Workshops

Free Art Workshop: Holiday Cards

Presented by YBCA

Wednesday, December 18, 2024, 2–4 PM

Create vibrant holiday cards using watercolor, brush pens, or markers and dedicate it to someone special.

Public Programs

22nd Annual Parol Lantern Festival

Presented by Filipino-American Development Foundation & SOMA Pilipinas

Saturday, December 14, 2024 3–8 PM

Join us this holiday season for a fun-filled cultural festival of food, drinks, art, dance, and music.

Workshops

Free Art Workshop: Mini Parol Lanterns

Presented by YBCA

Wednesday, December 11, 2024, 2–4 PM

Create your own mini parol using an array of materials such as paper plates, colored cellophane, tissue paper, and yarn.

Public Programs

Second Sunday: Nicky Nodjoumi & Nahid Hagigat

Presented by YBCA

Sunday, December 8, 2024, 11 AM-5 PM

Discover the work and lives of artists Nicky Nodjoumi and Nahid Hagigat during this documentary screening and curator-led tour.

Public Programs

Downtown First Thursday: Nicky Nodjoumi & Nahid Hagigat

Presented by YBCA

Thursday, December 5, 2024, 5-8 PM

See a documentary and experience a curator-led tour to go deeper with the work of Nicky Nodjoumi & Nahid Hagigat.

Workshops

Free Art Workshop: Parol Clay Ornaments

Presented by YBCA

Wednesday, December 4, 2024, 2–4 PM

Explore the therapeutic nature of clay by creating your version of parol-inspired ornaments.

Workshops

Parol Lantern Workshop

Presented by SOMA Pilipinas

Sunday, November 24, 2024, 12-4 PM

Learn how to make your own parol lantern with materials and instruction provided by SOMA Pilipinas.

Workshops

Parol Lantern Workshop

Presented by SOMA Pilipinas

Saturday, November 23, 2024, 12-4 PM

Learn how to make your own parol lantern with materials and instruction provided by SOMA Pilipinas.

Workshops

Parol Lantern Workshop

Presented by SOMA Pilipinas

Sunday, November 17, 2024, 12-4 PM

Learn how to make your own parol lantern with materials and instruction provided by SOMA Pilipinas.

Workshops

Parol Lantern Workshop

Presented by SOMA Pilipinas

Saturday, November 16, 2024, 12-4 PM

Learn how to make your own parol lantern with materials and instruction provided by SOMA Pilipinas.

Workshops

Free Art Workshop: Parol Felt Charms

Presented by YBCA

Wednesday, November 13, 2024, 2–4 PM

Experiment with color and texture by using soft materials such as felt to create a vibrant 3D parol felt charm.

Public Programs

Second Sunday: Nicky Nodjoumi & Nahid Hagigat

Presented by YBCA

Sunday, November 10, 2024, 11 AM-5 PM

Discover the work and lives of artists Nicky Nodjoumi and Nahid Hagigat during this documentary screening.

Public Programs

Downtown First Thursday: Nicky Nodjoumi & Nahid Hagigat

Presented by YBCA

Thursday, November 7, 2024, 5-8 PM

See a documentary and experience a curator-led tour to go deeper with the work of Nicky Nodjoumi & Nahid Hagigat.

Workshops

Free Art Workshop: Parol-inspired Collages

Presented by YBCA

Wednesday, November 6, 2024, 2–4 PM

Create papercut pattern collages evoking concepts of hope, goodwill, blessings, and luck during the holiday season.

Workshops

Parol Lantern Workshop

Presented by SOMA Pilipinas

Sunday, November 3, 2024, 12-4 PM

Learn how to make your own parol lantern with materials and instruction provided by SOMA Pilipinas.

Workshops

Parol Lantern Workshop

Presented by SOMA Pilipinas

Saturday, November 2, 2024, 12-4 PM

Learn how to make your own parol lantern with materials and instruction provided by SOMA Pilipinas.

Workshops

Free Art Workshops: Watercolor Landscape Paintings

Presented by YBCA

Wednesday, October 30, 2024, 2–4 PM

Discover the expressive nature of watercolor and create your own landscape paintings.

