Cultural Arts - News & Events

Final 2026 Art Gallery Exhibit Now Open Weekdays through October 30

"Blooming Into Being"
Gallery open weekdays 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. (closed October 12)
Evening viewing on Tuesday, October 27, 10:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Exhibit ends Friday, October 30
Free Viewing

Transition - encompassing introspection, renewal and transformation was highlighted in the 70 artworks guests encountered at the opening of “Blooming Into Being.” Forty-five artists from throughout the S.F. Bay Area participated in this final SSF 2026 art gallery exhibition. Enthusiastic visitors reveled as they explored the variety of remarkable artworks. One visitor exclaiming that it was a “Wonderful collection of art!”

Jazz musical ensemble, the Matt Bae Trio, entertained attendees throughout the evening. Director and keyboardist, Matthew Bae with bass player, Jonny Kaminek, and on drums, John MacDonald shared the complex beauty of the improvisational art form.

The award-winning works may be viewed at the virtual gallery. The Cultural Arts Commission thanks all the participants and congratulates the finalists of this art gallery event.

Cultural Arts Commission Award - “Floreciendo” by Elisa Colón Sosa (pictured)
Best in Show - “Self Portrait” by Juana Ramirez

Thank you 2026 Jack Drago Youth Art Intern, Benicio Chavez Cordell

A scholarship program for graduating South San Francisco Unified School District (SSFUSD) high school seniors was conceived by the Cultural Arts Commission in 1999. Titled the Jack Drago Cultural Arts Commission Youth Art Scholarship, it was named to honor Jack Drago, former South San Francisco mayor and founder of the arts commission. 

In 2025, the scholarship program transitioned to a summer internship program titled the Jack Drago Youth Art Internship. It was established to provide financial support to a young creative while also enabling the candidate to engage in meaningful, project-based work and develop real-world skills in arts administration, public engagement, and creative programming. The 2026 recipient of the internship was South San Francisco resident, Benicio Chavez Cordell who graduated from South San Francisco High School.

An enthusiastic and congenial individual, Benicio accomplished multiple goals during his brief engagement. He assisted with the presentation of the July 2026 art show, developed a social media campaign highlighting the City’s public art collection, and catalogued the collection’s information. Tapping into the unique preferences of younger audiences, he released two imaginative videos highlighting the sculptures at Orange Memorial Park while also featuring an engaging trend on posing. Benicio’s internship ended August 14, 2026, as he continues his education at Bowdoin College, in Maine. . He plans to study cellular and molecular biology while continuing to explore interdisciplinary learning and creative expression. His library of social media posts and videos highlighting the City’s public art collection will be released once a month for the next seven months.

Follow the Parks and Recreation Department’s social media pages to catch the future release of the Benicio’s public art highlights.
•   Instagram:  ssfparksandrec
•   Facebook:  South San Francisco Parks and Recreation Department

“Free To Be…Me” Art Show
Art Gallery Exhibit ends Friday July 31

Reflecting on the freedoms associated with July’s Independence Day observance, this third art gallery exhibition featured artworks in which artists enjoyed the liberty to showcase their infinite creativity. Over sixty pieces highlighted artistic self-expression at this open exhibit.

Guests were also treated to an enchanting dance presentation by the SSF Parks and Recreation Hawaiian Hula class at the Friday July 10^th opening. Artistic director, Mary Ann Navarez, ended the brief performance with a rousing audience participation dance demo of the “Hukilau Song.” The enthusiastic guests delightfully executed all the moves. Visit the virtual gallery, to view the award-winning works.

“3'$ COMPANY.” by Krafty Kutz (pictured)

About the 2026 YOUTH ART SHOW 
Presented in partnership with the SSF Unified School District

The Library | Parks and Recreation Center was brimming with art as the twenty-sixth annual Youth Art Show, sponsored by the Cultural Arts Commission in partnership with the SSF Unified School District, opened with art exhibits on all three floors and performing arts presentations included in the Council Chambers, Dance Studio and Social Hall during the opening weekend of April 17 and 18.

Approximately 800 hundred visitors enjoyed this amazing art gallery program. Enthusiastic guests viewed 495 works in painting, ceramics, sketching, watercolors, mixed-media, and sculpture created by SSFUSD students representing elementary through high school. 

