Location
Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco | de Young 

Exhibition Dates  
Oct 10, 2020 — Jan 3, 2021

Jurors
Timothy Anglin Burgard
Ednah Root
Claudia Schmuckli
Karin Breuer
Enrique Chagoya
Hung Liu
​Mildred Howard

Address
de Young Museum
50 Hagiwara Tea Garden Drive
San Francisco, CA 94118

​Hours
Tuesdays — Sundays,
9:30 am–5:15 pm

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The de young open 

​The Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco's juried exhibit, “The de Young Open”, is part of  the de Young Museum’s 125th anniversary celebration. This show continues the museum’s long-standing tradition of engaging the local community and showcasing the talent of Bay Area artists. The theme of the show is, “On the Edge”, which derives from both the Bay Area’s geographic location on the Pacific Rim, but also the region’s historical reputation for leading-edge, cutting-edge, or edgy culture and creativity. 

​The museum received an overwhelming response to the open call, with over 6,000 artists registered and over 11,500 works of art submitted. The jurors narrowed down the entries to 881 pieces that will be displayed in the museum’s 12,000-square-foot Herbst Exhibition Galleries. Artists exhibiting work will be able to offer their pieces for sale and to retain 100 percent of the proceeds.

Tom Gehrig's work, Reconnoitering Deception Pass, was selected for the exhibit. Measuring 40" x 50", this oil painting showcases an expansive cloud-filled sky, anchored by a rocky shoreline. In the distance, a tugboat is hauling an illuminated lighthouse across the ocean – destination unknown. 

​Further intrigue is discovered through the overlook horizon. A fire is burning, figures are ascending a cliff, and a central character surveys the scene using a vintage scope. This dynamic landscape tells a story, completely open to the viewer's interpretation. 

​​The fine detail work of this painting is equally matched with the curiosity of elements within the composition. Perhaps the drone hovering in the sky or the graffiti tagged rock are the true secret keepers of this mysterious and beautiful piece.

ABOUT THE JURORS
Timothy Anglin Burgard (Distinguished Senior Curator) and Ednah Root (Curator in Charge of American Art) led a curatorial jury that included; Claudia Schmuckli (Curator of Contemporary Art and Programming), Karin Breuer (Curator in Charge of the Achenbach Foundation for Graphic Arts) at the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco — and renowned Bay Area artists; Enrique Chagoya, Hung Liu and Mildred Howard.

EXHIBITS | GALLERIES >