SOMArts

Mediocre art.

Wow, we enjoyed 100 Performances around a Hole. A bunch of amazing talent so graciously hosted by SOMArts! The space is excellent for a variety of event types both indoor and outdoor. My only gripe is that it seem is that no cabbies know where the heck it is.

OK Somarts has really grown up in the last couple of years. Better signs so you can actually find it, diverse events including literature based performances and as always art shows that inspire. This is the heartbeat of the art community in many ways and deserves to receive support as they give back to the community.

Outstanding Artistic Event Space In The SOMA Hood!
SITREP
My SF Unilocal buddy Jessica T turned me on to the SOMArts facility this past month and I have to say I’ve been a big fan in the few times I’ve stopped in.
It’s rather an interesting adjustment for me as well since I’ve been familiar with this building-​structure for almost 15 years — I would just barrel past (either walking or driving) when shooting down 8^th Street to get down to Brannon or King Streets to hit some clubs, visit some friends’ lofts, etc. But now I stop dead in my tracks to admire the new «use»!
THE SETUP
There is a multiplicity of spaces here: from a large central art exhibition area; to an even larger community gathering & exhibition & PARTY-​CENTRAL area; to siderooms, alcoves, an outdoor garden area for more exhibits, cooking, and vendoring, and the like.
EXHIBITIONS
The evenings I’ve been here (note: the venue closes at 7pm I belive), there are dynamic, interactive exhibits that can be enjoyed here. Most recently, my friend Eugene and I made some tiles that we were able to place on the exhibit wall and THAT was a lot of fun being part of the exhibit itself!
PARKING
It’s a BIT easier in this part of town — not perfect mind you, but you will most likely find a metered spot. [Just make sure to feed the meter before 6pm — however, the last hour of operation at SOMArts from 6−7pm would be free on the meter.]
THE LOWDOWN
For a good time, definitely check out the good people & awesome spaces at SOMArts!

Free street parking after a certain time, metered street parking. I was in a group show here in June, the venue is crazy big. Visit this space when you get a chance.

SOMArts always is hosting the jams. Went there for the ArtSpan Benefit Art Auction and Unilocal in the Hundreds and both were perfectly hosted/​located. Can’t wait to go back again!

This is such a cool venue, used during Unilocal in the Hundreds event on August 8. There’s an outside area, accessible to food trucks and multiple vendors. The inside is extremely spacious, fitting hundreds and maybe even a thousand people.
During the event, my friends and I were able to create art and nail it to the wall using nails and a hammer. I think this is one of the only places that lets you do that. So awesome.
There was also some very cool artwork — my favorite was the sculpture built using large packaging foam pieces. Not sure if you could hold a wedding here, but it seems like a great venue!

what a hidden gem you would probably mistaken the entrance for a garage door. They have a great hall that can hold private events. The art installations are worth looking at but I don’t know if I would pay money to see it though. Came here for a Unilocal event and was amazed how many people this place can handle.

My professor had his show here.
I loved the space and particularly his use of the space. The bathroom slide down is a bit annoying and the bar doesn’t carry champagne or anything past soda and red wine but all in all it’s a space that can be utilized in some pretty neat ways.
I’d drop by again, if not just to see how a different artist would make use of the space!

I have removed my review.

Great Hipster Atmosphere, Variety of shows, nice art-​studio feel!
I came here for the Bangladeshi Contemporary art Exhibit by myself on a Sunday afternoon.
Found street parking immediately right in front of the gallery!
Right away I could see the rustic art studio feel and it got me in the right mood.
The reception was amazing and the show was very well put together.
I recommend it to people who want to explore the city but get nervous by city hustle and bustle.

By far — one of the coolest art venues and spaces that I have been to in awhile. SOMArts is a truly impressive and rockin’ art and community facility in the city. Their exhibitions are curated with a slew of well though-​out insight and passion (try to ask for a tour if you can), their outdoor garden is picturesque and cultivated beautifully, and their indoor space is massive and so adaptable (just check out the slew of different events and organizations that they work with).
You can read all about SOMArts’s fascinating history here —
Stay tuned to their phenomenal line-​up of events here :
. From a literary pot-​luck, to ArtSpan’s Annual Art Auction, to their fascinating current exhibit on the law and the tricky boundaries of the law — there is a wealth of knowledge to be had here.
Also be sure to check out their class schedules as well —
Trust.

My work had a wonderful and lovely holiday party at SOMArts, so this review is WAY overdue. The staff at SOMArts went so above and beyond to make the space one that worked so well for us. It was a fantastic party, and the space is so flexible that it’s really just about the best venue in the city for anything. I hope that we have every party there!

God damn scariest 1 block walk from the bus stop. My advice is not to walk under the freeway but to take 9^th instead. Yes, it’s the long way but it’s more lit.
I went there in support of Truong Tran and his artwork. The space is large enough to hold the 2 artists featured including a large instillation piece from the other artist. Truong’s work was amazing and I finally got to meet him after a 7 year long idolizing process.
You could order drinks and there is a taco truck. The truck was very good although I’m not used to paying $ 2 for the small tacos from one.

Came here for the Camarena Taco Truck Launch Party. The party was cracking, there was free tacos, free tequila all night. The chef from TacoLicious was providing the tacos. Tacos were great. Had a great time hanging out with some good friends. Thanks for the night. The place was cool, big enough for a nice size party. Yes, there was a Taco truck inside the building. Nice setup. Place was easy to find, parking is perfect.
When we left SomArts, we heading down to Tacolicious…
Thanks Camarena.

Being that I have a hot and steamy love affair with the arts, I must say that I get all sweaty when I visit SomArts Cultural Center!
They have got to be one of the only cultural centers I’ve been to that really foster community involvement in the arts. I’m not just talking arts and crafts activities either. We’re talking a real conversation with the public that forces people to explore their interests within a cultural context (and, in some cases, subtext). From performative to visual art, you will not be disappointed by their wide array of shows, exhibitions, and artists groups and collectives that grace the main gallery and large exhibition hall.
Total first date worthy if you want to impress that special someone BUT be forewarned that some shows are not for the prudish. Get your culture on and pay SomArts a visit, will ya?!

UPDATE: SOMArts e-​mailed me on Unilocal to let me know they were closed that weekend. They had apparently updated their website but did not have a sign on the door… maybe I will try again and update my review.
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They’re allegedly open 12 – 5 Saturdays, but that’s a lie. I came all the way over here to see an exhibit and the place was locked and deserted at 12:20. Very annoying.

The I Live Here exhibit is awesome and free. If you’re looking for a unique take on the arts, definitely check it out. They also were selling food outside but I mainly came for the photography that was being showcased.
I will definitely check out more exhibits here in the future.

This venue is pretty cool. It’s basically a big warehouse that holds various events (most recently I went to a fashion show here). The space is very old and the wood rafters are fantastic.
All in all it was a nice change to usual settings that normally make up a Saturday night.

Funky.