the latest at niad

Farewell to Miguel Chacon!

Posted onAuthorNIAD Art Center

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!

Posted onAuthorNIAD Art Center

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 …

A wall in the NIAD gallery with many artworks hung on the wall and messages painted and drawn directly on the wall in tribute to NIAD artist Erika Martinez.

In Memoriam: NIAD artist Erika Martinez

Posted onAuthorNIAD Art Center

Dear NIAD Community, This week, we share with a heavy heart the news of Erika Martinez’s passing.  A NIAD artist for 17 years, Erika was a pillar of NIAD’s community, and a treasure to her family, to whom we extend our deep condolences. Her many friends remember her as kind, loving, fierce in her joy and inimitable style, and intensely dedicated to her relationships, as well as her work as an artist.  “Her mischievous streak was enviable”; “Her friendships remain so special and everlasting”; “I remember her hellos in the morning where she would say, ‘Hey, it’s me!’—and indeed it was.” These are just Read More …

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

Posted onAuthorNIAD Art Center

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 …