What's the art scene (painting) like in San Francisco? (Oakland: rent, to buy)

[lucidsea]

I've been living in LA and am considering moving to SF instead but have no clue what it's like for a painter there.

[18Montclair]

Originally Posted by lucidsea

I've been living in LA and am considering moving to SF instead but have no clue what it's like for a painter there.

Check out Oakland's Art Murmur(before it becomes yuppified). A once-monthly event when artists from all over the Bay Area meet and greet.

[alohakat]

You might consider looking up a lot of the art coop's around the Bay Area, not necessarily to buy into one with monthly rent, but they'll have the in on art festivals, gatherings, etc.

Overall, the major galleries are thinning a bit at least in the City, going for by-appt to the higher-end client list and not open to the public, some relocating to lower rent districts.

But I have found the art crowd itself in the Bay Area to be wonderfully friendly and open, willing to give info about upcoming events and willing to help their fellow artist. The Bay Area in general is very open and friendly. Hope that helps.

[Editors]

Sausalito has several groups of artists. The largest is called the "ICB Artists" (ICB Artists) and another revolves around Studio 333 (Studio 333 Fine Art Gallery Caledonia St. Sausalito California). Hope this helps!

[batransplant]

I am also a painter from LA and a recent transplant to SF and the bay area (due to husbands career relocation). I prefer the arts scene in LA much more to SF. I think there are way more opportunities in LA for creative people and I think the quality of the art world is much better down there. It is also much bigger in LA with more opportunities and varieties of venues to show work.