SAN FRANCISCO IS IT

Susan O'Malley's art greets visitors. — Susan O’Malley’s art greets visitors.

An art fair has stormed into town. Art Market San Francisco is on display and ready for visitors in the Fort Mason Center. Having been to events like this in other cities, the Bay area has its own aesthetic signature. With 70 galleries showcasing works in one spot, I couldn’t help but be curious and didn’t want to miss the viewing opportunity.

Last weekend, the local Fox network KTVU featured co-founder of the fair Max Fishko on the television show Bay Are People. Fishko is a third generation gallerist from New York City and is passionate about art. He stated that: “…every single person will find something that turns them on.” Indeed Mr. Fishko was right and here are the highlights:

Adam Belt's Through the Looking Glass (after the Giant Magellan Telescope). — Adam Belt’s *Through the Looking Glass (after the Giant Magellan Telescope)*.

A closer look of Belt's work. — A closer look of Belt’s work.

The amazing wire work of Sophie DeFrancesca's Make A Grand Entrance. — The amazing wire work of Sophie DeFrancesca’s *Make A Grand Entrance*.

Fabric stretched on bars for artist Anna Virnich.

The wonders of Val Britton's ink. — The wonders of Val Britton’s ink.

Draped Painting #6 of Margie Livingston. — *Draped Painting #6* of Margie Livingston.

Derrick Velasquez uses gravity to manipulate his art.

An art fair wouldn't be complete without Hung Liu. — An art fair wouldn’t be complete without a Hung Liu.

In an interview for the de Young Museum’s blog, Max Fishko states: “Every city is unique. San Francisco has a fabulous community of dealers, artists, institutions and collectors that help one another tremendously. San Franciscans are very proud of their city, fiercely so. I think that there is a civic pride and a dedication to the historical identity of San Francisco as both a city and cultural catalyst that helps define the community here for me.” Not all the galleries featured at the fair were local but the majority of my favorite pieces were. Looks like I’m in the right spot to create and be inspired.