Cultural Arts - News & Events

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.

Best in Show:  "Embraced: A Return To Love" by Ashley Blanco (pictured)
Cultural Arts Commission Award: “Por Mi Papa Amo San Francisco” by Gabriela Garcia

Three-Dimensional
1st place - “Dowry: Soul & Body” by Chai A'lilharder
2nd place - “Self Love” by Alexa Galarze
3rd place  - “Pound of Love” by Lindsey Tsuboi

Two-Dimensional
1st place - "Embraced: A Return to Love” by Ashley Blanco
2nd place- “Love Everlasting” by Suzanne Notario
3rd place - “Abracadabra” by Kavita Srinivasan (a.k.a. "Qwee")
2-D Honorable Mention
“9 Lives of Love” - by Jocelin Robles
“A Quiet Embrace” and "Love In Bloom" - by Xuan My Ho
“Garden of Joy” - by John Romano

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.

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 - "Free To Be...Me" Art Show  For information visit, www.ssfca.gov/pandrevents
October 2 & 3 - "Blooming Into Being" Art Show 

2025: October Art Exhibition
Past, Present, Future Art Show - Celebrating Indigenous Culture

Artists explored their heritage and the life experiences which shaped their future hopes at the final 2025 exhibit of over forty exceptional artworks. Also featured on the opening date were presentations by the SSF Ukelele and Hula classes. Delighted visitors were captivated by their skillful music and dance performances.
(Virtual gallery of select works.)

Best of Show & Cultural Arts Commission Award
“The Hands That Hold a Story” by Elisa Colón Sosa (pictured)

The third art gallery exhibit featured exceptional artworks that reflected the spirit of Juneteenth through the artist’s uniquely personal expressions. 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.” Explore select works in the virtual gallery.

“The Sound of Joy.” by Elisa Colón Sosa (pictured)