Start Up Art Fair turns San Francisco hotel into immersive creative space.

eldel Sol.”The fair will also include For-Site Foundation projects, like the indoor forest that’s been installed in the old Fort Mason officers’ club for the past couple of years. (The trees were from the former Doyle Drive when it was rebuilt south of the Golden Gate Bridge.) This time, Forrest Kirk leads a workshop for art teachers in the forest. Creativity Explored will also be represented, as will a couple of galleries. It’s sponsored by Stock Spirits. Beldner is excited about a new element this year: “We have an installation by Steve Javiel, an artist who educated himself while in prison, and with his jail drawings and writings, will have a room that is inspiring. This will be a new kind of element that we have for the first time.”The pandemic has been tough on artists, like other creatives. Schmehl has had a piece in Persia, and one in another online exhibition, but nothing in San Francisco where she lives. “It’s been hard,” she says coyly. “I miss mixing little pieces of paper together.”Start Up Art Fair may provide Schmehl a chance to show her work in person again in the City by the Bay. Fair attendees have to wear masks, and social distancing will be enforced. Employees will keep track of the number of people in the exhibit spaces to stay in line with Covid health regulations.The fair runs Friday, April 18th through Sunday, April 20th, from 3-6 every day.

The Start Up Art Fair, curated by artist Ray Beldner, creates a unique experience in a San Francisco hotel. Seeking to remedy the flaws he found in other art fairs, Beldner ensures high standards by having an esteemed panel of jurors select the participating artists. Past jurors have included influential names like Hung Liu and Hank Willis Thomas, emphasizing the fair’s dedication to quality.

Each hotel room at the Hotel del Sol will host a different artist, along with partnering nonprofits like Helpers Community and The Bay Area Photographers Collective. Noteworthy organizations, like Art Span, are excited to participate, highlighting the significance for local artists to showcase their work in unconventional yet familiar settings.

Collage and mixed media artist Clare Schmehl is a member of Art Span and praises the organization for providing valuable information about art events. Schmehl’s artwork, made from vintage sources like old magazines and sheet music, embodies a retro vibe that aligns perfectly with the fair’s aesthetic. Artists like Schmehl eagerly anticipate the opportunity to exhibit their creations in person after a challenging year due to the pandemic.

The fair will also feature projects by the For-Site Foundation and Creativity Explored, offering attendees a diverse range of creative experiences. This year, a unique installation by self-taught artist Steve Javiel promises to inspire visitors with his distinctive body of work.

Despite the ongoing challenges posed by the pandemic, the Start Up Art Fair remains committed to providing a safe and engaging experience for all attendees. Strict Covid guidelines, including mask requirements and social distancing measures, will be enforced throughout the event. With a focus on supporting artists and promoting creativity, the fair aims to uplift the local arts community while upholding the necessary health precautions.

Don’t miss the opportunity to explore this innovative art fair from April 18th to April 20th, offering a glimpse into the vibrant and diverse world of contemporary art in San Francisco.