Mark your calendars for KALA 50, Kala's spring auction exhibition and benefit, Thursday, March 21- Saturday, April 27, 2024. Planning is underway to make the auction this year really special to celebrate Kala's 50th anniversary and to raise funds to support Kala's arts education, artist residencies, and exhibition programs. We're excited to share that the Honorary Auction Chairs are Squeak Carnwath and Richard Nagler and that the 2024 honored artists are David Huffman, Emily Payne, and Rupy C. Tut. We're putting together a memorable auction exhibition and experience to celebrate Kala's wonderful creative community and our 50 year milestone!

Kala's AIR Program - January 15th Deadline

Interested in working at Kala - AIR applications are due on January 15th! Artists working in and across printmaking, photography, or media arts are encouraged to apply to Kala's Artist-In-Residence program. Kala offers contract rates for different working needs and artist experiences! Resident artists receive 24-hour access to Kala's printmaking studio, darkroom, and digital media center: review application instructions and residency rates here to determine what option works best for you!

Applications are reviewed three times per year: January 15, May 15, and October 15 - apply here!

Apply Now

Kala @ CODEX 2024

Please stop by Kala’s table at the upcoming CODEX Book Art Fair. We’re super excited to be a part of this event and hope to see you there!

The CODEX Foundation's 9th International Biennial Book Art Fair & Symposium will be held February 4–7, 2024 at the Henry J. Kaiser Convention Center in Oakland, CA. The symposium and related events will take place in Berkeley and across the Bay Area. Kala is hosting a gallery reception on Saturday, February 3rd , 3pm – 6pm for our current exhibition, The Embodied Press: queer abstraction and the artists’ book, curated by Anthea Black. Please check the CODEX website for details.

Learn More

Save the Date - Lunar New Year Workshop

Date & Time: Saturday, February 3rd, noon-3pm
Location: Kala Gallery and Community Classroom
Cost: Free, RSVP via Eventbrite

Lunar New Year brings families and friends together to celebrate the new year. In this workshop, participants will create bead embroidery artworks inspired by The Year of the Dragon and other cultural symbols we recognize as part of this celebration. This community art workshop will be facilitated by artist Demetri Broxton and Kala staff.

RSVP Now

Adult Class Highlights

Digital Photography Basics

Thursdays, Jan 18-Feb 8, 6-9pm
Instructor: Joffrey Baylon
Location: Kala Printmaking Studio

Explore fundamental photographic concepts of exposure, composition, lighting, and subject matter. Unlock the potential of digital photography and embark on a journey of visual storytelling and creative expression. All experience levels welcome!

Participants should bring their own DSLR or mirrorless digital camera. Kala has a limited number of cameras for use.

Register Now

Intro to Digital Illustration

Saturdays, Feb 10 - March 16, 10am-1pm
Instructor: Sejal Popat
Location: Kala Printmaking Studio

Using iPads, styluses (i.e. Apple pen) and Procreate as our main tools, we’ll go through several activities building skills and familiarity with the interface. This course will survey various approaches to digital illustration and include specific exercises focused on color, composition, texture, designing your own digital brushes, and defining your illustration style.

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Intro to Botanical Drawings

Tuesdays, Feb 6-March 5, 6-9pm
Instructor: Eva-Maria Spampinato
Location: Kala Community Classroom

In this introductory drawing class, participants will learn about observational drawing and practice drawing techniques, all while learning the history of botanical drawings (or drawings of plant matter).

Register Now

CMYK Plate Lithography

Thursdays, Feb 8 - March 14, 6-9pm
Instructor: Rudolph Taylor
Location: Kala Printmaking Studio

A fun way to combine digital and manual making methods, a CMYK print, or four color separation can be a quick way to make colored lithograph prints. Students will learn how to create a four color separation in Photoshop, print films and expose them onto aluminum photo-litho plates, and then print a small edition of colored lithographs.

Register Now

All Adult Classes

Teen Studio Programs

Drawing for Teens (Winter)

Tuesdays, Jan 16-March 12, 4-5:30pm
Instructor: Ali Vaughan
Location: Kala Gallery & Classroom

During this 9-week winter session, the class will focus on contemporary methods and techniques in drawing.

All levels are welcome!

Register Now

Zines for Teens

Saturday, Jan 13, 1-3pm
Instructor: Elaine Ponce
Location: Kala Gallery & Classroom
Tuition: $10

Taking inspiration from The Embodied Press: queer abstraction and the artists’ book youth will work with a variety of materials to create zines that push the boundaries of what a book is. Participants learn different formats, layouts, and subject matter and discuss how zines are a vehicle for independent publishing.

Register Now

The Face As Canvas: An Abstract Drag Workshop for Teens

Saturday, Jan 27, 1-3 pm
Instructor: Obsidienne Obsurd & Kala Staff
Tuition: $5-15 (sliding scale, includes take home cosmetics), RSVP required

Come celebrate creative expression at our abstract drag workshop! This workshop will be hosted by Obsidienne Obsurd, a performer who embodies the exuberant and wildly creative spirit of the Bay Area drag community. After a Q&A and performance, teens will create original “abstract” makeup looks inspired by our current exhibition.

RSVP Now

Not sure if youd like to register yet Sign up for a Trial Day/Drop-In session now!

10% multi-session / sibling discount and tuition assistance are available.

After School Programs

After School Studio (Tuesdays)

Tuesdays, Jan 9-May 21, 2:45-5:30pm

Instructors: Natalie Palms
Location: Kala Gallery & Classroom

Register Now

After School Studio (Thursdays)

Thursdays, Jan 11-May 23, 2:45-5:30pm

Instructor: Jennifer Mazzucco
Location: Kala Gallery & Classroom

Register Now

Not sure if youd like to register yet Sign up for a Trial Day/Drop-In session now!

10% multi-session / sibling discount and tuition assistance are available.

More News... In Brief

 - This year marks fifty years of Kala supporting artists and engaging the community. We have exciting plans ahead to make sure Kala is thriving for the next fifty years. Donate today to help launch Kala's Fund for the Future.

 - Kala is Hiring teaching artists for youth classes such as Camp Kala Summer Youth Arts. Please check out our Kala Teaching Artist- Youth Arts job description for general information.

 - Registration for Book Arts Summer Institute at Wells Book Arts Center opens Jan 15th.

 - “Trans History in 99 Objects” book launch and Orquídeas wrap-up talk by Marcel Bardo Ariza, Friday, Jan 19th, 6-8pm at 500 Capp St, San Francisco.