If you think only rich people can afford to buy art for the holidays, you’re wrong. Mission dwellers–even the broke ones–can too. That’s because this district has more artists than anywhere else in the entire universe and for one weekend every year, they all get together and sell stuff at crazy-low prices. This is that weekend. As Bay Area rap legend Haji Springer would say, “Hurry up and buy!”
The Mission’s annual-weekend-of-awesome-holiday-sales-and-art-fests kicks off with a huge block party and carries on through Sunday with open studio events, themed art sales and little wonders. All this, plus a quarter-decade in experimental film, matchbook art and more.
Mission Holiday Block Party
If you haven’t done your X-Mas/Hannukah/Festivus shopping this year, tonight is definitely the night. Art openings, super-sales, boutique parties, raffles, drinks, and more. It’s gonna be cold for sure, but totally worth it. Fri., Dec. 11, 5-10pm. Free. From Market to 24th at stores and venues between Mission and Dolores (mostly on Valencia, of course). Check this map for details. Check getlocalsf.com for participating merchants/galleries.
Matchbox Show
What do you think would happen if you gave 500 matchbooks to 50 different artists? Find out tonight. Fri., Dec. 11, 6pm. Free. Soap Gallery. 3180 Mission.
Holiday Art Show
Art Explosion studio is hosting its annual art sale so here’s your chance to haggle with real live artists. Deals are imminent. Fri., Dec. 11, 7-11pm. Free. Art Explosion Studios, 744 Alabama & 2425 17th St.
Under $100 “H” Sale
Hey homeboys and homegirls, have you heard about this hella hellacious opportunity to heap a few hard earned dollars at some hard-working handicrafters? It’s called The Annual Under $100 “H” Sale, sponsored by Roots Division. For one night only, some of the Bay Areas’ finest local artisans and emerging artists come together and sell. Items include unique drawings, paintings, photographs, handmade jewelry, fair-trade clothing, knitwear made from recycled yarn, silk-screened baby clothes, the coolest candles in the Bay, dolls, stationery and much more. Nothing will be priced over $100. Fri., Dec. 11, 7-10pm. Suggested donation $2-20. Roots Division, 3175 17th.
Little Wonders
This is America so most people will tell you bigger means better, but that’s not always the case. Big cell phones are unfashionable, baggy pants are for 15 year-olds and giant hats are only cool if you happen to be a giant pickle. But what about big art? Well, sorry to break it to you, but that’s lame too. This year, it’s all about scaling down. Start by picking up some stuff from this small format art exhibition/sale. Sat., Dec. 12, 7-10pm. Free. Fabric8 Gallery, 3318 22nd ST.
25 Years of ATA
Celebrating 25 years of weird under-the-radar film with cold-weather BBQ, bands, raffles, film screenings and more. Sun., Dec 13, 11am-10pm. $10. Artists Television Access, 722 Valencia.