Workshops

Free Art Workshop: Sanctuary City Print Shop

Presented by YBCA

Wednesday, December 17, 2025, 2–4 PM

Join artists Sergio De La Torre and Chris Treggiari for a print-making workshop as part of their ongoing Sanctuary City Project.

Public Programs

Bay Area Then and Now Poetry Series

Presented by YBCA

Saturday, December 13, 2025, 12–1 PM

A midday poetry and spoken word reading by Bay Area poets Eeshan Kumar, Micah Ballard, and Evan Kennedy.

Festival

23nd Annual Parol Lantern Festival

Presented by SOMA Pilipinas in partnership with YBCA

Saturday, December 13, 2025, 3–8 PM

This festival continues the tradition of the parol lantern–a quintessential Filipino symbol of hope, peace, and community during the holiday season.

Workshops

Free Art Workshop: Parol Felt Ornaments

Presented by YBCA

Wednesday, December 10, 2025, 2–4 PM

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

Workshops

Parol Lantern-Making Workshop

Presented by SOMA Pilipinas in partnership with YBCA

Thursday, December 4, 2025, 4–8 PM

Build your own parol–the iconic Filipino lantern symbolizing hope, blessings, and community.

Music

Bay Area Then: Ovarian Trolley & Wife

Presented by YBCA

Thursday, December 4, 2025, 7 PM

Ovarian Trolley and Wife perform as part of the musical programming for Bay Area Then.

Workshops

Free Art Workshop: Woven Prints

Presented by YBCA

Wednesday, December 3, 2025, 2–4 PM

Explore lines, textures, relief printing, weaving, and create personal symbols of protection.

Workshops

Parol Lantern-Making Workshop

Presented by SOMA Pilipinas in partnership with YBCA

Sunday, November 23, 2025, 12–4 PM

Build your own parol–the iconic Filipino lantern symbolizing hope, blessings, and community.

Workshops

Parol Lantern-Making Workshop

Presented by SOMA Pilipinas in partnership with YBCA

Saturday, November 22, 2025, 12–4 PM

Build your own parol–the iconic Filipino lantern symbolizing hope, blessings, and community.

Workshops

Parol Lantern-Making Workshop

Presented by SOMA Pilipinas in partnership with YBCA

Sunday, November 16, 2025, 12–4 PM

Build your own parol–the iconic Filipino lantern symbolizing hope, blessings, and community.

Workshops

Free Art Workshop: Mini Nutcracker Ornaments

Presented by YBCA

Wednesday, November 12, 2025, 2–4 PM

Create miniature nutcracker ornaments inspired by the upcoming holiday season. This workshop is inspired by the SF Pride Band’s Dance-Along Nutcracker.

Public Programs

Bay Area Then and Now Poetry Series

Presented by YBCA

Saturday, November 8, 2025, 12–1 PM

A midday poetry and spoken word reading by Bay Area poets Patrick James Dunagan, Sarah Menefee, and Yenia Jimenez.

Music

Bay Area Then: Erica Dawn Lyle & Brontez Purnell

Presented by YBCA

Thursday, November 6, 2025, 7 PM

Erica Dawn Lyle and Brontez Purnell perform as part of the musical programming for Bay Area Then.

Workshops

Free Art Workshop: Velveteen Rabbit Pop-up Book

Presented by YBCA

Wednesday, November 5, 2025, 2–4 PM

Create an imaginative pop-up book inspired by The Velveteen Rabbit. Meet cast members and join a dance-along presented by ODC.

Workshops

Free Art Workshop: Pop-up Mini Haunted House

Presented by YBCA

Wednesday, October 29, 2025, 2–4 PM

In light of Halloween, learn how to construct a pop-up mini haunted house.

Events

The Haunt: An Artistically-Twisted Haunted House

Presented by Bat Witch Ghost & YBCA

October 25–November 1, 2025

An artist-made haunted house. Spooky yet campy, scrappy but full of wonder, DIY and open to everyone.

Public Programs

Bay Area Then Artist and Curator Panel

Presented by YBCA

Saturday, October 25, 2025, 12–2 PM

A candid conversation between Bay Area Then participating artists Arnold Kemp, Alicia McCarthy, and Rigo 23 moderated by curator Eungie Joo

Workshops

Free Art Workshop: Mixed Media Collage

Presented by YBCA

Wednesday, October 22, 2025, 2–4 PM

Assemble a collage featuring your neighborhood and community, while highlighting the essence of “kapwa” (shared identity).

