2012 programming & events
Opening Preview Patron Party
Wednesday, May 16, 5:30-7pm
Admission $125 | invitation only
Join SF’s glamorous art aficionados and be the absolute first to acquire important works of art, presented by prominent dealers from around the world. Enjoy cocktails and hors d’oeuvres, lively conversation, and the chance to meet art world luminaries at this historic celebration. Don’t be late. Admission benefits the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts - with a silent auction...learn more.
VIP Opening Reception
Wednesday, May 16, 7-9:30pm
Admission is $75 per person or by invitation
It’s the official debut of art fair week. The inspiring weekend of art fair kicks off at Fort Mason’s Festival Pavilion. Be among the first to view, reserve and buy important post-war and contemporary art. Sip on fine wine alongside the Bay Area’s art cognoscenti as you explore the mesmerizing displays from 70+ top tier dealers. Embark on an inspirational artistic journey of awe-filled exhibitions, mind-expanding installations and memorable performance art. Admission benefits the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts - with a silent auction...learn more.
Lifetime Achievement Award
2012 Honoree is art patron and benefactor Mrs. Roselyne C. Swig
Thursday, May 17, 5-7pm
The SF Arts Commission and the SF Fine Art Fair have teamed up for the third year to present the Lifetime Achievement Award for the benefit for ArtCare. The award recognizes individuals who have greatly enhanced and made significant career achievements to the SF arts community. Past winners include Richard L Greene, Vice Chair of SFMOMA, and gallery owner Ruth Braunstein. ArtCare is a program established by the SF Arts Commission to help raise private funds for the conservation and restoration of some of the city’s most valuable art works. More.
Artist Guest of Honor William T. Wiley
Retrospective entitled: Anything Goes: The whit end wizdumb of William T. Wiley
Saturday, May 19, 4-5pm
Theater
Discover the amazing world of William T. Wiley in our Public Installation Retrospective at the front of the fair, curated by noted SF art-critic DeWitt Cheng. Meet Mr. Wiley as he interviewed by Mr Cheng in the theater, May 19, from 4-5pm., followed by a reception in the VIP Lounge. William T. Wiley, SF’s renowned art maverick for over half a century is not only one of America’s most accomplished artists but also a national treasure. More.
Open During Fair Hours.
Oakland Art Murmur Reception
Friday, May 18, 5-7pm
VIP Lounge
Oakland Art Murmur is a nonprofit co-operate of 21 Oakland based galleries that promote active participation in the visual arts within the community. This devoted Pavilion space at SFFAF pulls together their members into one dynamic location which showcases the fine artworks from these galleries. Join us in the coveted VIP Lounge on Friday, May 18, from 5-7pm, as we celebrate and salute their on-going commitment to building art awareness in the neighboring city of Oakland.
ArtBikes- exhibition and silent auction bidding during show hours.
In cooperation with PUBLIC bikes. Benefiting the SF Bike Coalition.
7 renowned artists and sculptors convert 7 bikes (manufactured by PUBLIC) into unique works of art. As the first ever event of its kind, ArtBikes brings awareness to cycling as a healthy and efficient form of transportation within the Bay Area. Fairgoers can bid on these artistically transformed bikes in support of San Francisco's biking initiative. More.
Open during fair hours.
View the 25 winners. This competition and innovative display celebrates the explosive phenomena in cell phone photography and art. A rousing 2,200 submissions from 114 countries were received in what’s become the world’s largest paid open call in the short history of mobile art and photography. Categories included traditional genres such as landscapes, self-portrait, and street photography along with digital art and software enhanced abstraction. What you see here will amaze you. Presented by ArtHaus Gallery. More.
Open during fair hours.
This forum brings the Asian Pacific contemporary art scene and culture to the Bay Area. Meet dealers from China, Hong Kong, Korea, Vietnam, Thailand, Singapore, Japan, plus Australia. Includes lectures, curated installation, and reception. More.
Premieres Mon. May 14, 12 noon, PST
Inspired by our proximity to Silicon Valley, the physical fair goes virtual and is extended 3 weeks in an online format (May 14, noon through May 31, 6pm, PST). Our new Paddle 8 platform enables you not only to search most of the artworks and make inquires and offers directly to participating dealers, but also buy, ship and insure in one easy online process.