Cultural Arts - News & Events
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) For info visit, www.ssfca.gov/pandrevents
July 10 & 11 - "Free To Be...Me" Art Show
October 2 & 3 - Fall 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)
2025: June-July Art Exhibition
Freedom: The Future of Hope
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)
2025: Congressional Art Competition, 15th 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 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 24, 2025, 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.