Happy APRIL tomatoes, hope you don’t get fooled today!  We have found a wonderful way to send support to our friends in the Ukraine, purchase a hand painted egg. Chocolate, yes please…the SF International Chocolate Salon has arrived. A new Andy Goldsworthy exhibit is up, The Renegade Craft Fair returns and The Misfit Art Sale Benefit is one you won’t want to miss. Cherry Blossoms are in bloom and being celebrated in JapanTown and check out The Last Supper Party – a new monthly performance series. And join me at the Renewal Summit in NYC!

Support Ukraine

Here’s another way to support Ukraine’s humanitarian relief efforts. Purchase a Psyanky, or gorgeous hand decorated egg. Purchase a beautifully painted egg to support Nova Ukraine’s humanitarian relief efforts. Typically crafted by Ukrainian babushkas in the folk tradition of pysanky to celebrate Easter and spring rituals, these eggs have been painted by East Bay artists to carry on the tradition in the midst of war in Ukraine and to give back to the cause.

The majority of eggs were crafted in March 2022 in response to the invasion of Ukraine, and some are cherished heirlooms made over the past few decades that the artists have lovingly donated. This is an online auction that is up now and will be closing on April 10^th. They are currently on display at the storefront at 2946 College Ave in Berkeley but are all listed online as well. If you don’t want an egg and win, you can donate the egg to another folk art exhibit of fundraiser. There is also an option to simply donate to the efforts. peaceanky.com

Join me at the Renewal Summit in NYC

Get the detail.

Now – May 28. Andy Goldsworthy at The Haines Gallery

Andy Goldsworthy, whose outdoor installations grace the grounds of the Presidio now has a solo exhibition at The Haines Gallery in Fort Mason Center. Goldsworthy has an unparalleled reputation for ephemeral works and permanent installations addressing notions of process, temporality, and our connection with the earth. For this exhibit Goldsworthy has created several new works, covering an entire wall in Haines’ new gallery with cracked white kaolin clay and coating the windows of FMCAC’s nearby Firehouse in red earth sourced from the Sierra foothills.

His intent is that in the installation, the russet-colored slip will cast an orange-red glow that changes throughout the day with the outdoor light, evoking the transformative power of fire itself and highlighting the precarity and resilience of our surroundings. Get the details.

April 2 – 3. The Renegade Craft Fair

The Renegade Craft fair is back in person, and we couldn’t be more excited to hunt for our favorite indie handmade items. Also at Fort Mason, you will find items from around the nation. Perfect unique gifts for Easter or Mother’s Day. The fair offers ceramics, paper items, bath and body products, home furnishings, apparel, accessories, glass art, textiles, fiber arts, leather goods, and much more. Get out and enjoy hands-on workshops, local gourmet cuisine, and DJ music. I’m itching to get out and about, so I’ll see you there. Get the details.

April 3. Misfit Art Sale Supports Mental Health & Wellness

The return of the beloved Misfit Art Sale is back in real life. Slightly imperfect, end of series, or experimental pieces created by local artists are sold with deep discounts. All art will be priced between $25 – $500. A small gallery of fine art pieces that retail for $500 to $2500 will be sold between $100 and $500. A great opportunity to support a worthwhile cause and add to your art collection. AHP’S Misfit Art Sale raises critical funds for the mental health and wellness of HIV-affected and LGBTQ+ communities in San Francisco at the Alliance Health Project. April 3^rd only. 12 – 2 p.m. for VIP ticket holders only 2 – 4 p.m. general ticket holders. Get the details.

April 2. The Chocolate Salon

Calling all tomatoes who LOVE chocolate. Whether you are a chocolate aficionado, fanatics, or just plain consumer, this is for you. Time to experience the finest in artisan, gourmet and premium chocolate. One day only to indulge in tastings. Chocolate in all its forms will be available for tasting. There will also be demonstrations on how to make those exquisite chocolates you don’t want to eat because they are so lovely. Chef and author talks will educate you about the properties of chocolate – more than just it’s deliciousness. So much goodness, get ready for a sugar high! Get the details.

April 2. The Last Supper Party

The San Francisco International Arts Festival (SFIAF) invites the public to celebrate the opening of The Last Supper Party. The name has a double meaning. It is the title of the major large-scale 1985 painting (measuring 20′ x 10′) by artist, Felerine Bongolan that SFIAF has installed in its new Sutter Street office. It is also the opening night of a monthly Spoken Word performance series that honors Ms. Bongolan’s statement canvas.

The evening will begin at 6:00pm with a reception to celebrate the installation of The Last Supper Party canvas. Then, at 7:00pm, the event will segue to performance artists and poets.. April 2, Reception: 6:00pm, Performances: 7:00pm. The Last Supper Party performance series will take place on the First Saturday of the Month. 1222 Sutter Street – Entry Free; COVID Vaccination & RSVP Required. Get the details.

April 9-10, 16-17. The Cherry Blossom Festival

It is time once more to celebrate the blooming of the cherry blossoms and Japanese and Japanese American culture at our beloved Cherry Blossom Festival. The festival features Japanese cultural performances, traditional arts, live music, the annual Queen Program, and more Our festival is one of the largest celebrations held outside of Japan. San Francisco is only one of three officially designated Japantowns in the US. And ours is something to brag about. The festival takes place over two weekends, April 9 -10^th, 16 – 17, and has come to be known as one of the harbingers of spring in the bay area. Get the details.