Workshops

Photo Portfolio Review with Erina Alejo

Presented by SOMA Pilipinas in partnership with YBCA

Wednesday, October 22, 3:30–4:30 PM

A workshop bringing together community photographers for dialogue and review.

Workshops

Sanctuary City Print Shop

Presented by YBCA

Sunday, October 19, 2025, 2–4 PM

Join artists Sergio De La Torre and Chris Treggiari for a print-making workshop.

Public Programs

Bay Area Then and Now Poetry Series

Presented by YBCA

Saturday, October 18, 2025, 12–1 PM

A midday poetry and spoken word reading by Bay Area poets Maw Shein Win, Julien Poirier and Yates Cessna.

Workshops

Free Art Workshop: Folded Story Book

Presented by YBCA

Wednesday, October 15, 2025, 2–4 PM

Create a folded story book inspired by your connections with community, family, friends, or draw a story entirely from imagination.

Workshops

Free Art Workshop: Paper Weaving

Presented by YBCA

Wednesday, October 8, 2025, 2–4 PM

Learn how to weave with paper and incorporate personal narratives as a way to carry on the traditions of storytelling through weaving.

Music

Bay Area Then: Tommy Guerrero & Space Time Solutions

Presented by YBCA

Thursday, October 2, 2025, 7 PM

Tommy Guerrero and Space Time Solutions perform as part of the musical programming for Bay Area Then.

Workshops

Free Art Workshop: Tracing Textures

Presented by YBCA

Wednesday, October 1, 2025, 2–4 PM

Combine colors, create layers, and evoke dreamlike imagery through additive and reductive processes.

Workshops

Free Art Workshop: Watercolor Postcard

Presented by YBCA

Wednesday, September 24, 2025, 2–4 PM

Paint a postcard celebrating your connection with friends, family, and/or community.

Workshops

Free Art Workshop: Accordion Book

Presented by YBCA

Wednesday, September 17, 2025, 2–4 PM

Play with meaningful words, statements, or affirmations and transform them into a creative accordion book.

Films

Superflip: 30th Anniversary Film Screening

Presented by SOMA Pilipinas

Sunday, September 14, 2025, 2 PM

A monumental short film exploring the life, love and labor of a Filipino immigrant couple, shot in iconic SOMA locations in 1995.

Workshops

Free Art Workshop: Narrative Sculpture

Presented by YBCA

Wednesday, September 10, 2025, 2–4 PM

Create intimate, freestanding sculptures using air-dry clay and wire.

Music

Bay Area Then: A V Linton & Tony Molina

Presented by YBCA

Thursday, September 4, 2025, 7:30 PM

A V Linton is one of the most unforgettable songwriters of the last 30 years. For this performance, Linton will be joined by Dan Lee, Alicia Vanden Heuvel and Tony Molina.

Workshops

Free Art Workshop: Shape Stamps

Presented by YBCA

Wednesday, September 3, 2025, 2–4 PM

Learn how to make your own stamps using personal drawings.

Public Programs

Yerba Buena Neighborhood Meet-Up

Presented by YBCA & Yerba Buena Gardens Festival

Thursday, August 28, 2025, 9–10 am

Enjoy free coffee, light refreshments and get to meet and socialize with your neighbors and hear updates about the community!

Public Programs

Downtown First Thursday: Cellski

Presented by YBCA

Thursday, August 7, 2025, 7:30 PM

One of the true legends of Bay Area rap, Cellski has spent three decades perfecting a uniquely forceful, provocative, unforgettable sound.

Events

Opening Night Party: Bay Area Then & MAKIBAKA

Presented by YBCA

Friday, August 1, 2025, 6:30–9 PM

We’re celebrating two new exhibitions—Bay Area Then and MAKIBAKA: A Living Legacy—with a free opening night party.

Workshops

Free Art Workshop: Text Paper Weaving

Presented by YBCA

Wednesday, July 30, 2025, 2–4 PM

Learn how to weave with paper. Participants are encouraged to incorporate personal writings in their artwork, as a way to carry on the traditions of storytelling through weaving.

Workshops

Free Art Workshop: Drawing with Thread

Presented by YBCA

Wednesday, July 23, 2025, 2–4 PM

Participants will explore lines, patterns, binding, and drawing with embroidery, inspired by Ciriaco Sayoc’s SoMa Mahal Kita.

