Creative Groups San Francisco

Profs & Pints Alameda: Creativity, Moods, and Mania

[Profs and Pints Alameda](https://www.profsandpints.com/sfbayarea) presents: **“Creativity, Moods, and Mania,”** an exploration of how depression, mania, and everyday ups and downs influence different types of creativity, with Sheri L. Johnson, distinguished professor of psychology and director of a bipolar disorder research program at the University of California at Berkeley. [Tickets available only online, at [https://events.ticketleap.com/tickets/profsandpints/alameda-creativity-moods-mania](https://events.ticketleap.com/tickets/profsandpints/alameda-creativity-moods-mania) .] Ancient quotes on creativity, moods and mood disorders abound. Aristotle wrote, “No great mind has ever existed without a touch of madness.” Lord Byron, describing poets, later observed, “We of the craft are all crazy. Some are affected by gaiety, others by melancholy, but all are more or less touched.” But is there really a link between moods, mood disorders, and creativity? What does modern science have to say about the subject? Explore such questions with Dr. Sheri L. Johnson, director of the CALM (Cal Mania) Program at UC-Berkeley. Her research there studies how mood—especially the highs and lows of bipolar disorder—shapes people’s lives, including their creativity, goals, and well-being, as well as what mechanisms contribute to mood episodes and recovery. She'll begin with a discussion of how scientists measure creativity in life and in the laboratory, describing what we have learned from hundreds of experimental studies on creativity and mood. Some findings indicate that happiness, at modest levels, can help foster creativity, while negative moods can interfere with it. We’ll consider how we can draw from these scientific findings to protect our own creativity. Turning to mood disorders, Professor Johnson will describe how mania was a well-documented part of the lives of major creative figures such as Lord Byron, Vincent Van Gogh, Virginia Woolf, Edgar Allen Poe, Ernest Hemingway, and Alfred Tennyson. Beyond biographical summaries, she’ll highlight findings of a country-wide study of the Swedish population which connected higher creativity to a personal and family history of bipolar disorder. She’ll also outline findings of studies designed to test why mood disorders might relate to creativity, and we’ll consider the evidence so far on whether medications for bipolar disorder help or hinder creativity among those with a history of mania. (Advance tickets: $13.50 plus processing fees. Doors: $17, or $15 with a student ID. Listed time is for doors. The talk starts 30 minutes later.) Image: From a self-portrait painted by Vincent van Gogh in 1889 after slicing off his own ear (Courtald Institute of Art / Wikimedia).

Second Sunday: Writing & Weeding

Join us Sundays for Writing & Weeding! Join us for Writing & Weeding! We've all had times when we just can't seem to figure out how to the words out. Sitting with other writers in the garden really helps break writer's block. In our unique garden setting, you can also literally weed out your thoughts by taking some time to pull weeds in a community garden. Getting our hands in the dirt can sometimes inspire creative flow. (Note, we recommend you bring your own gardening gloves.) We are at the gallery and garden at Hayes Valley Art Works - 295 Oak Street at Octavia - writing and pulling some actual weeds! We usually meet at the tables by the gate at Lily / Octavia. In damp weather, we may meet in the gallery in the converted shipping container with the red and black mural 295 Oak Street corner of Octavia. I Please note, we do not have heat in the gallery and run on solar power, so bring your laptop charged and dress appropriately for the weather! Writers are welcome to sit in either south or north garden, or the gallery, both are between Page and Oak on the east side of Octavia. We suggest bringing any devices fully charged as we don't have outlets or a restroom. We recommend stoppping at Mercury Cafe across the street at Page and Octavia - they have a restroom and great food and drinks we recommend stopping in there on your way over for a beverage and use the facilities if needed. If possible, or in bad weather, we will also open our Zoom meeting but this is not always an option due to internet access at the garden. Zoom https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84912436792?pwd=R0FOq4fHuBXaaz0zdoTVbiiSbCUtY8.1 Meeting ID: 849 1243 6792 Passcode: 94102 Theme is open. Poetry, prose, fiction, non-fiction. Bring your own project to work on, or use the suggested themes and writing prompts announced at each meeting. Writers are free to share from their writing or not, as they wish. Introductions at 12:00. 12:05-12:45 writing/weeding time 12:45-1:00 discussion, weeding time, share writing if inspired share how the session went, stay on if you wish to discuss, share, or continue writing or help pull weeds! This event is linked with the Shut Up & Write event - https://www.meetup.com/shutupandwriteSFO/events/280885360 There is no fee for the meetup. Donations to support Hayes Valley Art Works are welcome either in our cash tip jar or at the link below. Suggested $5-10, but not required. Donate: [https://hayesvalleyartworks.org/donate/#:~:text=Learn%20more%20about%20our%20campaign,open%20space%E2%80%9D%20in%20Hayes%20Valley.](https://hayesvalleyartworks.org/donate/#:~:text=Learn%20more%20about%20our%20campaign,open%20space%E2%80%9D%20in%20Hayes%20Valley.) Hayes Valley Art Works is focused on building community through art. More about Hayes Valley Art Works: https://hayesvalleyartworks.org/

