Artists Erin Hupp and Jaime Lovejoy at their pop-up gallery in 2023. (Sam Cooper)
Beloved artist duo revives their popular pop-up gallery—and this year, they're bringing creative friends.
24 September
The exhibition, Interwoven, showcases the work of a half dozen Bay Area artists in various mediums—painting, sculpture, ceramics and more.
Artists Erin Hupp, Jaime Lovejoy, Kaleen Cameron, Hannah Franco, Katie Gong and Sasinun Kladpetch will be on hand throughout the month-long event to mingle with visitors and collectors, share their work process and inspiration, and celebrate art over vino and nibbles.
For those keeping score, this marks birthday number four for the Pop-Up Gallery, organized by nature-inspired abstract artist Jaime Lovejoy and ceramicist Erin Hupp, known for her hand-thrown bespoke tableware collabs with fine-dining restaurants.
The pair met years ago while serving on the arts committee at their kids’ school in Noe Valley. When Jaime started painting full time, the friendship truly cemented.
“Erin had transitioned from lawyer to full-time ceramicist and was already well established in the fine-dining world. We started having regular calls about our work, being a mom and an artist, and sharing resources on galleries and open calls. We uniquely understood what the other was going through, and it brought us close,” Lovejoy explains. “The first pop-up opportunity presented itself, and we’ve partnered ever since.”
Previous years’ pop-ups took place in Hayes Valley, Cow Hollow and Noe Valley, which is back for round two. The former (long vacant) Mill Mercantile on 24th Street plays host and teems with life and light again, thanks to a design transformation by SF’s Studio Trovato and Oakland’s Sobu furniture.
Securing the storefront at 3751 24th Street proved to be an affirming experience in itself, Hupp explains.
“When Jaime first reached out, the landlord was waffling but then called back a couple days later with a yes. I feel like this a great story of San Francisco people who just, ultimately, want to support art. Even if they have a hesitation, we’ve learned to stay patient…knowing they’ll come around. And people will show up to support.”
Likewise, Hupp and Lovejoy were keen to show some support of their own: “This year, we decided to increase the number of artists, partly because we have a larger space but also because we wanted to tap into the idea of female artists supporting each other,” Hupp says.
For years, the duo had been keeping a mental list of people they wanted to work with. Once they reached out, the group came together easily, organically. “There were multiple touch points of connectedness amongst the participating women, which actually inspired the show title, Interwoven,” Lovejoy says.
That connectedness comes through in the artists’ work, as well.
“What’s really interesting is that we didn’t need to coordinate with the other artists on a theme. Our art all kind of works together,” Hupp says. “I’m so excited about this lineup; it’s going to look so good as a whole.”
Along with the addition of artists, 2024’s pop-up will have more scheduled events. Think wreath-making class, permanent-jewelry shopping with Fiat Lux, and a bona-fide shopping marketplace with local makers.
Anyone else feeling Vacant to Vibrant vibes?
“I loved 7x7’s vision of Vacant to Vibrant…it’s like making San Francisco a cultural hub, promoting the arts and getting people to see downtown San Francisco as a destination again. It does remind me a little bit of how our pop-up started,” says Hupp.
Indeed, both Hupp and Lovejoy participated in events at 7x7’s Social Club pop-up—and have their art featured in the space.
“I was really drawn to the community the Social Club was creating. The model of showcasing local artists, organizing events to get people engaged in the art community of San Francisco was so creative and fresh. I am honored to be a part of that, “ Lovejoy says.
The opening party for Interwoven is set for Saturday, October 5th (4–6pm). Everyone’s invited to toast to art and the talents who make it.
// Open Thursday through Sunday, October 4–27; 3751 24th Street (Noe Valley). For more info and event schedule, visit jaimelovejoy.com