Public Programs

Creative Youth Celebration

Presented by Bay Area Creative Foundation

Saturday, July 19, 2025, 12–5 PM

See the artwork and performances of the 2025 Creative Youth Awards artists.

Workshops

Free Art Workshop: Sculpting Memories

Presented by YBCA

Wednesday, July 16, 2025, 2–4 PM

Creating a special sculpture in their honor–a vessel for treasured memories

Workshops

Free Art Workshop: Altar Diorama

Presented by YBCA

Wednesday, July 9, 2025, 2–4 PM

Honor someone you love who passed by creating an altar diorama in their memory.

Workshops

Free Art Workshop: Yarn Weaving

Presented by YBCA

Wednesday, July 2, 2025, 2–4 PM

Create vibrant yarn weavings using an array of colors, inspired by Michael Arcega’s public artwork When We Weave Waves.

Workshops

Free Art Workshop: Mosaic Patterns

Presented by YBCA

Wednesday, June 25, 2025, 2–4 PM

Create mosaic patterns and compositions inspired by natural seascapes.

Panel Discussion

The Art of the SPRAY from the Bronx to the Bay

Presented by Zaccho Dance Theatre & YBCA

Wednesday, June 18, 2025, 6–8 PM

In this rare, interactive conversation, BG183 and local spray artists discuss their journey, technique, and the cultural legacy of graffiti—bridging the gap between the Bronx and the Bay.

Public Programs

In Solidarity: Our Words Scale Walls II

Presented by Empowerment Avenue & YBCA

Saturday, June 14, 2025, 4–6 PM

An evening of poetry, radical expression, and a live mix with DJ Sandina “La Positiva”.

Workshops

Free Art Workshop: Rainbow Scratch Art

Presented by YBCA

Wednesday, June 4, 2025, 2–4 PM

Make vibrant rainbow scratch art in celebration of Pride.

Workshops

Free Art Workshop: Flores de Mayo Offering

Presented by YBCA

Wednesday, May 28, 2025, 2–4 PM

Use watercolor paintings to create 3D offerings in the spirit of Flores de Mayo and Spring.

Workshops

Free Art Workshop: Floral Garland

Presented by YBCA

Wednesday, May 21, 2025, 2–4 PM

Create colorful tissue paper flower garlands in this workshop.

Public Programs

Playwright Reading of “Driving the Girls”

Presented by Playwrights Foundation

Saturday, May 17, 2025, 7:30 PM

Join playwright Cat Brooks for this in person reading.

Workshops

Free Art Workshop: Flower Painting

Presented by YBCA

Wednesday, May 14, 2025, 2–4 PM

Express yourself through watercolor by painting a beautiful flower still life.

Workshops

Free Art Workshop: Flower Pop-up Card

Presented by YBCA

Wednesday, May 7, 2025, 2–4 PM

Spread love and appreciation by designing flower-inspired pop-up cards.

Workshops

Free Art Workshop: Flower Landscape Collage

Presented by YBCA

Wednesday, April 23, 2025, 2–4 PM

Celebrate Earth Day by designing a lush flower landscape collage.

Workshops

Free Art Workshop: Cherry Blossom Origami

Presented by YBCA

Wednesday, April 16, 2025, 2–4 PM

Learn how to make various paper flower origamis.

Public Programs

Free Community Day

Presented by YBCA, MoAD & Empowerment Avenue

Saturday, April 12, 2025

Enjoy free access to our exhibition all day, with special programming from 2-4pm.

Workshops

Free Art Workshop: Felt Bouquet

Presented by YBCA

Wednesday, April 9, 2025, 2–4 PM

Celebrate the beauty of spring by creating a bouquet of flowers made from felt fabric.

Workshops

Free Art Workshop: Floral Clay Sculpture

Presented by YBCA

Wednesday, April 2, 2025, 2–4 PM

Find inspiration from flowers at the Yerba Buena Gardens and create colorful floral sculptures!

Workshops

Free Art Workshop: Watercolor Dreamscape

Wednesday, March 26, 2025, 2–4 PM

Create a dreamscape watercolor painting, inspired by Cedar Annenkovna’s mural from the exhibit The Only Door I Can Open.

Workshops

Free Art Workshop: Healing Garden Tunnel Book

Presented by YBCA

Wednesday, March 19, 2025, 2–4 PM

Learn how to make an accordion book, inspired by Elizabeth Lozano’s painting in The Only Door I Can Open.