Drink and Draw at Jupiter

Come draw, paint, or do whatever other art you're working on! Bring your own supplies. We're usually on the second floor -- look for all the people with sketchbooks and/or drawing tablets. In case you'd like to share your art or just stay in touch, we have a Discord server: [https://discord.gg/k7Vbwgm5ey](https://discord.gg/k7Vbwgm5ey)

Beer & Beats - Music Feedback & Collaboration

JOIN THE DISCORD FOR MOST INFORMATION. Discord (very important updates): https://discord.gg/UNgGtXmu6K No RSVP needed on Meetup.com, but we do have a check-in link on our Discord. Want to just see a video or two about what this is?: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hn-cOooQ0oA Take a tour of the campus where the event is held: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V1EvgwM0vSE What Happens Each Week? Feedback & Listening • Play what you made, a work‑in‑progress • Get constructive critiques, mix notes, and creative ideas from a supportive crowd. Open‑Studio Sessions (3 Commercial Studios!) • Grab a workstation, plug in, and start building beats, recording vocals, or jamming with new friends. Networking & Vibes • Meet producers, engineers, artists, and music‑tech pros. **Links** Discord (very important updates): https://discord.gg/UNgGtXmu6K Level‑up your skills with our music education programs: https://anthemmusicacademy.com/

August sketchbomb 🌆

Shut Up & Write Already! Fremont & East SF Bay

**IMPORTANT NOTICE:** This event is listed on the Shut Up & Write! website. To see full event details, RSVP, or ask any questions, make sure to join the group here: [https://www.shutupwrite.com/series/id2vH3i21V00](https://www.shutupwrite.com/series/id2vH3i21V00) Please see the listing on the Shut Up & Write! website for full and updated event location details. \-\-\- Hello, Starting a Shut Up & Write group in Fremont. Location : Tables in large open atrium area in the back of the Fremont Library (May be changed later, with notice, to reserved rooms in Library, or to local Niles area cafes) Simple Format : 15 min : Meet & Catch up, share what you like about your writing goals 1 hour 30 min : Write in quiet 15 min : Share what you like (or didnt like) about your writing session! \*\*\* Join fellow writers each week to show up, sit down, and get words on the page. No critiques. No sharing. No pressure. Just focused writing time alongside others doing the same. After the session, you're welcome to stick around to chat, connect, and build your writing community. Wherever you are in your project, you're not doing it alone—this is your space to write.

