, Matt Rogers, Heidi Betz, Jill Woodman, Pejman Nozad, Chip Zecher and Maria Quiros, among thousands of others.

The elegant evening benefited Shipyard Trust for the Arts (STAR) and the Djerassi Foundation, and was sponsored by Maserati which displayed their latest automotive models in celebration of the prestigious brand’s 100 anniversary.  The outdoor entrance featured lush landscaping by Terra Ferma Landscapes and noted street artist APEX was spray painting a mural on the exterior wall of the San Mateo Event Center for all arriving guests to view.  Once inside, Ruinart Champagne poured its signature bubbles while GRAFF Diamonds showcased an exquisite collection of rare jewels on glamorous models in long black dresses and in vitrines.  Exquisite bites were catered by Calafia Café and its award-winning Chef Charlie Ayers Specially designed to create the most elevated experience for dedicated VIP supporters, the Maserati VIP Lounge was an elegant retreat featuring a Ruinart Champagne Bar and curated by LUXE Interiors + Design with assistance from Roche Bobois, FontanaArte and Tineke Triggs, founder of Artistic Designs for Living.

Hidden Treasures in San Francisco

San Francisco is known for its iconic landmarks, but beyond the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz, the city is filled with hidden treasures waiting to be discovered. From secret staircases tVXBgy0UC8bZio to tucked-away gardens, there’s always something unexpected around the corner.

One of the city’s best-kept secrets is the 16th Avenue Tiled Steps, a breathtaking mosaic stairway offering stunning views of the ocean. For those seeking tranquility, the Shakespeare Garden in Golden Gate Park is a peaceful retreat filled with flowers mentioned in the playwright’s works.

History lovers will appreciate IdQ0z1YPFz9Hbc the Sutro Baths ruins, where remnants of a grand 19th-century bathhouse meet the crashing waves of the Pacific. Meanwhile, inside the unassuming Musée Mécanique at Fisherman’s Wharf, visitors can find a fascinating collection of antique arcade machines that still work.

For a truly unique experience, the Wave Organ at the Marina creates eerie, melodic sounds as the tide flows in and out. Just a few miles away, the neon glow of the Li Po Cocktail Lounge in Chinatown welcomes those in search of an unforgettable Chinese Mai Tai.

Whether it’s a hidden bookshop ncidapo8v0gprb in North Beach or a secret speakeasy behind an unmarked door, San Francisco’s lesser-known spots add to its charm. The city’s hidden treasures prove that adventure is never far away in the City by the Bay.

    

The fair attracted more than 12,500 attendees by offering the unique experience of viewing world-class art and exploring innovative cultural programming including on-site installations, interactive and new-media art, artist talks, book signings, and fair tours for all audiences and taste levels.  In collaboration with One Art Nation The Art Symposium brought together industry experts and opinion leaders to speak on a range of timely topics from the current structure of the art market to succession planning, protecting unusual art, and issues of art valuation.  Another unique element of the fair included a partnership with Magnolia Pictures to show exclusive advanced screenings of the newly released animated film, “The Hero of Color City” for kids and families. In conjunction, the fair hosted The Hero of Color City Kids Center, a safe, on-site playroom for children ages three to 13 to participate in art explorations, games, puzzles and storytelling under the supervision of experienced staff. The Hero of Color City kids programming benefited Crayon Collection, a global initiative that aids underprivileged students. Families were encouraged to bring gently used crayons to the fair, which Crayon Collection will repurpose for elementary schools and organizations that serve kids in need. Additionally, $1 of every fair ticket purchased was donated to this organization, and Art SV/SF had already generously donated $2,000 toward the cause.