California here we come

[Ben Solwitz]

I'm going to be in and around San Francisco for about a week from Jul. 16-22 and I was wondering what I should see in the area. I've never been out there so I don't really know what's around, far too much too see in a week I'm sure. It looks like there are some interesting glass galleries on Hayes St. and I heard there's a Chihuly exhibit going on somewhere that I'll probably go see but I'm sure you guys have some other recommendations for cool stuff to do. Also if anyone in the area wants to hang out I'm always happy to meet new glassworkers.

[Holly Wallace]

You will not run out of things to do in the SF area. Chihuly exhibit at the deYoung Museum, two glass galleries on Hayes St, Public Glass (rental and class facility), working studios - some in SF and more in the Berkeley/Oakland area. Good food, beautiful place but be prepared- SF is cool, as in cold, in July. It's a strange effect associated with living on the Bay. Visitors are the ones wearing new sweatshirts with their shorts! Drop me a PM for specific details on studios you would like to visit and what kind of glass you want to see.

[Jeff Lindsay]

Glass at the de young will be great but don't miss this, http://www.beachblanketbabylon.com/
You will need tickets in advance but not to miss.

[Ben Solwitz]

Looks like PG is having a Hot Glass Cold Beer event that weekend, I'll definitely have to try to make it to that.

[David Patchen]

1. Check out SF MOMA. Good stuff there.
2. As you know, Chihuly at the De Young. I've not been yet, but it's on my list.
3. If you want to see glass, there are very few galleries. Go to Gump's and buy a bunch of my work (shameless plug :)
4. Walk, bike or drive over the golden gate bridge. Lunch in Tiburon, wander Sausalito.
5. Wander around Alcatraz. Ferry ride over has awesome views as well.
6. If it's really warm out, rent bikes and ferry over the Angel Island for a couple hours of biking.
7. Wander fun neighborhoods like Polk, Hayes Valley, Fillmore, Union/Cow Hollow, Castro, etc. You'll find a list in a guide book. Notice I didn't recommend Fisherman's Wharf. Yuk. Stay away from Market street.
8. Check out Coit tower.
9. Brand new Contemporary Jewish Museum just opened a couple weeks ago--very cool place.
10. Hot Glass Cold Beer event should be fun. (I often demo but will be in France eating stinky cheese and drinknig wine ;)
11. Sonoma road trip. Wine country is 45 min from Golden Gate bridge.
I could go on and on....

[Scott Novota]

Don't forget this show. I will be in town just for this.


http://www.sfoutsidelands.com/



Scott.
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[Ben Solwitz]

Thanks for all the suggestions, I think there will be plenty to keep me busy, and it sounds like I'll have to come back. Too bad you won't be around David P., I was hoping you'd be doing some demos on Saturday. I love cane and murrine and you make some really awesome stuff.