Notes and Photos from an Extended S.F. Art Crawl

August is the month when most of the world goes on vacation and makes you feel a bit of a chump for staying put in a dubious staycation in the half-deserted city. Many theaters and concert venues go dark, and some galleries reduce their viewing hours. Unless you're happy to pay more than $200 for Big Music Festival tickets, you might fear you're stranded in a city as bereft of cultural offerings as your average American city, which is a grim prospect indeed. But starting late last week we found a plethora of unusual events, so maybe there is hope for the people without a cabin in Tahoe. ​
Evan Wilson, who goes by ESK, has his first city show in McLoughlin Gallery's smaller space, Expose Gallery. In "Layers," ESK paints on transparent panels arranged in asymmetrical formations in different plains of relief. Imagine graffiti stained glass. Props to McLoughlin's Expose Gallery, in 49 Geary, for giving, um, exposure to street-art-inspired work, and that of an emerging artist, in one of San Francisco's toniest venues.
​This is the most entertaining outfit I've ever come across at Fraenkel Gallery, also in 49 Geary. This lady conquered the Russian Cossack/Native American/steampunk look I can never quite pull off without looking like I looted the San Francisco Opera costume closet. It was quite warm in the galleries, and I wondered whether she was hot in her fur hat and velvet bustier. The feather belt was a nice touch, and the suspender pouches left her hands free. I like to think that's where she keeps her snuff and silver bullets.

Next up: 111 Minna and Adobe Bookshop