exhibits

Humble materials and simplicity of form help explain artist Christopher Baird's latest body of work. "Light and Heavy" asks you to comtemplate new meanings for the commonplace as polyethylene tarps transform themselves into works of art. Study from afar and them lean in for a closer look, which will reveal the subtle line quality found in drawing.

Note: While you're there, you can also check out Bay Area artist Tucker Nichols' imagined emergency storage plan for SFMOMA drawn onto the gallery's entry hallway.

For the last 15 years, local photographer Dan Dion has worked as the house photographer at the legendary Fillmore Auditorium shooting the world's greatest touring performers in rock's most holy house. For the first time, Dion has opened up his archives to exhibit a retrospective of 70 photos—intimate backstage portraits and explosive performance shots paint a kaleidoscopic picture of rock, jazz, country, alternative, blues, world music and comedy.

Werkstatte is San Francisco's ultimate "First Thursdays" artists networking and social event. A monthly art and music celebration held at Otis Lounge located on 25 Maiden Lane, in the heart of Union Square.

In conjunction with the monthly Union Square Art Walk Celebration, Werkstatte: First Thursdays Art Party Social returns with a talented ensemble of up and coming local artists.

Take in some culture during the 16th annual AfroSolo Arts Festival presented by SF's award-winning AfroSolo Theatre Company. Celebrating African-American artists giving voice to their experience and paying homage to the rich legacy of African-Americans, the festival features live music, visual art and new works for the stage. Events will be held at Yerba Buena Gardens, the Main San Francisco Public Library, the African-American Art and Culture Complex, and the Ella Hill Hutch Community Center.

More than 100 rarely seen historic banners, posters, photographs and videos of rock legends and concerts, including Carlos Santana, The Doors, The Grateful Dead, Huey Lewis and The News, Janis Joplin, Jimi Hendrix, and Linda Ronstadt, to name a few, performing at San Francisco’s top concert venues will be on display. Also included is Winterland, the site of some of the most memorable moments from rock ‘n roll history. Previously, this had only been seen on private tours of the Vault.

Alice 97.3 presents the 7th Annual Summerthing Concert at Speedway Meadow in Golden Gate Park featuring Gavin Rossdale, Matt Nathanson, Sugar Ray, and Parachute.

Be the first to discover new artistic talent at Gallery560's Top Ten. One night only, every month.

Take advantage of free family fun at the Contemporary Jewish Museum on Christmas day. It's the only museum open in the city that will offer the perfect chance to celebrate Hanukkah. Learn about the festival of lights and traditions using candles, lamps, oils and lanterns while creating your own holiday artwork. Then take a gander over to the museum's exhibitions "In the Beginning: Artists Respond to Genesis" and "Warhol's Jews: Ten Portraits Reconsidered." It's good, wholesome family fun, Jewish style.

The "Il Ghetto" project at Museo Italo Americano is bringing together numerous Bay Area organizations: the Italian Cultural Institute, the Fine Arts Museums, Judah L. Magnes Museum of Berkeley, the Jewish Community Center, the Jewish Film Festival and more. The exhibit underlines the complex relationships of the Christian majority and Jewish minority in early modern Italian communities.

The Asian Art Museum is displaying a rich collection of Afghan artifacts that includes pieces from the Bactrian Hoard, which were excavated in 1978 and widely thought to have been lost during the country's recent turbulent times (but were, in fact, hidden in the presidential palace vault until 2003).