Workshops

Free Art Workshop: Abstract Collages

Presented by YBCA

Wednesday, October 23, 2024, 2–4 PM

Find inspiration from everyday materials such as magazines and decorative paper, to build a new, abstract world through the process of collage.

Workshops

Free Art Workshop: Mythical Animal Sculptures

Presented by YBCA

Wednesday, October 16, 2024, 2–4 PM

Unleash your imagination and make your own mythical animal sculptures. Transform your animal inspiration into a three-dimensional, colorful sculpture using air-dry clay.

Workshops

Free Art Workshop: Family & Friends Story Zines

Presented by YBCA

Wednesday, October 9, 2024, 2–4 PM

Create a colorful zine featuring your family or friends. Include stories and special memories, while incorporating drawings and symbols to emphasize your personal narrative.

Workshops

Free Art Workshop: Statement Posters

Presented by YBCA

Wednesday, October 2, 2024, 2–4 PM

Spark your creative expression by designing personal statement posters. Enhance your statement by adding design elements, such as lines, shapes, color, pattern and/or symbolic imagery.

Workshops

Free Art Workshop: Mythological Pop-up Book

Presented by YBCA

Wednesday, September 25, 2024, 2–4 PM

Incorporate shapes and colors, and draw from your imagination to create a mythological pop up book.

Public Programs

Reparations Summit for Creative, Cultural, and Intellectual Life: Part 1

Presented by YBCA

Sunday, September 22, 2024, 10 AM–2 PM

A unique platform for artists to voice their needs and contribute to the shaping of reparations policies, fostering a more equitable future for the artistic community in San Francisco.

Public Programs

The Remedy is Solidarity: A Global Multimedia Anthology on Reparations, Volume 1.1: Too Much Like Right

Presented by YBCA & Zeal

Saturday, September 21, 2024, 2–4 PM

A premiere of Too Much Like Right Now, an experimental video artwork created by Sajjad Musa and co-produced by San Francisco natives Auttrianna Ward and Malik Seneferu.

Workshops

Free Art Workshop: Text Paper Weavings

Presented by YBCA

Wednesday, September 18, 2024, 2–4 PM

Carry on the tradition of storytelling through weaving by learning to weave with paper and personal writings.

Public Programs

Art, Action, Change: Weekend Programs

Presented by YBCA

September 14–15, 2024

A weekend of dynamic performances and participatory programs.

Public Programs

The American Heiress: Revelations

Friday, September 13, 2024, 6–8 PM

A historical performance based in personal narrative by Creative Corps Artist Kristian Stovall.

Films

Love Letter to the Tenderloin

Presented by YBCA

Thursday, September 12, 2024, 6–8:30 PM

A screening of two documentary films about the Tenderloin.

Workshops

Free Art Workshop: Watercolor Dedication Cards

Presented by YBCA

Wednesday, September 11, 2024, 2–4 PM

Create watercolor cards and dedicate them to someone you’d like to honor.

Public Programs

Art, Action, Change: Weekend Programs

Presented by YBCA

September 7–8, 2024

A weekend of dynamic performances and participatory programs.

Public Programs

Downtown First Thursday: Art, Action, Change

Presented by YBCA

Thursday, September 5, 2024, 5–10:30 PM

Open mic, salsa dancing, DJ sets, live performances and more!

Public Programs

Art, Action, Change: Weekend Programs

Presented by YBCA

Saturday, August 31, 2024, 1–5 PM

A weekend of dynamic performances and participatory programs.

Public Programs

Life After Corrections: Using the Arts as a Tool for Starting Again

Presented by YBCA

Thursday, August 29, 5:30–7:30 PM

Creative Corps member and formerly incarcerated artist, Rahsaan Thomas, will present learning from the Art Expo at San Quentin and lead a panel of individuals championing the creative works of those looking for a second chance at life through the arts.

Workshops

Free Art Workshop: Lotus Flower Origami

Presented by YBCA

Wednesday, August 28, 2024, 2–4pm

Make your own version of the lotus flower with paper origami.

Public Programs

History and Genealogy of African Americans in San Francisco

Presented by YBCA

Thursday, August 22, 2024, 6–8 PM

A documentary screening of Blood Seeks Blood, a film by Tarika Lewis followed by a presentation of the Narrative Quilt Project by William Rhodes.