The future of social innovation: Solar Punk,Regenerative Futures, Systems Change

# The future of social innovation: Solar Punk,Regenerative Futures, Systems Change,Radical CollaborationThursday, August 6, 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM, [55 2nd SF POPOS, San Francisco, California](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=55%202nd%20SF%20POPOS&query_place_id=ChIJbU2Ub0GBhYAR5aJtDNNL7Zg), [https://luma.com/wrtzfoqr](https://luma.com/wrtzfoqr) ​🌱 **The Future of Social Innovation:** ​​**Solarpunk, Regenerative Futures & Systems-Change Radical Collaboration** *Informal Gathering with* **[Bobby Fishkin](https://www.google.com/url?q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.linkedin.com%2Fin%2Fbobbyfishkin%2F&sa=D&source=calendar&ust=1749588062300880&usg=AOvVaw1KSO9bzrBmkFR2-N190jhK&utm_source=luma) and [Andres Acosta](https://www.google.com/url?q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.linkedin.com%2Fin%2Fandresacosta%2F&sa=D&source=calendar&ust=1749588062300880&usg=AOvVaw0T8dhHcSj6w5Hzymzd2u7I&utm_source=luma) at [SF Green House](https://www.google.com/url?q=https%3A%2F%2Fsfpopos.com%2Fpopos%2F22&sa=D&source=calendar&ust=1749588062300880&usg=AOvVaw179GJw1WmwZW9SXSd1-7hj&utm_source=luma) (Galleria), Indoor Public Open Space (a local [POPO](https://www.google.com/url?q=https%3A%2F%2Fsfpopos.com%2F&sa=D&source=calendar&ust=1749588062300880&usg=AOvVaw0V7owVn2b41hj_GOvxaOHJ&utm_source=luma)).** ​​📅 **When August 5th, 2026** ​2:00pm **– 5:00 PM** *Arrive anytime after 2pm; we’ll wrap by 5:00 PM to flow into the public street festivities at 5 PM.* ​​📍 **Where** ​​**55 2nd St, San Francisco – SF Green House Indoor Public Open Space (POPO)** Just steps from Downtown, on 2nd St between Market & Howard. *** ​​What to Expect * ​​**Open Space, Open Mind** Indoor tables & chairs for relaxed connection, deep conversation, and collaborative dreaming. A space for *exquisite cooperation* where we stack wishes and aspirations and explore new ways of knowing and being together¹. * ​​**Who’s Coming** Systems-change agents, regenerative community builders, solarpunk enthusiasts, artists, and innovators. *** ​​Themes We’ll Explore (Informally) * ​​Radical collaboration & interwoven systems * ​​Regenerative futures & knowledge democracy * ​​Solarpunkification as hopeful vision & practice * ​​Micro-moments of care and their macro impact * ​​Collective entanglement & new logic models for change *** ​​Why Gather? * ​​Seed a **mycelial web** of community * ​​Re-imagine what’s possible through collaboration * ​​Build momentum for a regenerative future *** ​​🎉 **Afterwards** ​​At **5:00 PM** we’ll step outside to join the **block party on 2nd Street**—enjoy free music, art, and celebration with the wider community. ​​Visual Flier: [https://drive.google.com/file/d/1-2m0XHSWX3k9Rq1e21iN0c1BoHwpUXNB/view?usp=sharing](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1-2m0XHSWX3k9Rq1e21iN0c1BoHwpUXNB/view?usp=sharing&utm_source=luma)

Beer & Beats - Music Feedback & Collaboration

JOIN THE DISCORD FOR MOST INFORMATION. Discord (very important updates): https://discord.gg/UNgGtXmu6K No RSVP needed on Meetup.com, but we do have a check-in link on our Discord. Want to just see a video or two about what this is?: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hn-cOooQ0oA Take a tour of the campus where the event is held: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V1EvgwM0vSE What Happens Each Week? Feedback & Listening • Play what you made, a work‑in‑progress • Get constructive critiques, mix notes, and creative ideas from a supportive crowd. Open‑Studio Sessions (3 Commercial Studios!) • Grab a workstation, plug in, and start building beats, recording vocals, or jamming with new friends. Networking & Vibes • Meet producers, engineers, artists, and music‑tech pros. **Links** Discord (very important updates): https://discord.gg/UNgGtXmu6K Level‑up your skills with our music education programs: https://anthemmusicacademy.com/

Bollywood Nights at Salesforce Park - Free

**Bollywood Nights at Salesforce Park 🎉** Join Rang De Bollywood for some high-energy, outdoor, bollywood fun! This event is sure to leave you feeling loved, lighter, and delighted in excitement after every session. 🌈 Open to all ages, all levels, all backgrounds. ✨ Come casual or dressed, no pressure! 🎁 Free to attend – just bring your joy, your people, and your dancing feet! 🚶🏼‍♂️‍➡️Register for free so we can prepare at rang.eventbrite.com 🕔 5:30 – 7:00 PM – we’ll start with a beginner friendly dance lesson, followed by an open dance party! 💫 This is a repeating event, happening every 1st and 3rd Friday of the month, May through October and you can register for as many dates as you like. Register now: [rang.eventbrite.com](http://rang.eventbrite.com) **About Rang De Bollywood** Hailing from the dream dance city of Mumbai and Amritsar, which is also home to Bollywood and Holy Vibes, our energetic, charismatic, and fun dance instructors-performers-entertainers, Manpreet (Certified in Indian Folk by India's Best and also an author) and Amit (percussionist, actor, dancer), have spread Indian dance music and moves across the length and breadth of India, USA, and Europe. Their recent performances were at National Center of Performing Arts in Mumbai and Herbst Theater in San Francisco. **Important Notes:** * Enter through transit center building and take the elevator to rooftop. We will be close to the elevator. * No solicitors allowed. * Classes might be video taped for marketing purposes. * All choreographies are Copyrighted and Original Works of Manpreet Komal/Rang De Bollywood. *"I recently had the pleasure of attending Manpreet’s Bollywood dance class, and I must say, it was an absolute blast! Whether you're a complete beginner or an experienced dancer, this class caters to everyone's skill level. The highlight of the class was undoubtedly her teaching style. With a knack for breaking down complex steps into manageable chunks, even the most intricate routines felt attainable. The pacing was just right, ensuring that beginners didn't feel overwhelmed while keeping experts engaged. Highly recommend!" — Kavneet Bindra* **We can't wait to dance together, see you soon!**

