The San Francisco Art Fair is back, and it’s more vibrant than ever. Returning to Fort Mason’s Festival Pavilion from April 17 to 20, 2025, this year’s fair marks a pivotal moment for the Bay Area’s art scene. With a renewed focus on inclusivity and accessibility, the fair is not just an event—it’s a celebration of the East Bay’s creative pulse, where established icons and emerging talents share the spotlight.
Once known as ArtMRKT San Francisco, the fair has evolved into a dynamic platform that mirrors the eclectic spirit of the Bay Area. This year, 85 galleries will participate, each bringing a unique perspective to the table. But what truly sets this edition apart is its commitment to local artists, particularly those from the East Bay, whose work embodies the raw, unapologetic energy of the region.
A New Era: Reimagining the San Francisco Art Fair
One of the most anticipated features of the 2025 fair is the dedicated section spotlighting East Bay artists, curated by Brock Brake of Oakland’s pt.2 Gallery. Brake, a champion of the region’s artistic community, has assembled a lineup that captures the essence of the East Bay’s innovative spirit.
Artists like Clare Rojas and Chelsea Ryoko Wong, whose works have garnered acclaim at events like the FOG Design+Art fair and the Oakland Museum of California, will take center stage. Rojas’ intricate, folk-inspired narratives and Wong’s bold, graphic explorations of identity and culture are testaments to the East Bay’s role as a cradle of groundbreaking art.
Kelly Freeman, the fair’s director, emphasizes the event’s inclusive ethos. “We want to offer something for everyone,” she says, “whether you’re a seasoned collector or someone who’s just beginning to explore the art world.” This commitment to accessibility is evident in the fair’s diverse range of mediums, price points, and artist representations.
The East Bay Takeover: East Bay Artists Curated by Brock Brake
One of the most anticipated features of the 2025 fair is the dedicated section spotlighting East Bay artists, curated by Brock Brake of Oakland’s pt.2 Gallery. Brake, a champion of the region’s artistic community, has assembled a lineup that captures the essence of the East Bay’s innovative spirit.
Artists like Clare Rojas and Chelsea Ryoko Wong, whose works have garnered acclaim at events like the FOG Design+Art fair and the Oakland Museum of California, will take center stage. Rojas’ intricate, folk-inspired narratives and Wong’s bold, graphic explorations of identity and culture are testaments to the East Bay’s role as a cradle of groundbreaking art.
Kelly Freeman, the fair’s director, emphasizes the event’s inclusive ethos. “We want to offer something for everyone,” she says, “whether you’re a seasoned collector or someone who’s just beginning to explore the art world.” This commitment to accessibility is evident in the fair’s diverse range of mediums, price points, and artist representations.
Jessica Silverman and Micki Meng: New Faces and Veteran Presence
The 2025 fair also highlights the interplay between tradition and innovation through its exhibitors. Jessica Silverman, a stalwart of the San Francisco art scene, brings a curated selection of works by local luminaries like Rojas and Wong. Silverman’s gallery has long been a beacon for Bay Area talent, and her presence at the fair underscores its significance as a platform for homegrown artists.
On the other end of the spectrum is Micki Meng, a rising star in the art world. Meng’s fresh perspective and commitment to emerging voices add a layer of excitement to the fair, proving that the Bay Area’s art scene is as dynamic as ever. Together, Silverman and Meng represent the fair’s dual focus on honoring tradition and embracing the new.
A Resilient and Growing Art Market
The San Francisco Art Fair’s growth is a testament to the resilience of the Bay Area’s art market. While the departure of major galleries like Gagosian and Pace to Los Angeles initially cast a shadow over the region, the fair has emerged as a beacon of hope. Galleries like Catharine Clark Gallery, a longtime participant, continue to uphold the fair’s high standards, ensuring that it remains a cornerstone of the local art ecosystem.
This resilience is further bolstered by the fair’s partnerships with regional cultural institutions. Collaborations with the Berkeley Art Museum and Pacific Film Archive, the NIAD Art Center, and Creativity Explored highlight the fair’s commitment to community engagement. These partnerships not only enrich the fair’s programming but also reinforce its role as a reflection of the Bay Area’s artistic spirit.
The Future of the San Francisco Art Fair
As the San Francisco Art Fair prepares for its 2025 edition, it stands as a beacon for the future of the Bay As the 2025 edition approaches, the San Francisco Art Fair stands as a microcosm of the Bay Area’s art scene—diverse, innovative, and unapologetically local. With its focus on accessibility, creativity, and community, the fair is more than an event; it’s a movement.
“We are the community’s art fair,” says Kelly Freeman, a sentiment that resonates throughout the fair’s programming. From the East Bay’s rising stars to the seasoned veterans who have shaped the region’s artistic landscape, the San Francisco Art Fair 2025 is a celebration of what makes the Bay Area’s art scene truly extraordinary.
In a world where art fairs often feel exclusive or impersonal, the San Francisco Art Fair dares to be different. It invites everyone to the table, proving that art is not just for the elite—it’s for the dreamers, the thinkers, and the creators who make the Bay Area a cultural powerhouse.
See also other art events around the world.