Fog Design+Art Celebrates 10th Anniversary with Vibrant Showcase of Local Talent

Marking a decade of artistic celebration, the Fog Design+Art fair returns to the Fort Mason Center in San Francisco from January 18-21, 2024. As a pivotal event during San Francisco Art Week, Fog not only highlights visual arts and design but also marks the unofficial start of the city’s art season.

A Tribute to San Francisco

This year’s theme, “A Love Letter to San Francisco,” reflects the rich artistic tapestry of the Bay Area. According to Sarah Wendell Sherrill, a co-founder of Lobus and a member of the Fog steering committee since 2019, the fair aims to celebrate local artists and galleries, showcasing the vibrancy of the art scene.

“Fog Design+Art was initially conceived of as a gift to San Francisco,” said Sherrill.

Expanding the Fair’s Reach

This year introduces a new segment, Fog Focus, designed to spotlight young and underrepresented artists in the transformed Gateway Pavilion on Pier 2. This space previously housed the San Francisco Art Institute, which closed in 2022.

Local and Diverse Representation

Fog is featuring nine exhibitors from local galleries, including:

• Cult Aimee Friberg (San Francisco)
• Et al. (San Francisco)
• Johansson Projects (Oakland)
• Jonathan Carver Moore (San Francisco)
• Schlomer Haus Gallery (San Francisco)

Additionally, José Figueroa, an artist from Oakland known for his whimsical illustrations, takes on the role of Fog’s first artist-in-residence.

An International Affair

The Festival Pavilion on Pier 3 will showcase works from 46 exhibitors spanning cities like Chicago, London, Los Angeles, Berlin, and Mexico City, alongside local talent. The entrance will feature an immersive installation designed by Indira Allegra, noted for her innovative “living structures.”

Engaging Talks and Community Events

Returning to the fair this year, attendees can participate in 10 diverse talks led by local artists, art dealers, and scholars—all included in the cost of admission. A preview gala will take place on January 17, benefitting the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art.

Growth and Accessibility

Sherrill emphasized that this year marks the first significant expansion since Fog’s inception, with opportunities to accommodate more exhibitors while remaining true to its mission.

“For the past decade, Fog Design+Art has taken place in Fort Mason’s Festival Pavilion, which can only accommodate 45 exhibitors,” noted Sherrill.

The fair also strives for inclusivity, offering approximately 2,000 free tickets to students and teachers and live-streaming all talks for remote access.

Looking Ahead

As Sherrill reflects on her experience with Fog, she notes the fair’s impact on local galleries and the national art scene. Anticipating upcoming exhibitions, she expresses her enthusiasm for future events, such as a commission by renowned artist Kara Walker at the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, scheduled for July.

“There is no other fair in the world where members of the community come back each and every day,” Sherrill added.

Event Details

Fog Design+Art will be open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on January 18-20 and from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on January 21 at the Fort Mason Center, located at 2 Marina Blvd., San Francisco. Tickets range from $30 to $35 for single-day access, available at fogfair.com. Tickets for the Preview Gala are available starting at $250 at sfmoma.org.

This year promises to celebrate San Francisco’s artistic community while continuing to broaden its horizon for art lovers.

Written by Charles Lewis III, a journalist and performing artist from San Francisco, whose work has appeared in publications such as the San Francisco Chronicle and KQED.