The Mission’s towering art hub opens its doors once again this weekend, featuring more than 70 artists across three floors, from seasoned sculptors to new voices finding their place in the community.
Tucked between Bryant and Mariposa streets, the former mayonnaise factory has quietly become one of San Francisco’s most vibrant and enduring artist hubs. For nearly two decades, the four-story building — where the top three floors house active studios — has welcomed painters, photographers, ceramicists, fiber artists, jewelers and others into its creative fold.
From April 11 to April 13, 1890 Bryant welcomes the public for its annual Spring Open Studios, an opportunity to explore more than 70 working art spaces, meet the artists and take home original pieces straight from the source.
Among the newest residents is Dee Hampton, a retired nurse whose art practice bloomed during pandemic-era Zoom meetings.
“It feels really good to be here … I’m more open to experimentation than ever,” said Dee Hampton.
“I put up an easel in my home office and started drawing,” she said. “It just got bigger and bigger. Now I’m here — and I feel really inspired.”
A floor down, Andrea Bass is settling into her new studio. An art therapist who works with grieving and traumatized children, Bass says her work is deeply influenced by that experience. Though her walls aren’t yet as lived-in as those of longtime residents, her space is already filling with vibrant, expressive pieces.
“It has a childlike, playful element,” she said. “Before, people had to come to my apartment to see my work. Now, I finally get to share it.”
The arrival of new artists has invigorated longtime residents like DK Haas, who has been part of the building since 2010. Sitting at the center of a well-loved studio, Haas is surrounded by finished pieces on the walls, a desk cluttered with drafts, paint-stained rags and jars of oil thinner. Haas turns down the music — a playlist of classic rock covers drifting from the speakers — to talk about the energy in the building.
“Since Dee’s been here, I just created this creature — I’ve never done that before,” Haas said. “We inspire each other.”
Veteran artist Sarah Duyer agrees.
“I love this building, I love the community, I love the artists,” said Duyer, who works in ceramics. “I feel very, very fortunate to be here.”
That mix of new and established voices is part of what gives 1890 Bryant its edge.
“This building has grown rather than changed,” said Paul Morin, who jokingly refers to himself as the building’s “chief instigating officer.”
With more than 100 artists total and a waiting list to get in, Morin said the culture of the building is taken seriously. “We all want to be surrounded by people who are serious about their work.”
The affordability of the studios has also helped foster community and continuity.
“We haven’t seen a rent increase in years,” Haas said, crediting a capped rate that keeps the space accessible for working artists.
For painter Anna Sidana, who transitioned from a 25-year tech career into the arts, that support has been essential.
“Being an oil painter can be isolating,” she said. “It’s been nice to get feedback, to share the process. It’s really been nothing but helpful.”
Spring Open Studios at 1890 Bryant runs April 11 to 13, and entry is free. Friday is from 6 to 9 p.m., Saturday and Sunday from noon to 6 p.m.
photo by Gustavo Hernandez.