At the Friday opening, the public enjoyed musical selections by the SSF High School Drama Club, who previewed their upcoming production of “Ride the Cyclone: High School Edition.” This was followed by a lovely dance performance by students from the Parks and Recreation Department’s SSF Civic Ballet program. Saturday’s performing arts demonstrations included the All Souls Catholic School Choir, with children ranging in age from 8 to 13 years, performing songs such as the "Star Spangled Banner" and "Here Comes the Sun." The engaging young dancers of Marianna’s Mexican Folklórico Parks and Recreation Dancers followed with a presentation of seven different regional dances from Mexico. In addition, on Saturday, family members indulged their artistic talents at the self-directed monster-making craft activity. Guest comments revealed overwhelming appreciation and delight with the show.

One hundred and eight (108) artworks were on an extended exhibit following the opening weekend. A visitor to the extended exhibition remarked, “Inspiring…helps my life.“

2026 Congressional Art Exhibition

In May, the Parks and Recreation Department hosted a limited exhibition of twenty-seven (27) art submissions from the House of Representatives Congressional Art Competition. The submissions represent high school artwork from California’s 15th Congressional district.

Each spring, a nationwide high school arts competition is sponsored by the Members of the U.S. House of Representatives. Congressman Kevin Mullin hosted the local competition for high school students living in California’s 15th Congressional district. The winning artwork of the 15th district’s competition will be displayed for one year in the U.S. Capitol building along with artwork from all participating districts from around the country. 

The winning artwork is also featured on the official House of Representatives website’s Congressional Art Competition web page. Information is available at Congressman Kevin Mullin’s webpage. or on the Congressional Institute website.

South San Francisco was honored to host this prestigious exhibit which exemplifies the value of encouraging and celebrating youth creativity.

What Is Love?
February 2026 Art Exhibition

Enthusiastic visitors marveled at thought-provoking artworks and sang the praises of love at the first 2026 art gallery exhibit which opened on February 6th. The juried exhibit featured forty-five two- and three- dimensional pieces highlighting unique perspectives on love.

Guests were also treated to a music presentation by the South City Folk Jam at the Friday evening opening. The ensemble is composed of musicians of all skill levels and from all walks of life who enjoy playing traditional and contemporary music together. Their spirited performance inspired visitors to join in on a sing-along of well-known, love-themed melodies.

The Cultural Arts Commission thanks all the participants and congratulates the finalists of this art gallery event. Visit the virtual gallery to see the award-winning works.

"Embraced: A Return To Love" by Ashley Blanco (pictured)

Announcing: Artist Selection for Two New Public Art Capital Projects

The Cultural Arts Program is pleased to announce the selection of the artists, Rachel Rodi and Guy Fuerte, for the New Aquatic Center Mural Project and the artist, J. Muzacz, for the New Park at Linden Avenue and Pine Avenue Project. For information on these artists and the public art projects, select the items under "New - Public Art Capital Projects" at www.ssfca.gov/CulturalArts.

COMING SOON: THE 2027 ART GALLERY SHOW SCHEDULE!

2026 Art Gallery Show Schedule
The vision for the art gallery program is to present exhibitions that reflect a wide spectrum of art styles and media crossing all areas of art and interest groups. This is accomplished via a series of quarterly art gallery exhibits designed to showcase the creativity of local and Bay Area artists. For artists interested in participating, art show entry guidelines are available approximately a month or two prior to the show opening dates. Visit the Current Opportunities for Artists page for current entry information and online application.

Shows take place at the Library | Parks and Recreation Center, 901 Civic Campus Way, 3rd Floor gallery unless otherwise indicated. They are open to the public and free to attend. The gallery is also open weekdays for approximately two to four additional weeks following the two-day show opening. Detailed art show event information can be found on the Parks and Recreation Department Calendar of Events page.

2026 Art Gallery Schedule:  (opening weekend dates)
February 6 & 7 –What Is Love? Art Show
April 17 & 18 – Youth Art Show (partnership with the SSF Unified School District)
July 10 & 11 - "Free To Be...Me" Art Show  
October 2 & 3 - "Blooming Into Being" Art Show