The blocks where the Central Freeway once loomed are now a place to discover local artists and their work. Here's our guide on where to get your pictures framed, check out the latest exhibition opening, buy paintings from locals, book a workshop or sip a cocktail in an artsy bar.
Explore
Living Alleys
Created in 2013, the Planning Department's Market-Octavia Living Alleys program transformed a few of the neighborhood's smaller streets into a more pedestrian and bike-friendly area. Not only did the program discourage fast-moving traffic, it also brought new art for locals to discover.
Over at the 200 block of Ivy Street, artist Shawn Bullen and National Geographic photographer Anand Varma collaborated to create a new bee mural. Linden Alley also saw new murals go up, including a colorful landscape by artist Sam Flores that appeared across the street from the Blue Bottle kiosk in 2015.
Cesar Chavez Mural
Best known for his iconic "Hope" poster of then-presidential candidate Barack Obama, street artist Shepard Fairey took two days to paint this mural on the side of a Linden Alley building, right above San Francisco Bike Tours.
Titled "Worker's Rights," the mural depicts labor leader Cesar Chavez after he finished a march to Sacramento for farmworker rights.
Visit
Jules Maeght Gallery
Housed at 149 Gough Street, the Jules Maeght Gallery is a contemporary art gallery that frequently displays curated exhibitions, group shows and shows by individual artists.
The gallery follows the tradition of Galerie Maeght in Paris, which opened in 1945 and was run by Aimé and Marguerite Maeght.
Today, Jules Maeght—Aimé and Marguerite's grandson—and his wife Amélie are carrying on the legacy with the gallery in Hayes Valley. Jules focuses on art editions and publications, while Amélie runs the business.
FraenkelLAB
On its website, this gallery located on 1632 Market Street calls itself "a new venue for adventurous artwork." While the original Fraenkel Gallery makes its home on Geary Street, the Hayes Valley branch opened in 2016.
While its main location specializes in photography, FraenkelLAB showcases other mediums, such as painting, performance, readings, installations and video. From time to time, it also features various projections outside on its walls, which can be enjoyed from the street.
Kittea
For those who can't get enough of the internet's favorite animal, San Francisco's first cat cafe on 96 Gough Street—where visitors can drink tea as they pet kitties—regularly features feline-focused art.
Currently, local photographer and graphic designer Audra Miller is exhibiting photographs from The Whiskers Project, which showcases bearded men with their cats.
Other artists have donated cat-focused art for the cafe's permanent collection, including this piece from local post-it note artist Ed Attanasio:
Local Artists
John: Hayes Valley's Resident Painter
As a Hayes Valley regular who is known to neighbors and local shop owners, John's artwork can often be seen lined up on the street.
John's style often changes, but no matter how his works looks like, he can frequently be found somewhere in the neighborhood between Laguna and Octavia.
David Morritt: Sculptor Of Mythical Skulls
Artist David Morritt works from his residential studio overlooking the intersection of Haight, Market, and Gough streets. Seven years ago, he moved to the Hayes Valley spot, where he began working on his signature ceramic deer and horse skull sculptures.
So far, he's made about 50 or 60 of the unique and colorful skulls.
Make
Gather
Not only can customers purchase wares from local designers over at Hayes Valley boutique Gather on 541 Octavia Street, they can also make their own pieces through a series of evening workshops.
Join a sewing craft class, learn to transfer images to wood, or create your own perfume. Classes regularly rotate, with new ones every month.
Services
Photograph & Frame
This San Francisco picture framing store has two locations, with one at 465 Hayes St. The store specializes in custom framing, but offers ready-made frames as well. It also displays the work of local artists and photographers.
For those who would like to add a mirror to their homes, the store offers the ability to design a custom-made mirror.
Drink
Anina
This new and colorful neighborhood cocktail bar can be found 482 Hayes Street. The bright new space comes with a lush, floral-forward aesthetic, thanks in part to Buenos Aires-based artist Lucila Dominguez, who created the botanical-themed murals inside.
More To Discover
Other artsy spots in the neighborhood include Hayes Valley Art Works with outdoor exhibits, different sculptures at Patricia's Green, as well as the Koshland Park Peace Wall.
Want to know more about art and culture in the neighborhood? Head over to the Hayes Valley Neighborhood Association's website.
Do you have any favorite galleries, museums, art stores, craft classes, art-themed restaurants or bars located in Hayes Valley that we haven't mentioned? Let us know in the comments!
