October 11, 11am-6pm
2 Blocks of Art returns for its 12th year with Site + Sound. The highly anticipated annual event electrifies two blocks of Market Street with over 20 art exhibitions from 5th to 7th.
This year’s theme — Site + Sound — showcases the deep connection between music and art in reimagined spaces, weaving together Mid Market’s rich history of movie houses, radio, live music venues, and culture with the energy of today’s creative arts community. From the echoes of historic broadcasts to the vibrant sounds of live bands, this event has something for everyone.
Admission is free. Registration is not required, but the first 150 people to RSVP via Eventbrite receive a free drink ticket.
Popup galleries – 9 one-day-only special exhibition spaces featuring esteemed contemporary Bay Area galleries including COL Gallery, Sketch the Block Illustrator Group, and visual artists Carrie Ann Plank, Jonah Burlingame, Maya Fuji, Ben Kellgren, and resident Root Division artists.
California Historical Radio Society – Step back in time as you peruse gorgeous vintage radios and broadcasting equipment while learning more about the importance of this first wireless medium to the San Francisco Bay Area. From FM radio, to Hi-fi, amateur radio, commercial and military broadcasting, phonographs, television, and other devices used for sound reproduction or transmission. Select items will be available for purchase.
Permanent Galleries – Auudi Dorsey at Jonathan Carver Moore Gallery and ANA iS at IAMA; and Holy Stitch.
Blick staff show – Employees will exhibit in the store; just outside the store, event attendees can take part in art making on the sidewalk with Trash Mash Up.
Historic Building Walks – Discover Market Street’s cinematic past during the historic building walking tours led by famed architecture & design firm Page & Turnbull. The tour will include notable historic structures and information on their original and current use in what was once the central cinematic corridor of San Francisco.
Live Music – Outdoor performances along the walk from: Brass Mafia, The Rusconators, Tori Rose & The Hot Mess, Baycoin Beats, Nathan X Moody, Skinny Katz, Amagalma and more.
Food and Drink – Timbri and Proper Hotels serve as bookends for the event also providing music by The Fresh Crew and others; Proper’s patio will be filled with artisan vendors; free drink tickets can be redeemed at both locations.
Behind the Scenes Look – Tour Mid Market’s hottest new creative hub Warfield Commons, a 9-story promise to the creative pulse of the Bay Area to be a one-of-a-kind home for artists, culture keepers, journalists, storytellers, and broadcasters to create work together. Look for tour times on the 2 Blocks of Art website.
Transit: BART and Muni Civic Center Station
Parking: IKEA Garage and Trinity Plaza Garage
Biking: Free indoor bike parking at Warm Planet Bikes
More Than 2 Blocks of Art is made possible by incredible community partners and generous supporters.
More info and map for download on 2blocksofart.org.
