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Artist Meetups San Francisco

Connect through artist events and meetups in SF

🐋 Special Invitation Meetup #1: Paint SF Maritime Museum!

🐋 Special Invitation Meetup #1: Paint SF Maritime Museum!

Sat, Sep 12, 8:00 PM
From Bay Area Plein Air Painters
5.0

The Bay Area Plein Air Painters Meetup group has been specially invited to be part of this extraordinary 24-hour [Moby-Dick Marathon](https://maritime.org/md2026/) at the [SF Maritime Museum ](https://maritime.org/)! Come capture the beautiful afternoon light, Aquatic Park Cove, the historic museum, and the unique energy of the marathon as Moby-Dick is read aloud inside. It’s a rare opportunity to paint, explore, and be part of a truly memorable San Francisco tradition! **Meetup 1 — Saturday\, September 12 \| 1:00–4:00 PM** **Maritime Museum, 900 Beach Street, San Francisco** Our designated painting area is the 3rd-floor veranda overlooking Aquatic Park Cove. You may also paint from outside the building. 🎨 All mediums are welcome. Watercolor, sketching, and pastels are especially encouraged inside the museum because of its historic terrazzo floors. Artists working in other mediums are encouraged to set up outside or in less sensitive areas of the building to help protect the historic terrazzo floors. Please bring a tarp or floor covering whenever possible. Pack in, pack out, leave your area clean, and dispose of paint water outside the museum. Come enjoy the afternoon light, soak up the atmosphere, and be part of this wonderfully unusual painting experience! Bring your easel and paint the magic! 🐋🌊🎨 **Moby Dick Guidelines** * Attendees can come and go as they please. * If you do intend on staying for a while, wear comfortable clothes. Our chairs are not known for being “all nighters”. There will be limited spaces for sleeping bags. * Costumes are encouraged! * Drugs/alcohol/weapons/vaping are not allowed. Usage will result in being asked to leave. * We will have free coffee available. Light snacks are allowed. * The museum is an artifact within itself. **We ask that you be respectful of the building and leave no trace.** * We will have some extra copies of Moby Dick on hand but feel free to bring your own. * The event may be recorded or live streamed. Your picture may be taken for promotional purposes. * No animals other than service dogs are allowed. If you have a pet whale, kindly park them in the cove. * People disrupting the reading will be asked to leave. * A scheduled reader might not make it on time or has to drop out, if that happens, we accept volunteers from the audience. **Disclaimer** By participating in any Bay Area Plein Air Painters meetup, you acknowledge and agree to the following: • Participation is entirely voluntary and at your own risk. You are responsible for your own safety, belongings, and well-being at all times. • Bay Area Painters, its organizers, and hosts are not liable for any injury, accident, loss, or damage that may occur before, during, or after any meetup or related activity. • Outdoor painting locations may involve uneven terrain, weather changes, traffic, wildlife, or other natural and environmental conditions. Please use your own judgment and take appropriate precautions. • Participants are expected to respect public spaces, private property, and fellow artists, and to follow all local laws and regulations. • By attending, you consent to possibly being included in group photos or social media posts unless you clearly opt out. • The group is intended as a supportive, respectful, and non-commercial community space for artists to connect and paint together. By joining this meetup, you confirm that you have read, understood, and agreed to this disclaimer.

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6 attendees
🐋 Special Invitation Meetup #2: Paint the Moby-Dick Marathon!

🐋 Special Invitation Meetup #2: Paint the Moby-Dick Marathon!

Sun, Sep 13, 1:00 AM
From Bay Area Plein Air Painters
5.0

The Bay Area Plein Air Painters Meetup group has been specially invited to be part of this extraordinary 24-hour **[Moby-Dick Marathon](https://maritime.org/md2026/) at the [Maritime Museum](https://maritime.org/)!** Come capture the beautiful afternoon light, Aquatic Park Cove, the historic museum, and the unique energy of the marathon as Moby-Dick is read aloud by inside. It’s a rare opportunity to paint, explore, and be part of a truly memorable San Francisco tradition! **Meetup 2** **September 12** **6:00–9:00 PM** Maritime Museum, 900 Beach Street, San Francisco Our designated painting area is the 3rd-floor veranda overlooking Aquatic Park Cove. You may also paint from outside the building. Watercolor and pastel painters are welcome to paint inside the museum. Artists working in other mediums, including oil and acrylic, are preferred to set up outside or in less sensitive areas of the building to help protect the historic terrazzo floors. Please bring a tarp or floor covering whenever possible. Pack in, pack out, leave your area clean, and dispose of paint water outside the museum. Come for the evening light, stay for the atmosphere, and be part of this wonderfully unusual painting experience! Bring your easel and paint the magic! 🐋🌅🎨 **Disclaimer** By participating in any Bay Area Plein Air Painters meetup, you acknowledge and agree to the following: • Participation is entirely voluntary and at your own risk. You are responsible for your own safety, belongings, and well-being at all times. • Bay Area Painters, its organizers, and hosts are not liable for any injury, accident, loss, or damage that may occur before, during, or after any meetup or related activity. • Outdoor painting locations may involve uneven terrain, weather changes, traffic, wildlife, or other natural and environmental conditions. Please use your own judgment and take appropriate precautions. • Participants are expected to respect public spaces, private property, and fellow artists, and to follow all local laws and regulations. • By attending, you consent to possibly being included in group photos or social media posts unless you clearly opt out. • The group is intended as a supportive, respectful, and non-commercial community space for artists to connect and paint together. By joining this meetup, you confirm that you have read, understood, and agreed to this disclaimer.

