SF Agenda: Design and Arts Events in the Bay Area

Check out the artsy happenings around the Bay this week!

Hunt Rettig’s simple and beautiful artworks (pictured above) are three-dimensional mixed media sculptures. San Francisco’s Dolby Chadwick Gallery is hosting a new exhibit of his work that features his unique use of polyester film, synthetic rubber, plastic, wood, silicone, paint, and more. Cracked & Absorbed captures the methodology behind Rettig’s work, where he says he challenges himself creatively in “an endless game of tweaking, refining, minimizing, expanding, stretching, holding, throwing, blowing, blinking, smiling, ranting.” Runs through November 2, 210 Post Street.

Coming from Andean llamas, alpaca fleece is known as one of the warmest and softest natural fibers around. The San Francisco Design Center is hosting a talk about this magical fiber and the different kinds of textiles that use it. Dubbed Clouds on Earth: Rediscovering the Luxury of Alpaca, the event is being led by Luxe Interiors + Design, and panelists include Sandra Jordan, who has been working to preserve alpaca art forms, designer Jiun Ho, and Alonso Burgos. Journalist Katherine Nelson is moderating the talk. Event is on October 17 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., 101 Henry Adams Street, Galleria Suite 452. RSVP to receptionist@shearsandwindow.com.

The San Francisco Art Institute is hosting a can’t-miss exhibit called Energy That Is All Around, featuring work by artists from the acclaimed Mission School, including Chris Johanson, Margaret Kilgallen, Alicia McCarthy, Barry McGee, and Ruby Neri. The show features nearly 130 early works by these five artists who started out their careers in the 1990s. Since then, these Mission School artists have achieved nearly cult-like status and have shown works in museums and galleries around the world. Runs through December 14, 800 Chestnut Street.

The Berkeley Art Museum & Pacific Film Archive is launching a compelling new exhibit showcasing work by Los Angeles-based artist Linda Stark. Stark’s textured abstract paintings study the female form in different and captivating ways. She paints extreme close ups of certain body parts, like belly buttons and hair, and also paints the more taboo female forms, such as the uterus and breasts. This exhibit will showcase fifteen works by Stark from over the last two decades. Opens October 18 and runs through December 22, 2626 Bancroft Way.