Cultural Arts - News & Events
Past, Present, Future Art Show
Celebrating Indigenous Culture
October 2025 Art Exhibition
Artists explored their heritage and the life experiences which shape their future hopes at the final 2025 art gallery exhibit. The exhibit of over forty exceptional artworks opened on October 3rd. Also featured at the opening were presentations by the SSF Ukelele and Hula classes. Delighted visitors were captivated by their skillful music and dance performances.
The exhibition may be viewed on weekdays (Monday through Friday) from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Special evening viewing is available on Tuesday, October 28 when the gallery will close at 8:00 p.m. The additional exhibit period will end on October 31, 2025. The gallery is located at the Library | Parks and Recreation Center, 901 Civic Campus Way, 3rd Floor. 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.
Best of Show & Cultural Arts Commission Award: “The Hands That Hold a Story” by Elisa Colón Sosa (pictured)
Three-Dimensional
1st place - “Celebrando Nuestros Antepasados” by Marlene Kono
2nd place - “Clothespin Dolls” by Mercedes Gharechedaghy
3rd place – “History Is Here” by Laurie Ratliff
Two-Dimensional
1st place - The Hands That Hold a Story” by Elisa Colón Sosa
2nd place- “The Gathering” by Nannette Nemenzo
3rd place - “A Calling” by Agnes Qui
2-D Honorable Mention
“Meaningful Numbers” - by Terenia Offenbacker
“Annie” - by Terenia Offenbacker
ANNOUNCING: 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 - Community Art Show
October 2 & 3 - Fall Art Show
Freedom: The Future of Hope
June-July 2025 Art Exhibition
The third art gallery exhibit which opened on June 27th featured exceptional artworks that reflected the spirit of Juneteenth through the artist’s uniquely personal expressions. Over forty-five artworks echoed the power of perseverance and the importance of embracing self-determination. At the Friday opening, guests were treated to a musical presentation by
musician, vocalist and composer, Bianca “BB” Brown. She mesmerized the audience with powerful and soulful renditions of personal compositions, ending the evening with a compelling performance of Etta James’ classic, “At Last.”
The Cultural Arts Commission thanks all the participants and congratulates the finalists. Explore the award-winning works in the virtual gallery at https://bit.ly/FreedomArtSSF25.
“The Sound of Joy.” by Elisa Colón Sosa (pictured)
Congressional Art Competition, 15th District - Congratulations to the Participants
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 or going to school in California’s 15th Congressional district. Eighteen (18) art submissions were on a limited exhibition for one week at the Library | Parks and Recreation Center, 3rd floor lobby.
On April 24th, the delighted families and representatives from the San Mateo County Office of Arts and Culture, SMC Office of Education and SMC Arts Commission gathered to acknowledge all the talented student artists at a closing ceremony. Congressman Kevin Mullin presented Certificates of Recognition to all twelve participants in attendance.
The three finalists also received special commendations. Nektarios Kanakis, (pictured), won 1st place for “My San Mateo.” His winning artwork will be displayed for one year in the U.S. Capitol building in Washington D.C. along with artwork from around the country. The 2025 winning artworks will be featured on the official House of Representatives website. (Congressional Art Competition)
Valerie Lin, (pictured), who has been awarded for her entries in several past SSF Cultural Arts Program gallery exhibits, received 2nd place for “Touch the Heart.” Rachel Yang received 3rd place for her work titled, “Polluted.” Valerie and Rachel’s art will be exhibited in Congressman Mullin’s San Mateo office for one year.
The South San Francisco Parks and Recreation Department was honored to host this outstanding exhibition and congratulates the finalists and participants on their achievement.
FINDING A PATH AT THE FIRST 2025 ART GALLERY SHOW
The February 2025 art gallery exhibit highlighted the theme of “Finding A Path.” Eager visitors viewed over 90 exceptional art works created with the objective of sparking dialogue and illuminating potential avenues within the intricate labyrinth of life. Guests attending the Friday, February 7th opening were treated to a moving presentation by author, Mercedes Gharechedaghy who read select chapters from her inspirational book, “Finding Your Healing Path.” The two-day opening was followed by a three-week extended exhibit. Visit the virtual gallery, to see the award-winning works. The Cultural Arts Commission thanks all the participants and congratulates the finalists of this art gallery event.
“One Last Breath” by Agnes Qiu (pictured)