Tuesday, March 29, 2011

Journey into Michael V. Rios Studio & Mission Mural Adventure

Summit peeps, it’s been a very long and eventful day. But a good one, nonetheless! And it couldn’t have been better without a little help from the sun!

Earlier today, peek gallery caught up local extraordinaire, Michael V. Rios, the artist behind our next exhibit HEART SOUL SPIRIT, over at his Mission studio. Once we got inside, we were treated to his massive collection of over forty years worth of original paintings, drawings, posters, designed t-shirts, mural concepts, sketches and more. It was truly a treasure trove of beautiful and astounding work. To say he is one of the most prolific artists of his generation would be an understatement, as he not only has traversed many stylings, mediums and genres of art, but he has done so with passion and verve.

And when he wasn’t captivating us with his artwork, he kept us hanging on every word with story after fascinating story about his work, his life as an artist, and his time spent living in the Mission from the seventies through today. But don’t feel left out, dear readers, as you’ll be able to learn all you ever wanted to know about the man behind some of the Mission’s most famous murals very soon with our peek gallery video interview exclusive with Michael, coming soon!

Until then, here are some pictures from our visit with Michael at his studio:

After hanging out with Michael in his studio, we then ventured out into the warm, sunny Mission streets to find Michael’s murals that are still standing today. Check the pictures below, as some of these are almost forty years old!

@ 23rd and Mission Bank of America

@ 24th Street Bart Station

@ SF General Hospital

Whew, what a day..be sure to tune in soon for the video interview and more details before the opening reception for HEART SOUL SPIRIT next Thursday, April 7th!

- matt, peek gallery