Workshops

Free Art Workshop: Paper Parasol

Presented by YBCA

Wednesday, August 21, 2024, 2–4pm

Inspired by Nick Dong’s Auspicious 88 – Parasol of Luck & Prosperity, make your own parasols in paper.

Public Programs

Art, Action, Change: Weekend Programs

Presented by YBCA

August 17–18, 2024

Join us for a weekend of dynamic performances and participatory programs,

Public Programs

Opening Night Reception: Art, Action, Change

Presented by YBCA

August 16, 2024, 5–8pm

+ Read more

Workshops

Free Art Workshop: Zentangle Drawings

Presented by YBCA

Wednesday, August 14, 2024, 2–4pm

Create improvisational Zentangle drawings inspired by the exhibition Nick Dong: 11 to 88.

Public Programs

Community Public Art & Artist Tour

Presented by YBCA

Saturday, August 10, 2024, 2-3:30pm

Join us for the celebration and unveiling of Community Public Art.

Workshops

Free Art Workshop: Textured Clay Tiles

Presented by YBCA

Wednesday, August 7, 2024, 2–4pm

Create clay tiles to remember ancestors and loved ones.

Public Programs

Nick Dong: Mendsmith Project

Presented by YBCA

July 29–August 18, 2024

Nick Dong uses his jewelers’ skills bring two meaningful pieces of jewelry or personal items to be “mended” into a new commemoration.

Public Programs

Nick Dong: 11 to 88 Curator-led Tour & Artist-led Meditation

Presented by YBCA

Sunday, July 28, 2024, 1 PM

Our curator-led tour provides a unique opportunity to delve deeper into the exhibition while the meditation offers new layers of spirituality and introspection to Dong’s immersive works.

Workshops

Free Art Workshop: Papercut Patterns

Presented by YBCA

Wednesday, July 10, 2024, 2-4pm

+ Read more

Workshops

Free Art Workshop: Beaded Bracelets

Presented by YBCA

Wednesday, June 26, 2024, 2–4 PM

Make your own beaded bracelets, inspired by Nick Dong’s Mendsmith project.

Workshops

Free Art Workshop: Sequins Sewing

Presented by YBCA

Wednesday, June 12, 2024, 2–4 PM

Create your own reflective patterns by using glue or basic sewing techniques to attach sequins to fabric.

Workshops

Free Art Workshop: Flower Drawings

Presented by YBCA

Wednesday, June 5, 2024, 2–4 PM

Create your own flower drawings using graphite and metallic pigmented watercolors.

Public Programs

Goodwill Label Stories

Pop-up with artist Lynda Grose

Sunday, May 5, 2024, 2–5 PM

A dynamic conversation on second-hand clothing, sustainability and the fashion industry at this interactive pop-up event. Bring your own thrifted garment or browse a selection from Goodwill to take home.

Public Programs

Trophy Room—Dispersal Sale!

Presented by YBCA

Sunday, May 5, 2024, 2–5 PM

As BAN9 draws to a close, everything must go from Michael Arcega’s installation Trophy Room. Join the artist at YBCA as he opens up shop.

Public Programs

Artist Conversation: What Worlds We Build

Presented by YBCA

Sunday, May 5, 2024, 12–2 PM

This conversation dives into artistic practices which transform histories, familial lineage, and materiality to speculate on alternative ways of living.

Workshops

Sip & Sketch: José Figueroa

Presented by YBCA

Sunday, May 5, 2024, 2–5 PM

Grab your sketching tool of choice, your beverage of choice, and a seat for Sip & Sketch with BAN9 artist José Figueroa.

Workshops

Art + Asana: Free Yoga Class

Presented by YBCA

Thursday, May 2, 2024, 4–5 PM

A free yoga class where you can find your flow while immersed in the art of our ongoing exhibition Bay Area Now 9.

Public Programs

Goodwill Label Stories

Pop-up with artist Lynda Grose

Sunday, April 28, 2023, 12–2 PM

A dynamic conversation on second-hand clothing, sustainability and the fashion industry at this interactive pop-up event. Bring your own thrifted garment or browse a selection from Goodwill to take home.

