Main Exhibition
Illuminate: A Survey of West Portal’s Art Educators
Ingleside Gallery at Ballast Coffee is proud to present "Illuminate," an exhibition featuring the works of 12 remarkable art educators who tirelessly balance their passion for teaching with their own artistic pursuits. This showcase highlights the unrelenting spirit and creative voices of those who dedicate their lives to nurturing the next generation of artists while continuing to create compelling art themselves.
These educators, all affiliated with West Portal’s local art studio for budding artists, exemplify the profound commitment required to place the growth of others alongside—or even above—their personal careers. Their sacrifices and unwavering dedication deserve both gratitude and recognition. "Illuminate" shines a spotlight on their ongoing creative practices, celebrating how their roles as teachers enrich and are enriched by their own artistry.
Come meet the wonderful artists-art teachers at the Artist reception on Sunday Nov 10, 12-3PM.
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This show is available for viewing during cafe hours from November 4 to December 13, 2024.
Backroom Exhibition
Solo show of Plein Air Paintings by Tom Colcord
Ingleside Gallery presents a solo exhibition by San Francisco-based painter and art educator Tom Colcord in the back room of Ballast Coffee. Originally from Indianapolis, Colcord holds a BFA in Painting from Indiana University Bloomington and an MFA from the San Francisco Art Institute. His work spans large-scale surrealism, plein air painting, and pixel art, capturing the landscapes of the Bay Area with a unique blend of surrealism and impressionism. As the Bay Area Representative for Dixon Ticonderoga and Strathmore Paper, and an art instructor at Artworks Fine Art Studio, Tom brings both passion and expertise to his craft. He was the 2021-22 recipient of the Tournesol Award at the Headlands Center for the Arts, and most days, he can be found painting en plein air in Golden Gate Park.
This exhibition invites viewers to experience Colcord’s dynamic take on plein air, where familiar scenes are captured through his distinct lens, exploring themes of perception and consciousness. Each piece becomes a meditation on memory and place, offering a fresh perspective on San Francisco's natural beauty.
This show is available for viewing during cafe hours from November 4 to December 13, 2024.
Join us for the artist reception on Sunday, November 10, from 12-3 PM to meet Tom and other talented artists.
Ingleside Gallery, situated within Ballast Coffee at 329 West Portal Ave, San Francisco, CA 94127, is dedicated to showcasing local emerging artists through 1-2 month exhibitions. Curated by notable San Francisco artist Shrey Purohit, the gallery provides a platform for artists to present their work to the community. Visitors can explore the current exhibition during Ballast Coffee's operating hours or online.
Coming Up Next
Illuminate: A Survey of West Portal's Arts Educators
Nov 2024
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Triple Vision: Fantasy, Faces, and Forms
Dec 2024
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The Sizeloves!
Feb 2025
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Art Teachers of West Portal​
​May 2025