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7 attendees
Nude Long Pose @ Et Al Gallery

Nude Long Pose @ Et Al Gallery

Sat, Sep 5, 6:00 PM
From Sketchboard Co. | Arts Nonprofit
4.9

🗓️ Nude Long Pose on Saturdays 🕡 1100AM to 2000PM 📍2831 Mission Street, San Francisco **(Et All Gallery)** **[🎟️ TICKETED & WALK-INS $25](https://book.squareup.com/classes/uj53t4hfgkzllp/location/DYSM7QRDVFWX7/classes)** 🪑 LIMITED SEATING: 20 max capacity ✏️ Bring your own art supplies, though some are available. 🎨 **All ages and skill levels welcomed.**

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1 attendee
Rockaway Beach, Pacifica

Rockaway Beach, Pacifica

Tue, Sep 15, 4:30 PM
From Peninsula Outdoor Painters (POPs)
4.8

Rockaway is a C-shaped beach with dramatic headlands, It has a unique riparian corridor created by Calera Creek as it flows towards the ocean. Here you can often see beautiful wildflowers and many birds and butterflies. And, few blocks away at the north end of the promenade you can find additional dramatic views for painting. After lunch, you might want to check out some of the cute shops near the north end. **Parking** Plentiful and free. The north and south parking lots are a few blocks from each other. A 10 minute walk along the promenade connects them, or you can drive the short distance. **Restrooms** Located in the South parking Lot **Lunch @ 12:30** Please meet in the South Parking lot for lunch and to share our work.

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5 attendees
San Francisco Botanical Garden

San Francisco Botanical Garden

Tue, Oct 13, 4:30 PM
From Peninsula Outdoor Painters (POPs)
4.8

[Map showing entrance points to the Botanical Gardens](https://gggp.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/20260131-East-End-GGPark-Map-v5-FINAL.pdf) These beautiful gardens comprise 55 acres within Golden Gate Park and contain about 8,000 different types of plants from around the world. As you enter the gardens from Martin Luther King Drive, walk straight ahead to the lovely waterfowl lake surrounded by beautiful trees, rolling meadows and benches. You typically see ducks, geese and other waterfowl. This is our primary painting area, although you are free to venture elsewhere. There are two entrance gates to the Botanical Gardens - one on 9th Avenue and another on Martin Luther King Boulevard. **Please park on Martin Luther King Boulevard then walk a short distance to the MLK entrance gate.** There is no parking on 9th Avenue so avoid that entrance if you are driving. The 2nd Tuesday of every month is free, **and October 13th is the free day**. **When we return on October 20, the standard entry fee of $7 for seniors and $15 for people under 65 will be in effect.** **Parking** Free parking on Martin Luther King Drive adjacent to the MLK entrance to the park. You may have to walk a short distance from your car to the gardens because the free day is always popular. **Restrooms** When you walk through the entrance gate on Martin Luther King Drive, you will see the restroom building on the path to your right. **Lunch @ 12:30** Meet at the waterfowl lake for lunch and show-and-tell.

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1 attendee
Blue Heron Lake, San Francisco

Blue Heron Lake, San Francisco

Tue, Sep 29, 4:30 PM
From Peninsula Outdoor Painters (POPs)
4.8

Blue Heron Lake remains one of the most peaceful spots inside Golden Gate Park. The lake was renamed from Stow Lake to Blue Heron Lake in 2024 to honor the great blue herons that nest around Strawberry Hill. Surrounded by trees, bridges, and scenic views, you will often see paddle boats on its calm waters and lovely walking paths provide excellent painting options. **Parking** Parking is on the adjacent street and is free **Restrooms** At the nearby boathouse **Lunch @ 12:30** Meet in the vicinity of this bridge for lunch

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2 attendees
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Frequently asked questions

Meetup for artists in San Francisco connects you with local communities to share your passion for art. Join events, discover groups, and make artistic connections in your area.

You can browse Meetup to discover art-focused events around San Francisco. Filter groups by interest in different art forms and join meetups to participate in workshops or exhibitions.

Yes, San Francisco hosts a vibrant arts scene on Meetup. Artists can explore various events tailored to different art styles, from painting to digital art, perfect for networking and collaboration.

Joining an artist Meetup fosters collaboration and inspiration. It's a platform to connect with fellow creators, learn new techniques, and engage with your local art community.

Yes, you can join as many art groups as you like. It's a great way to explore different mediums and broaden your artistic horizons by connecting with diverse communities.

Simply find an event on Meetup you wish to attend and click the RSVP button. This action will secure your spot and keep you updated with any changes or details.

Meetup offers free access to browse groups and events. Some specific meetups may charge a fee for materials or activities, which will be mentioned in the event details.

Most Meetup events welcome all artists, whether you're a professional or an amateur. Check individual event descriptions for specific participant criteria or levels.

Meetup can facilitate connections and opportunities, but successful collaborations depend on participants' engagement and initiative to connect beyond events.

Yes, users can organize their own artist meetups. Create a group focused on a particular art interest or activity, and invite others in San Francisco to join.

Expect a range of events including workshops, art critiques, gallery tours, and more. These events offer something for all types of artists seeking creative engagement.

While Meetup offers diverse art meetups, availability in specific interests like sculpting depends on local group offerings. Explore groups to see if one matches your interest.

Meetup participants can attend different meetups, allowing you to experience various art studios and environments. Check events for specific location details.

Event quality varies with the organizer. Many are well-structured, yet checking previous attendee reviews can help you gauge an event's organization level.

Meetup focuses on group activities, not personal mentoring. However, group connections may lead to more individualized collaborations over time.