Public Programs

Trophy Room—Dispersal Sale!

Presented by YBCA

Sunday, April 28, 2024, 3–5 PM

As BAN9 draws to a close, everything must go from Michael Arcega’s installation Trophy Room. Join the artist at YBCA as he opens up shop.

Workshops

Art + Asana: Free Yoga Class

Presented by YBCA

Thursday, April 25, 2024, 4–5 PM

A free yoga class where you can find your flow while immersed in the art of our ongoing exhibition Bay Area Now 9.

Public Programs

Trophy Room—Dispersal Sale!

Presented by YBCA

Sunday, April 21, 2024, 3–5 PM

As BAN9 draws to a close, everything must go from Michael Arcega’s installation Trophy Room. Join the artist at YBCA as he opens up shop.

Workshops

Art + Asana: Free Yoga Class

Presented by YBCA

Thursday, April 18, 2024, 4–5 PM

A free yoga class where you can find your flow while immersed in the art of our ongoing exhibition Bay Area Now 9.

Public Programs

Trophy Room—Dispersal Sale!

Presented by YBCA

Sunday, April 14, 2024, 1–5 PM

As BAN9 draws to a close, everything must go from Michael Arcega’s installation Trophy Room. Join the artist at YBCA as he opens up shop.

Workshops

The Artist at Work: José Figueroa

Presented by YBCA

Sunday, April 14, 2024, 12–3 PM

Drop in on this artmaking session with BAN9 artist José Figueroa and try out his drawing process for yourself.

Performances

Christine’s Schedule C

Presented by YBCA

April 14, 2024, 3–5 PM

A performative lecture from self-described “financial exhibitionist” Christine Tien Wang.

Workshops

Art + Asana: Free Yoga Class

Presented by YBCA

Thursday, April 11, 2024, 4–5 PM

A free yoga class where you can find your flow while immersed in the art of our ongoing exhibition Bay Area Now 9.

Workshops

Art + Asana: Free Yoga Class

Presented by YBCA

Thursday, March 28, 2024, 4–5 PM

A free yoga class where you can find your flow while immersed in the art of our ongoing exhibition Bay Area Now 9.

Workshops

pARTicipate Workshop with Blanca Estela Rodríguez: Trophy Room Dioramas

Workshops presented by YBCA

Wednesday, March 27, 2024, 2–4pm

Create a diorama filled with mini sculptures of everyday objects influenced by your own personal collection of items.

Workshops

Art + Asana: Free Yoga Class

Presented by YBCA

Thursday, March 21, 2024, 4–5 PM

A free yoga class where you can find your flow while immersed in the art of our ongoing exhibition Bay Area Now 9.

Workshops

pARTicipate Workshop with Blanca Estela Rodríguez: Community-Dedicated Postcards

Workshops presented by YBCA

Wednesday, March 20, 2024, 2–4pm

Celebrate your community by creating special handmade cards to give to friends, family, and loved ones to commemorate a specific community event.

Public Programs

Goodwill Label Stories

Pop-up with artist Lynda Grose

Saturday, March 16, 2024, 1–4 PM

A dynamic conversation on second-hand clothing, sustainability and the fashion industry at this interactive pop-up event. Bring your own thrifted garment or browse a selection from Goodwill to take home.

Performances

Soy Yo/It’s Me

Presented by YBCA

Postponed

An intimate evening of performance, ceremony, food, and conversation led by BAN9 artist Arleene Correa Valencia.

Workshops

pARTicipate Workshop with Blanca Estela Rodríguez: Embroidered Stories

Workshops presented by YBCA

Wednesday, March 6, 2024, 2–4pm

Tell your own story in textiles through basic stitches and fabric glue.

Dance

Sorry I Missed Your Show: Whale Fall

Presented by YBCA & Fresh Festival

CANCELLED

Watch a recording of the experimental dance film Whale Fall by mayfield brooks, then hear brooks reflect on the piece and their multidisciplinary practice.

