Cultural Arts - News & Events
New Solo Artist Exhibit
Explore the poignant artistry of Claudio Talavera-Ballón
Library | Parks and Recreation Center, 901 Civic Campus Way
1st-floor - Corridor and Council Chambers/Theater Atrium
Ends September 7, 2024
The final of three solo artist exhibitions is by local artist, Claudio Talavera-Ballón. The celebrated collection of oils will be on a 3-month exhibit beginning in June. Titled, "Somos tierra que anda - We are Earth that Walks," the work tells the story of the Central American migrants in the recent caravans, who are traveling north in search of a better life. In the artist’s view, the exhibit is an invitation for needed conversations to help us move beyond this highly charged conflict and towards a solution. A fine arts painter, muralist, and speaker Claudio’s work has been reflected throughout the Bay Area for over a decade. To learn more about the artist, visit www.talavera-ballon.com.
"PEAK: What Is the Height of Your Love, Joy and Freedom?" June Art Show
Artists participated in a vibrant and inclusive art exhibit that explored the pinnacle of human experience and celebrated the essence of Pride Month, Juneteenth, and the boundless spirit of summer. Visitors enjoyed viewing over forty mixed media, two- and three-dimensional works. The Commission thanks all the participants and congratulates the finalists of this art gallery event. To view a virtual exhibit of the award-winning art, visit: https://bit.ly/peakArtSSF24.
Best of Show - “Joy” by Valerie Lin
Mixed Media
1st place - “Hurrah” by Dana Dillworth
2nd place - “Keep My Heart” by Xuan My Ho
Three-Dimensional
1st place - “Water Hole” by Allen Sinor
2nd place - “Altar of Change” by Ash Asaro
Two-Dimensional
1st place - “Joy” by Valerie Lin
2nd place- “Freedom” by Valerie Lin
3rd place - “In the Wild” by Silpa Baby
Honorable Mention
“Burning Bird” - by Elena Lengardt
“Love Always Wins” - by Michael DeNatale
Meet the 2024 Jack Drago Cultural Arts Commission Youth Art Scholarship Recipients
Five deserving candidates from the South San Francisco Unified School District’s class of 2024 were awarded the Jack Drago Cultural Arts Commission Youth Art Scholarship. Graduates Thomas Gatdula, Isabella Gonzalez, Hannah Olpindo, Lauren Ta and Matteo Woo were honored at their respective school’s senior awards ceremony and at the SSF Cultural Arts Commission and City Council meetings.
The scholarship was established by the Cultural Art Commission in 1999 for the purpose of providing eligible graduating seniors from the SSF Unified School District with continued education in the visual arts. The scholarship is financed exclusively by community donations. Enjoy the outstanding artwork of these young artists in a virtual gallery of their work. Their art is also currently on display in the 2nd and 3rd floor display cabinets at the Library | Parks and Recreation Center, 901 Civic Campus Way, through the end of July.
MEET THE HONOREES
Thomas Gatdula graduated from El Camino High School and prefers creating with pen and ink. His future goal in the art field is to be either an illustrator or a concept artist.
Isabella Gonzalez, graduate of SSF High School, prefers acrylic painting. Her goals in the art field are to improve how she creates art and to explore different mediums and techniques.
Hannah Olpindo, a graduate of SSF High School, prefers creating with pencil and digital art. Her future goals are to become an illustrator and perform freelance work.
Lauren Ta graduated from SSF High School and enjoys working in digital and watercolor art. Her aspiration is to be an architect.
A graduate of El Camino High School, Matteo Woo is drawn to Jazz improvisation. He plays the clarinet, saxophone, drums, and jazz piano. He plans to attend college, pursue a career in jazz performance and explore composition or education.
April's Celebration of Youth Artistry
Presented in partnership with the SSF Unified School District
For two-days in April, the new Library | Parks and Recreation Center transformed into South San Francisco’s very own Museum of Art at the twenty-fourth presentation of the Youth Art Show. This annual program, sponsored by the Cultural Arts Commission in partnership with the SSF Unified School District, took place on April 12 and 13. All three floors of the new facility featured hundreds of exceptional works in painting, ceramics, sketching, watercolors, mixed-media, and sculpture created by SSFUSD students from elementary through high school. A three-week extended
exhibit of select art followed the show.
After a four-year hiatus, the performing arts presentations also returned! Visitors enjoyed engaging performances by Florie and the Happy Notes Kids, students of the SSF Civic Ballet and the El Camino High School Jazz Combo. All ages indulged their inner artist by creating “Zentangle” drawings at the Saturday craft activity.
Mark Your Calendars - 2024 Art Gallery Events
Three 2024 art gallery shows at the new Library | Parks and Recreation gallery room have successfully concluded. Save the date for the final 2024 show. Entry details are available approximately a month or two prior to the show dates. Events take place at the Library | Parks and Recreation Center, 901 Civic Campus Way, SSF - 3rd Floor Gallery unless otherwise indicated. Art gallery shows are open to the public and free to attend.
- October 11 &12 - Details to be announced
Coming Soon - 2025 Art Gallery Schedule
Visit www.ssf.net/culturalarts, select “Current Opportunities for Artists” for updated art entry information.