Art Works Downtown

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San Rafael, CA
Art Works Downtown

Art Works Downtown is Marin's leading non-profit art center. **Check our EVENTS page Our 40,000 s.f.

building houses 32 art studios, 2 artist residencies, 4 art galleries, a jewelers guild, frame shop, a ceramic center, and 17 affordable housing apartments. We offer rotating exhibits, an artist membership program, monthly events, classes for all ages and other opportunities for people to engage with the arts.

06/01/2026

We couldn’t do this without you! ❤️

Being recognized in Pacific Sun’s Best of Marin is such an honor, and we’d love your support.

Best Art Gallery
Best Retail Art Gallery

✔️ Vote for us here: https://pacificsun.com/best-of-ballot/ #//

Thank you for being part of our journey and supporting local businesses in Marin!

Pacific Sun Downtown San Rafael Downtown San Rafael Arts District MarinArts

05/31/2026

Call for Entries: Transformation
Deadline to Apply: July 8, 2026
Apply: www.callforentry.org

Theme: Transformation is not always gentle. It can come through pressure, release, disruption, adaptation, emergence, renewal, or repair. This juried exhibition invites artists to examine the forces that alter bodies, places, materials, communities, beliefs, and systems. Artists working in all visual media are encouraged to interpret the theme broadly, whether through personal narrative, social observation, abstraction, material experimentation, or symbolic form.

Juror: PJ Gubatina Policarpio, Curator, Root Division

Link in Bio for More Information

05/30/2026

🎨✨ Where art and community meet.

At Art Works Downtown, creativity thrives in every corner—from inspiring galleries and working artist studios to community events that bring people together. Whether you're an art lover, collector, creator, or simply curious, there's always something new to discover.

Come explore local talent, connect with fellow art enthusiasts, and experience the vibrant cultural heart of downtown San Rafael.

Art has the power to inspire, connect, and transform—and it all happens here.

Downtown San Rafael Downtown San Rafael Arts District MarinArts

05/28/2026

Art Studio Residency: Call for Applications

Deadline to apply: June 28, 2026
Apply: www.callforentry.org
https://artist.callforentry.org/festivals_unique_info.php?ID=17530

Art Works Downtown’s Max Thelen Studio Residency provides a quality art space for an emerging artist to create artwork and receive community support. The Residency includes a free art studio for 12 months with many additional benefits. Ideal candidates live in the Marin/San Francisco/Oakland Bay Area and can commit to regularly making art in the studio and participating in the program activities.

Benefits:
● Free art studio, including utilities, fees and operating costs.
● An environment that is supportive and empathetic to the creative process.
● Solo exhibit, AWD Membership, promotion, public engagement, Marin Open Studios, and more.

Eligibility:
● Applicants must live in commuting distance to San Rafael CA.
● Applicants must be visual artists with a committed art-making practice.

Schedule:
● Deadline to apply: June 28, 2026
● Award announced: August 4–7, 2026
● Studio Residency: September 4, 2026 through August 27, 2027

To Apply:
● Apply through www.callforentry.org
● No cost to apply

Downtown San Rafael Downtown San Rafael Arts District MarinArts Marin Open Studios

05/27/2026

Exciting news! 🎉 We’ve been nominated in Pacific Sun’s Best of Marin in 2 categories!

Best Art Gallery
Best Retail Art Gallery

Your vote means the world to us.

✨ Cast your vote today: Link in Bio
https://pacificsun.com/best-of-ballot/ #//

05/26/2026

AWD Artist Studio 28: Kathy Gray
oil paintings and watercolors

“Light is so powerful – the way it makes things pop and dim, changing the scene before your eyes. I’m always absorbed, watching the interplay of colors, shapes, and movement, waiting for that special moment I’ll want to capture and savor through painting.” – Kathy Gray

Artist Statement: I like to paint in the photo realistic style because it gives me a point of departure for exploring a subject. While painting an object or scene as it appears — either in reality or in my imagination — I focus on its essence, its deeper meaning. I want to reveal what is special or portray the magic of a particular moment in time. This is true whether the subject is a landscape, a human or pet portrait and sharing my discoveries on the canvas brings me joy.

At the top of the list of artists who have inspired me are Canadian naturalist, Robert Bateman, and three generations of the Wyeth family — N.C., Andrew, and Jamie.

I am also inspired by history. I love storytelling. I am drawn to documentary films. So much goes on behind the scenes! I want to know more. Understanding and capturing elements in the woven mystery of our lives, of life, fulfills me as an artist and human being.

I am gratified when my paintings awaken emotions and prompt viewers to pause, feel, and muse — to be curious, inspired … happy.

https://www.artworksdowntown.org/kathy-gray

Kathy Gray Downtown San Rafael Downtown San Rafael Arts District MarinArts Marin Open Studios

05/25/2026

Call for Entries: Transformation

Deadline to apply: July 8, 2026
Apply: www.callforentry.org

Theme: Transformation is not always gentle. It can come through pressure, release, disruption, adaptation, emergence, renewal, or repair. This juried exhibition invites artists to examine the forces that alter bodies, places, materials, communities, beliefs, and systems. Artists working in all visual media are encouraged to interpret the theme broadly, whether through personal narrative, social observation, abstraction, material experimentation, or symbolic form.

Juror: PJ Gubatina Policarpio, Curator, Root Division

Artwork Requirements (abbreviated):
• Artist must live in the SF Bay Area.
• Artwork must be smaller than 72”.
• Open to all visual arts media.
• Apply through Call For Entries.org.

Exhibit Schedule (abbreviated):
• July 8: Entries due
• July 29–August 1, 11am–5pm: Deliver artwork
• August 14, September 11, 5–8pm: Reception and 2nd Friday Art Walk
• September 23–26, 11am–5pm: pick up artwork

Application fee: $40 for up to 3 entries. Discount provided to AWD Artist Members, join today!

See full prospectus and apply through: https://artist.callforentry.org/festivals_unique_info.php?ID=17589

Downtown San Rafael Downtown San Rafael Arts District MarinArts Marin Open Studios

05/24/2026

A heartfelt thank you to all the talented artists who participated in Abstraction. Your creativity, vision, and thoughtful exploration of color, gesture, structure, pattern, and process made this exhibition an inspiring experience for our community.

We are grateful to everyone who joined us for the receptions and spent time engaging with the work. Special thanks to juror Kim Eagles-Smith for his support and curatorial insight in bringing this remarkable exhibition together.

Thank you for helping make Abstraction such a meaningful and dynamic celebration of contemporary art. ✨🎨

Downtown San Rafael Arts District Downtown San Rafael MarinArts

05/23/2026

Today is the LAST day to experience Abstraction at Art Works Downtown in San Rafael! ✨🎨

Don’t miss this inspiring exhibition featuring a dynamic collection of contemporary abstract works exploring color, gesture, structure, pattern, and process. Thank you to all of the incredible artists, supporters, and visitors who made this exhibition such a meaningful celebration of creativity and connection.

Stop by before the show closes and immerse yourself in the expansive possibilities of abstraction!

Downtown San Rafael Arts District Downtown San Rafael MarinArts

Address

1337 4th Street
San Rafael, CA
94901

Website

https://www.ArtWorksDowntown.org/

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