Bollywood Nights at Union Square

Join us for an unforgettable **Bollywood Night** in the heart of San Francisco at Union Square – rhythm, fun, community. **5:00 – 6:00 PM** – *30 minute Bollywood* *Dance Lesson* + *Party* — we’ll teach you the steps, the flair, and the fun; then we dance it out together! **6:00 – 7:00 PM** – *30 minute Bollywood* *Dance Lesson* + *Party* — we’ll teach you the steps, the flair, and the fun; then we dance it out together! **7:00 – 8:00 PM** – *Dance Party* — We turn up the music and light up the floor with a 1-hour open dance party. 🌈 Open to all ages, all levels, all backgrounds. ✨ Come casual or dressed, no pressure! Bring your friends, learn some moves, find your groove, find your friends, be a part of a magical community once a month at Union Square. Previous class in 2025 summary joy v[ideo:](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nHSENixJaVA&list=RDnHSENixJaVA&start_radio=1) Free class every month on 4th Friday of the Month except in August it will be on August 14th Classes go till end of September Park in garage, Uber over, or take Powell exit on Bart Do come say hello to us so we can welcome you in our La Dolce Vita :)

Bollywood Festive Nights at Union Square

Join us for an unforgettable **Bollywood Night** in the heart of San Francisco at Union Square – rhythm, fun, community. **5:00 – 6:00 PM** – *30 minute Bollywood* *Dance Lesson* + *Party* — we’ll teach you the steps, the flair, and the fun; then we dance it out together! **6:00 – 7:00 PM** – *30 minute Bollywood* *Dance Lesson* + *Party* — we’ll teach you the steps, the flair, and the fun; then we dance it out together! **7:00 – 8:00 PM** – *Dance Party* — We turn up the music and light up the floor with a 1-hour open dance party. 🌈 Open to all ages, all levels, all backgrounds. ✨ Come casual or dressed, no pressure! Bring your friends, learn some moves, find your groove, find your friends, be a part of a magical community once a month at Union Square. Previous class in 2025 summary joy v[ideo: ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nHSENixJaVA&list=RDnHSENixJaVA&start_radio=1) Free class every month on 4th Friday of the Month except in August it will be on August 14th Classes go till end of September Park in garage, Uber over, or take Powell exit on Bart Do come say hello to us so we can welcome you in our La Dolce Vita :)

BINGO Online (Win Prizes!)

**\*TO ATTEND GET TICKET At** [https://www.socialevents123.com/event-details.aspx?id=13625#tix](https://www.socialevents123.com/event-details.aspx?id=13625#tix) (Multiple Meetup groups are co-organizing so the RSVP's shown are just a very small portion attending. We'll have at least 20 registered.) Our last online Bingo Night Party was such a BIG hit, we're doing it again! Do you like to play BINGO or want to just do something different?! Then you will LOVE this event! Here is your opportunity to have some fun playing our Live "Bingo" game. You will also get to socialize and make other friends from the comfort of your home. Prizes included Amazon gift cards, free future events and more! This completely online event will be LIVE and you will be able to see and hear the other participants while playing. You will either need to print or draw out your bingo cards. We will email you with how to get it after registering. You can have more than 1 person on your team as long as they're from your house and use same device. Friends/family around the country can also play. They would just need to also register for a ticket. This event will be held on Zoom which you would access through your computer/webcam, or via your phone/tablet. On day of the event, you will get a secured Zoom link and link to print out Bingo cards. \*RSVPS ON HERE ARE NOT REFLECTIVE OF ACTUAL ATTENDANCE as this is a multi group event. Cost: $15-$20 depending on how early you register. **\*TO ATTEND GET TICKET AT -** [https://www.socialevents123.com/event-details.aspx?id=13625#tix](https://www.socialevents123.com/event-details.aspx?id=13625#tix)