Farewell to Miguel Chacon!

Dear NIAD Lovers: Every time Miguel Chacon comes through NIAD’s studio doors, he assumes his role as “The Manager,” a nickname he earned from his fellow artists for his leadership qualities,  but also for his unwavering support and mentorship of NIAD artists, veterans and newcomers alike.   Miguel is a sought-after sound engineer,  but his keen eye for cultural commentary in his visual art practice is clear in the artworks surveyed in his recent solo exhibition Observer. He has said that he spent years just watching other studio artists before hitting his groove as a painter, and by now that groove is as deep as on the tracks he produces. Read More …

Let the Water Flow!

Celebrating Rami Geller Dear NIAD Lovers: NIAD’s artists have dreamed since the pandemic began of hearing the calming sound of water coming from a fountain in our beautiful courtyard garden. Life on 23rd Street does get loud sometimes, and we could all use a little extra peace.  Enter Rami Geller, who made so many dreams come true for NIAD during his lifetime. His warmth and enthusiasm for connection and community widened NIAD’s circle in so many ways, from organizing numerous exhibitions for NIAD artists on the UC Berkeley campus to bringing friends and supporters each year to Win Win, our annual fundraiser. In the wake of Read More …

Jean McElvane’s Top 20 Easter Favorites

NIAD artist Jean McElvane serves up another seasonal playlist! Jean says: Happy Easter, everyone. Top 20 favorites for Easter coming up.​ Enjoy. 1🐰 – (Easter Yeggs) 2🐰 – (I Want It Now) 3🐰 – (Veruca Salt Oompa Loompa Song) 4🐰 – (Veruca Salt Oompa Loompa Song in Reverse) 5🐰 – (A Family Circus Easter) 6🐰 – (M&M Easter Bunny Commercial 1) – 2 versions, this one I remember as a kid ‘cuz of the music. I hope it never goes away. 6🐰 – (M&M Easter Bunny Commercial 2) – This one has children singing in the background 7🐰 – (Cadbury Read More …

Creepy Comix from the Michael Nuñez Vault, Part 1: “The hunger of the Wendigo”

You probably know his movie posters, and you might’ve seen his historical scenes, but even hardcore Michael Nuñez fans don’t know about his zines, chock full of the incredible detail, canny framing, and fantastical monsters we all know and love. You can find Michael’s work in SFMOMA’s Library/Archives, but we’re making it more accessible here, for the first time. Enjoy! When it was 12:00am it was time to get in and get some sleep. … but not before they sleep they decided to have some passion. Bu then… (Animal like scream)!! Want to find out what horrifying thing Daniel saw Read More …

WIN WIN 10 Tickets On Sale!

NIAD turns 40 this year, so we’re going BIG. NIAD is pulling out all the stops for our annual WIN WIN benefit to commemorate our 40th anniversary, and it wouldn’t be the same without you! It’s called “WIN WIN” because everyone has a chance to take home fantastic art and support NIAD artists. Please join us on Zoom for a fun afternoon of games, music and a live auction of extraordinary artwork donated by NIAD artists and artists in our vital network of supporters.  Following the Zoom event, NIAD lovers will come together (safely) for an in-person reception with music and paella Read More …