Just what the Mission needs—another art offbeat gallery. But with the opening of Public Works, the neighborhood's hipsters are going to get a taste of something different (we'll call it Mission meets SoMa). The new multipurpose space is a gallery, bar, artist's workshop, and community room, with the goal of bringing underground scenes and styles together under one roof and promoting some of the Bay Area's most creatively-oriented nonprofits.

Local talent will use the joint to work during the day and show off their creations against a backdrop of electronic and indie music at night. Four lucky artists-in-residence will be awarded a workspace at no cost. At dusk, Public Works transforms into a community room, available free of charge, to neighborhood groups. From DJ-oriented club parties and live bands to independent film screenings, performance art and random creative outbursts, Public Works coins itself a "hangout, happening, and adventure."

As part of their commitment to the neighborhood, Public Works will donate a portion of proceeds to nonprofits like Root Division, which brings art classes to kids in schools that can't afford such programs.

Put your skepticism aside and check out the opening reception with "Capricious Fall," a group show of emerging and established artists featuring live silkscreening and an early DJ set by Debaser (Jamie Jams). Stick around and hear beats by HotTub, Little John, VinSol, Tenderloins, and more. On Saturday, you can welcome Pitchfork indie/post garage darlings Mount Kimbie, along with Mary Anne Hobbs and Dntel. If you're still up for more, come back on Sunday for Honey Sound System's Leather Disco II. 

Friday, 9/24 - Sunday, 9/26; 161 Erie St., 415-932-0955