Films

A Revolution on Canvas

Presented by YBCA

Wednesday, March 19, 2025, 2 PM

A hybrid political thriller and verité portrait documentary, A Revolution on Canvas examines the international controversy of Nicky Nodjoumi’s 120 missing artworks in Iran.

Workshops

Free Art Workshop: Postcard Paintings

Presented by YBCA

Wednesday, March 12, 2025, 2– 4 PM

Make a postcard painting inspired by artist Sarah Montoya’s work from the exhibition, The Only Door I Can Open.

Films

A Revolution on Canvas

Presented by YBCA

Wednesday, March 12, 2025, 2 PM

A hybrid political thriller and verité portrait documentary, A Revolution on Canvas examines the international controversy of Nicky Nodjoumi’s 120 missing artworks in Iran.

Public Programs

Second Sunday: Nicky Nodjoumi & Nahid Hagigat

Presented by YBCA

Sunday, March 9, 2025, 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

Presented by YBCA

Thursday, March 6, 2025, 5–8 PM

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

Films

A Revolution on Canvas

Presented by YBCA

Wednesday, March 5, 2025, 2 PM

A hybrid political thriller and verité portrait documentary, A Revolution on Canvas examines the international controversy of Nicky Nodjoumi’s 120 missing artworks in Iran.

Workshops

Free Art Workshop: Shape Stamps

Presented by YBCA

Wednesday, March 5, 2025, 2– 4 PM

Learn how to make your own stamps using fun and meaningful shapes.

Films

A Revolution on Canvas

Presented by YBCA

Wednesday, February 26, 2025, 2 PM

A hybrid political thriller and verité portrait documentary, A Revolution on Canvas examines the international controversy of Nicky Nodjoumi’s 120 missing artworks in Iran.

Workshops

Free Art Workshop: Music-Inspired Watercolor Painting

Presented by YBCA

Wednesday, February 26, 2025, 2– 4 PM

Create a watercolor painting inspired by music. Learn watercolor techniques such as applying wet-on-wet brush marks, creating streaks, masking, and mixing colors.

Films

A Revolution on Canvas

Presented by YBCA

Wednesday, February 19, 2025, 2 PM

A hybrid political thriller and verité portrait documentary, A Revolution on Canvas examines the international controversy of Nicky Nodjoumi’s 120 missing artworks in Iran.

Workshops

Free Art Workshop: Portrait Prints

Presented by YBCA

Wednesday, February 19, 2025, 2– 4 PM

Make portrait prints inspired by Nahid Hagigat. Learn how to pull prints using foam plates and pencil drawings.

Films

A Revolution on Canvas

Presented by YBCA

Wednesday, February 12, 2025, 2 PM

A hybrid political thriller and verité portrait documentary, A Revolution on Canvas examines the international controversy of Nicky Nodjoumi’s 120 missing artworks in Iran.

Workshops

Free Art Workshop: Valentine’s Day Cards

Presented by YBCA

Wednesday, February 12, 2025, 2– 4 PM

Spread some love by designing vibrant Valentine’s Day cards. Explore various materials such as watercolor, brush pens, and markers.

Public Programs

Second Sunday: Nicky Nodjoumi & Nahid Hagigat

Presented by YBCA

Sunday, February 9, 2025, 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

Presented by YBCA

Thursday, February 6, 2025, 4:30-8 PM

Join us for an art workshop, film screening and curator-led tour of current exhibitions.

Films

A Revolution on Canvas

Presented by YBCA

Wednesday, February 5, 2025, 2 PM

A hybrid political thriller and verité portrait documentary, A Revolution on Canvas examines the international controversy of Nicky Nodjoumi’s 120 missing artworks in Iran.

Workshops

Free Art Workshop: Narrative Collage

Presented by YBCA

Wednesday, February 5, 2025, 2–4 PM

Create a symbolic narrative collage inspired by Nicky Nodjoumi. Experiment using symbols, playing with scale and space in your compositions.

Films

A Revolution on Canvas

Presented by YBCA

Wednesday, January 29, 2025, 2 PM

A hybrid political thriller and verité portrait documentary, A Revolution on Canvas examines the international controversy of Nicky Nodjoumi’s 120 missing artworks in Iran.

Public Programs

Second Sunday: Nicky Nodjoumi & Nahid Hagigat

Presented by YBCA

Sunday, January 12, 2025, 11 AM-5 PM

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