Arts and crafts — for sale and for show — are in abundance for the holidays. Here’s a quick look at some Bay Area offerings:
BERKELEY ARTISANS HOLIDAY OPEN STUDIOS
It’s the 17th annual free self-guided tour of 100 professional artisan workshops, featuring blown glass, ceramics, ornaments, custom furniture, garden art, floor cloths, one-of-a-kind clothing, textiles, jewelry, leather bags, recycled art, sculpture, photography, paintings, original prints and more.
Where: Various locations in Berkeley
When: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday-Sunday, Dec. 1-2, Dec. 8-9, Dec. 15-16,
Contact: (510) 845-2612; www.berkeleyartisans.com
CELEBRATION OF CRAFTSWOMEN
The 29th annual event showcases female artists — a changing roster of more than 150 each weekend — showing and selling a wide range of handcrafted items and fine art. The festival also features live music, gourmet food,and a silent auction. Proceeds benefit the Women’s Building.
Where: Herbst Pavilion, Fort Mason Center, Marina Boulevard and Buchanan Street, San Francisco
When: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday-Saturday and Dec. 1-2
Tickets: $6.50 to $8.50 one day; $15 two days; free for children 12 or younger
Contact: Call (415) 731-5539 or visit www.celebrationofcraftswomen.org
CIVIL TWILIGHT
Electric Works gallery celebrates the season with a show and sale of artworks dealing with the time between sunset and dark when the evening stars are most brilliant.
Where: 139 Eighth St., San Francisco
When: Nov. 30 through Jan. 5; reception 6 p.m. Nov. 30
Contact: (415) 626-5496
COLOR: A WINTER HOLIDAY
The spectacular seasonal floral display has a turn-of-the-century world’s fair atmosphere and more color than most gardens display in midsummer. It’s a gorgeous setting for holiday visuals.
Where: Conservatory of Flowers, Golden Gate Park, John F. Kennedy Drive, San Francisco
When: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays through Sundays; show closes March 3
Tickets: $1.50 to $5
Contact: www.conservatoryofflowers.org
CREATIVITY EXPLORED HOLIDAY ART SALE
Original choices for affordable gifts will delight and inspire at this sale of handicrafts created by artists with developmental disabilities. Whimsical ceramic masks, tiles, sculpture, T-shirts and pillows are among the offerings.
Where: Creativity Explored Gallery, 3245 16th St., San Francisco
When: 6 to 9 p.m. Dec. 7; 1 to 6 p.m. Dec. 8-9; sale runs through Dec. 29
Contact: (415) 863-2108; www.creativityexplored.org
DIALOGUE PROJECT
San Francisco-based social artist Mike Garibaldi Frick’s public art installation is meant to help stressed holiday shoppers and visitors pause, relax and reflect on meaningful subjects such as love, life, wisdom, character and community. The display features nine 7-by-9-foot free-standing screens covered with insightful quotations from famous people throughout history, from Martin Luther King Jr. and Gandhi to Madonna and Oprah.
Where: Union Square, Geary and Stockton streets, San Francisco
When: Saturday, Dec. 1, Dec. 8, Dec. 15, Dec. 22-24
Contact: www.DialogueProject.net
HOLIDAY CARD MAKING FAMILY WORKSHOP
San Francisco Children’s Art Center hosts its annual workshop for kids and parents to make one-of-a-kind cards using stencils, stamps and printmaking methods.
Where: S.F. Children’s Art Center, Building C, Fort Mason Center, Buchanan Street and Marina Boulevard, San Francisco
When: 10 a.m. to noon Dec. 2
Tickets: $25 per adult-child pair; $10 each additional child
Contact: (415) 771-0292
JINGLE & MINGLE
Children of Shelters hosts its sixth annual San Francisco Designer Wreath Auction. Wreaths created by San Francisco’s most coveted designers, artists and personalities will be auctioned; the party also features refreshments from top Bay Area eateries. The event benefits family homeless shelters in The City.
Where: Golden Gate Club, Presidio, 135 Fisher Loop, San Francisco
When: 6 to 9:30 p.m. Nov. 29
Tickets: $125
Contact: (415) 563-6082
THE MISSING PEACE: ARTISTS CONSIDER THE DALAI LAMA
Works by more than 80 artists from more than 25 countries are included in an exhibit inspired by the Dalai Lama’s messages, vision and values. Participants include Laurie Anderson, Richard Avedon, Sanford Biggers, Squeak Carnwath, Chuck Close, Richard Gere, Anish Kapoor, Sebastiao Salgado, Jaune Quick-to-See Smith, Bill Viola, William Wiley, Negishi Yoshiro and more.
Where: Yerba Buena Center for the Arts, 701 Mission St., San Francisco
When: Noon to 5 p.m. Sunday and Tuesday through Saturday; noon to 8 p.m. Thursday, show runs Dec. 1 through March 16, 2008
Tickets: $5 to $7
Contact: www.YBCA.org
SILVER BELLS
The free event features two floors of handcrafted items made by more 60 Asian and Pacific Islander artisans throughout California and Hawaii. A portion of the proceeds benefit Kimochi’s programs and services for seniors.
Where: Hotel Kabuki, 1625 Post St., San Francisco
When: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 9
Contact: www.kimochi-inc.org
Find out more at www.sfexaminer.com/join/