Dance

Fresh Festival: To Be Unseen

Presented by Fresh Festival & YBCA

CANCELLED

Experience dynamic, site-specific performances inside the YBCA galleries from 3 movement artists whose works subvert, disrupt, and respond to the tokenizing identity politics forced onto Black creatives by art institutions.

Films

from within a great silence

Expanded Cinema Screening presented by YBCA

CANCELLED

An afternoon of expanded cinema in this performance featuring a multi-projector film screening with live narration from artist tamara suarez porras.

Workshops

Art + Asana: Free Yoga Class

Presented by YBCA

Thursday, February 15, 2024, 4–5 PM

A free yoga class where you can find your flow while immersed in the art of our ongoing exhibition Bay Area Now 9.

Festival

Love Letter to SOMA

Presented by YBCA

Thursday, February 15, 2024, 4–9 PM

Convene, create, contemplate, and celebrate this Third Thursday festival that brings together a selection of artists to share one-night-only special experiences.

Workshops

pARTicipate Workshop with Blanca Estela Rodríguez: Portrait Cards

Workshops presented by YBCA

Wednesday, February 14, 2024, 2–4 PM

Create a hand-drawn portrait of someone you’d like to celebrate—a friend, family, loved one, or yourself.

Workshops

The Artist at Work: José Figueroa

Presented by YBCA

Sunday, February 11, 2024, 12-3 PM

Drop in on this artmaking session with BAN9 artist José Figueroa and try out his drawing process for yourself.

Workshops

Zine-Making on the Mobile Studio

Presented by YBCA

Saturday, February 10, 2024, 12–3 PM

Create your own zine in these drop-in workshops using a Mobile Zine-Making Studio designed by Artivate artists Chris Treggiari and Amy Berk.

Workshops

Papermaking Workshop with Trina Michelle Robinson

Presented by YBCA

Saturday, February 10, 2024, 1–4 PM

Led by BAN9 artist Trina Michelle Robinson, students will follow a step-by-step process to create their own handmade paper.

Dance

Sorry I Missed Your Show: Tonic

Presented by YBCA & Fresh Festival

Saturday, February 10, 2024, 3:30–5 PM

Watch a recording of experimental dance work Tonic created by Kathleen Hermesdorf and Albert Mathias, followed by a panel conversation featuring Mathias and others who worked closely with Hermesdorf.

Workshops

Art + Asana: Free Yoga Class

Presented by YBCA

Thursday, February 8, 2024, 4–5 PM

A free yoga class where you can find your flow while immersed in the art of our ongoing exhibition Bay Area Now 9.

Workshops

pARTicipate Workshop with Blanca Estela Rodríguez: Personal Story Prints

Workshops presented by YBCA

Wednesday, February 7, 2024, 2–4 PM

Experiment with Trina Michelle Robinson’s intaglio works on handmade paper.

Public Programs

Exploring Leymusoom Garden

Conversation, performance, and screening presented by YBCA

Saturday, February 3, 2024, 1–4 PM

Explore BAN9 artist Heesoo Kwon’s Leymusoom Garden through traditional Korean games and performance, a conversation with Kwon and her multidisciplinary collaborators, and a screening of Kwon’s most recent video work.

Public Programs

By Way of Revolution

Artist-led Workshop

Saturday, February 3, 2024, 11 AM–3 PM

Investigate how histories of protest inform our present day moment and the powerful yet often overlooked role that BIPOC women (both cis and trans) play, in this performance art workshop led by artist Helina Metaferia.

Workshops

Art + Asana: Free Yoga Class

Presented by YBCA

Wednesday, January 31, 2024, 4–5 PM

A free yoga class where you can find your flow while immersed in the art of our ongoing exhibition Bay Area Now 9.

Public Programs

pARTicipate workshop with ChiChai Mateo: Watercolor Painting

Workshops presented by YBCA

Wednesday, January 31, 2024, 2–4 PM

Participants will learn basic watercolor techniques in order to create their own collage-like map.
This workshop is inspired by BAN9 artist Connie Zheng.

Public Programs

Cueca Dance Class

Dance class in partnership with the International Museum of Dance

Sunday, January 28, 2024, 1–2 PM

Join instructor Isidro Fajardo to learn cueca, the national dance of Bolivia.

