Galeria de la Raza

I love this place. In business of goodness for 40 years. I’ve grown up in the Mission and the Galeria has always been the heartbeat of the real Mission District, evolving, demonstrating, providing manifesto and charge-​ahead spirit of vigor and history of the place I love the most.

Be sure to check it out on First Fridays on 24^th and the Sunday Streets in the Mission.

Cool local art and live band (Makru).

I visited this beautiful community space for the first time last night and it really made my heart happy to see so many lovely people come together to celebrate la lunada (the full moon). I recently started working with a npo in the Mission that serves the underserved indigenous and Latino community with mental health services, and it was really nice to understand what the full moon means to all.
The space itself is beautiful, with exhibits on Frida, tortilla art, lowriders, dia de los muertos, and so much more — the creativity pulsates through this special area. We watched a beautiful spoken word with two featured artists and six local artists that was amazing in itself. Talent abound — reciting poems about los ninos de la noche, Spanish Harlem, celebrating a young girl’s womanhood, playing on words, speaking out about SB1070, the full moon in its non urban setting, reciting accents from all across latinoamerica, and a beautiful, deep singer who moved everyone in the space. Thank you for your presence, Galeria de la Raza — you are truly for and by the people. :)
Everyone, check it out!

Good things are happening here. It is easy to get caught up in the hussle and bussle of 24^th street and miss this very cool neighborhood gallery, but try to stop in and check it out. Enrique Chagoya’s work is there through August 28.

I love going to the Lunada’s here… this space is definitely for the people by the people! Thanks!

This is actually a review about Galeria De La Laughter, a comedy showcase that takes place at the GDLR every third Wednesday…
Since the cost of the revue was only $ 5, I felt that this was well worth traveling across town. Besides, I was down and was looking foward to a pick-​me-​up by a group of clever comedians.
This is a good spot for comedy, right smack dab in the middle of the Mission, at 24^th Street and Bryant. The hostess was a young lass from Canada and she was pretty funny. I felt her pain as a large woman who gave sharp quips about Forever 21’s new line for big girls – such as, Forever 210, etc.
The big surprise came when one the male funny men (I use this term very loosely) spoke about the delights of going to Mission High, which included having close relations with Black girls, and then went on to discribe Black girls in very inflattering terms, based on body parts. He also indulged in some potty humor, which was more gross than funny.
Although I was shocked by this guy, who in his mind, probably thought himself to be hilarious, I do intend on going back. The next show is November 18^th. Hope to see you there!

Spoken word.
I strive to attain a poet’s soul.
Transcendent. Privy to all that is abstract.
Relentless. Encased in a shell of that which is undefinable.
Distinct. Embossed in powerful thought and reason.
Frightened. Confounded with voids left ajar.
Enlightened. Intertwined in parallels and perpendiculars.
Running. Evading circumstance and that which is finite.
Understanding. Grasping morality and non-​conformity.
Spirit. Boundless navigation of substance and vitality.
Truth. Existence of just and righteousness.
I strive to attain a poet’s soul…
Words are just.
Powerful. Capable of nothing, yet able to captivate and enchant an audience…
Love has been sparked. Hearts have been splintered because of words…
Promises have been broken. Innocence lost because of words…
Wars raged because of words. Blood has been spilled…
Nations have been moved. Lives taken because of words…
Words are just. Powerful. Capable of nothing, yet able to captivate and enchant an audience…
Well, I was captivated. A friend brought me to the Galeria De La Raza for an open mic poetry reading titled, «lunada.» The event was hosted by the oh-​so-​brilliant artist, poet, singer, song writer, and guitarist, Marc Pinate. The man is truly an undeniable talent. Along with Marc, was a potpourri of poets that read about subjects ranging from abortion to a drunken princess. Some were better than others. Nonetheless, the beauty of poetry lies within its true essence of self-​expression. It’s personal, passionate, and when meaningfully articulated — it can enamor a room full of strangers.
The gallery is ample and cozy. I believe that many of the exhibits were removed to make room for the attendees. At some point, I would like to return when the full gallery is on display. What was out was very random. Rare. Without a doubt, worth a re-​visit.
«…The spoken word is stronger than the strongest man…
Carries the whole world like the strongest hand…»
— Earl Simmons «DMX»

Great underground gallery/​art space in the Mission — some friends and I came here for a spoken word open mic night, and were thoroughly impressed with the décor, creativity, warmth, great vibes, and the laid-​back professionalism with which it was run. Fantastic gallery installations literally coming off the walls. Definitely coming back!

Very cool lil gallery on 24^th St. They wear their political leanings on their sleeve so if you’re particularly conservative, this might not be the spot for you. Then again, if you’re particularly conservative, SF itself is probably not the spot for you.

I loved this place years ago & spent all my money here. I still love what they do but it’s a shadow of its former self. When the store was in the other space they had so much more, now they have little enough I rarely bother coming here (I go to Mia’s (who was wonderful here back in the day) place «Encantada» instead). They still provide a great service though — I just wish the gift shop would return to its former glory days.

Terrific little neighborhood art gallery in the heart of the real Mission. The numerous exhibits are by local artists and define the heart and soul of this neighborhood. Poetry reading and slam-​poets breathe creativity into this tiny space and it really gets going when the music’s setting the tone thanks to the DJ or the headlining performance. It’s another place that showcases the underground artists in da Mission… and another reason why I love SF.

I adore this wonderful gallery space in the mission. They are always having interesting art shows. You can see everything from digital murals to paintings. They always have interesting artwork for sale. A definite unique place to go. And a must stop for Day of the Dead.

I bought a hand-​carved Virgin of Guadalupe statuette complete with multi-​colored halo — fabulous! Also great candleholders and assorted other items.