Introductions 2025
August 13–September 20, 2025
Group Exhibition
Curated by PJ Policarpio.
Image: Amy Yoshitsu. Re-trod Scrawl, 2022 (detailed view). Root Division, San Francisco.
Root Division
1131 Mission Street
San Francisco, CA 94103
+1 (415) 863-7668
Root Division Website
Root Division Instagram
Root Division Hours
| Monday | 11:00 am – 6:00 pm |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | 11:00 am – 6:00 pm |
| Wednesday | 11:00 am – 6:00 pm |
| Thursday | 11:00 am – 6:00 pm |
| Friday | 11:00 am – 6:00 pm |
| Saturday | Closed |
| Sunday | Closed |
*Open Saturdays 2:00 p.m.–6:00 p.m. by Appointment
Overview
Today’s LOVE LETTER TO ART is focused on Root Division’s Introductions, their annual exhibition presenting 12 emerging Bay Area artists, curated by PJ Policarpio and juried by Makeda Best (Oakland Museum of California), Cecilia Chia (Glass Rice Gallery), and Alison Guh (SFMOMA).
Preview of Introductions 2025. Root Division, San Francisco.
Introductions has been a cornerstone exhibition at Root Division since 2007, showcasing emerging local artists who have not yet gained gallery representation. Selected through a rigorous review process from more than 200 applicants, they represent a vibrant cross-section of the Bay Area’s creative energy found in video, sculpture, photography, ceramics, textiles, painting, and installation.
Exhibiting artists include Paloma Bondi, April Camlin, Javier Roberto Carlos, England Hidalgo (whose work is currently featured in YBCA’s FANTASTIC show, MAKIBAKA: A Living Legacy—post to follow soon), Megan March, Lorena Molina, Katie Murken, Elaine Nguyen, Meghna Sharma, Siana Smith, Zoe Spikerman, and Amy Yoshitsu.
Root Division is a nonprofit arts organization in San Francisco’s SoMa neighborhood. In addition to hosting exhibitions, workshops, classes, and events, the org provides FREE OPEN STUDIO SPACE to 20+ artists.
Root Division’s events are among my faves, always with great vibes and outstanding, varied selections of emerging artists. This year’s Introductions is no exception. It is a beautiful show with just the right amount of drama and ease.
Don’t miss this special exhibition and the opportunity to support local artists (many of the works are available for sale) and this vital institution in the San Francisco arts community.
🗓 Introductions 2025 is on view until September 20, 2025 at Root Division in San Francisco’s SoMa neighborhood.
And don’t forget to mark your calendar for Root Division’s SPECTACULAR ANNUAL AUCTION on THURSDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2025. Explore RD’s artists’ studios, enjoy a selection of cocktails and appetizers, and bid on 100+ incredible works by emerging and top-tier artists. Tickets from $400.
💌 Did you see the show or try any of our recommendations? What did you think? Let us know in the comments (in the Reviews section located on the second tab at the top of the page).
QUICK GUIDE: ROOT DIVISION
⭐ LOCATION: Root Division is located at 1131 Mission Street in San Francisco’s SoMa neighborhood. It is a 5 minute walk from the Civic Center Bart Station. Closest Muni bus line is the 14 stop at Mission and 7th Street, a half-block from the gallery.
⭐ HOURS: The gallery is open Wednesday–Friday 12:00 p.m.–6:00 p.m. and Saturday by appointment from 2:00 p.m.–6:00 p.m.
⭐ EVENTS: Root Division’s 2025 Fundraiser Auction on THURSDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2025. Explore RD’s artists’ studios, enjoy a selection of cocktails and appetizers, and bid on 100+ incredible works by emerging and top-tier artists. Tickets from $400.
⭐ NEARBY ART:
- Asian Art Museum (Civic Center) | ON VIEW: New Japanese Clay features ceramic works by a new generation of Japanese potters. Runs Aug. 15–Feb. 2, 2026. UPCOMING: Rave into the Future: Art in Motion celebrates the dancefloor as a source of resilience, freedom, and joy. Runs Oct. 24–Jan 12, 2026. | 10 min walk/3 min drive
- Tenderloin Museum (Tenderloin) | UPCOMING EVENTS: “Valley of the Queens” LGBTQIA+ Walking Tour by Unspeakable Vice (ONGOING, NEXT ONE is Sept. 20, 2025 from 2:00–4:00 p.m.); “The Streets of San Francisco”: Screening Two Episodes of the Classic TV Series on | 11 min walk/7 min drive
- Four One Nine (SoMa) | UPCOMING: Some More Dogs, curated by PJ Policarpio featuring works from the Hornik collection. Runs Sept. 30–Oct. 12, 2025 UPCOMING EVENTS: Pet Portraits on Oct. 4, 2025 from 12:00-3:00 p.m.; Muttville Pet Adoptions on Oct. 5 from 12:00–2:00 p.m.; Lunchtime Artist Talk with Arleene Correa Valencia on Oct. 6, 2025 from 11:30–1:30 p.m. Camelia Skikos Pop-Up on Oct. 11 from 12:00–5:00 p.m.; Closing Collection Talk with the Hornik family and Sarah Galender Meyer, Arrival Art Fair Co-Founder and Senior Collection Manager at Hauser & Wirth on Oct. 12, 2025 from 12:00–1:00 p.m. | 7 min walk/3 min drive
- Jonathan Carver Moore (Tenderloin) | ON VIEW: INTERMedio, a solo presentation feat. Luis Felipe Chávez. Runs Aug. 28–Sept. 27, 2025.| 11 min walk/8 min drive
- Saint Joseph’s Arts Society (SoMa) | ON VIEW: *Don’t miss The Other Art World: A Photo-Performance Exhibit by La Pocha Nostra and Saint Joseph’s Arts Foundation. Runs Sept.12–Dec 12, 2025. | 11 min walk/5 min drive
⭐ NEARBY DINING:
- Montesacro (SoMa) | AMAZING PIZZA. | 6 min walk/2 min drive
- Proper Hotel’s Villon (Tenderloin) | Breakfast/brunch/lunch restaurant. | 5 min walk/4 min drive
- Arsicault Bakery (Tenderloin) | Holy CROISSANT! | 6 min walk/3 min drive
A LOVE LETTER TO ART’S CHEAP & CHEERFUL PICK
- Tú Lan (Tenderloin) | Quick and DELICIOUS Vietnamese—so good, even Julia Child was a fan! | 7 min walk/4 min drive
A LOVE LETTER TO ART’S ROMANTIC PICK
- Proper Hotel’s Charmaine’s Rooftop Bar (Tenderloin) | *MY FAVE ROOFTOP BAR IN SF. | 5 min walk/4 min drive
💌 More nearby suggestions are always welcome. Feel free to add in the comments!
A LOVE LETTER TO ART RECOMMENDS
NEARBY ART
The Tenderloin Museum celebrates the rich history of San Francisco’s Tenderloin district.
NEARBY FOOD/DRINK
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Author: ALoveLettertoArt