Public Programs

Goodwill Label Stories

Pop-up with artist Lynda Grose

Sunday, January 28, 2024, 12–2 PM

A dynamic conversation on second-hand clothing, sustainability and the fashion industry at this interactive pop-up event. Bring your own thrifted garment or browse a selection from Goodwill to take home.

Public Programs

Poets’ Lunch

Presented by YBCA

Thursday, January 25, 2024, 12–2 PM

Listen to a poetry reading, enjoy a catered lunch, and experience cultural offerings from Indigenous poets, scholars and activists.

Workshops

Art + Asana: Free Yoga Class

Presented by YBCA

Wednesday, January 24, 2024, 4–5 PM

A free yoga class where you can find your flow while immersed in the art of our ongoing exhibition Bay Area Now 9.

Public Programs

pARTicipate workshop with ChiChai Mateo: Patterns of Home Printmaking 

Workshops presented by YBCA

Wednesday, January 24, 2024, 2–4 PM

In this workshop, we will find inspiration from our own homes—is it the design from our favorite plate? A flannel a loved one always wears? A certain flower that grows in our neighborhood? We will create our own symbolism to design our own patterned stamps for printmaking artwork. This workshop is inspired by BAN9 artist Golbanou Moghaddas

Public Programs

Sip & Sketch: José Figueroa

Presented by YBCA

Thursday, January 18, 2024, 5:30–8 PM

Grab your sketching tool of choice, your beverage of choice, and a seat for Sip & Sketch with BAN9 artist José Figueroa.

Public Programs

Midnight Mass: Live Podcast Recording

Presented by YBCA

Thursday, January 18, 2024, 7–9 PM

Experience a special live presentation of the acclaimed Midnight Mass podcast, as co-hosts Peaches Christ and Michael Varrati explore the Bay Area’s rich connection to the world of cult films.

Public Programs

pARTicipate workshop with ChiChai Mateo: Model Magic!

Workshops presented by YBCA

Wednesday, January 17, 2024, 2–4 PM

Inspired by the yōkai (supernatural beings and spirits) of Japanese folklore, participants will make their own yōkai out of model magic. This workshop is inspired by the work of BAN9 artist Masako Miki

Workshops

Art + Asana: Free Yoga Class

Presented by YBCA

Wednesday, January 17, 2024, 4–5 PM

A free yoga class where you can find your flow while immersed in the art of our ongoing exhibition Bay Area Now 9.

Workshops

The Artist at Work: José Figueroa

Presented by YBCA

Sunday, January 14, 2024, 12–3 PM

Drop in on this artmaking session with BAN9 artist José Figueroa and try out his drawing process for yourself.

Films

California Newsreel – Forward to the 6th Decade

Presented by YBCA

Saturday, January 13, 2024, 3–5 PM

Experience a selection of films from the past 20 years advancing the causes of health and social justice, led by outgoing co-director Cornelius Moore and incoming executive director Rachel Poulain of California Newsreel.

Public Programs

pARTicipate workshop with ChiChai Mateo: Hanging Mobiles

Workshops presented by YBCA

Wednesday, January 10, 2024, 2–4 PM

Use familiar and common home objects in new and imaginative ways as you create a hanging mobile. This workshop is inspired by BAN9 artist Nicole Shaffer’s installations.

Workshops

Art + Asana: Free Yoga Class

Presented by YBCA

Wednesday, January 10, 2024, 4–5 PM

A free yoga class where you can find your flow while immersed in the art of our ongoing exhibition Bay Area Now 9.

Public Programs

pARTicipate workshop with ChiChai Mateo: Mixed Media Cards

Workshops presented by YBCA

Wednesday, January 3, 2024, 2–4 PM

Experiment with color and texture by using foil, cardboard and an explosion of color to create a rectangular card. Inspired by BAN9 artist Craig Calderwood.

Workshops

Art + Asana: Free Yoga Class

Presented by YBCA

Wednesday, January 3, 2024, 4–5 PM

A free yoga class where you can find your flow while immersed in the art of our ongoing exhibition Bay Area Now 9.

Public Programs

Dance Workshops for Every Body

In partnership with the International Museum of Dance

October 2023–January 2024

+ Read more