We Are All Creators!

ArtSeed is a unique and innovative arts education program. Our intergenerational and multi-disciplinary projects put students from diverse backgrounds in touch with artists and other professionals in a variety of fields. Working side-by-side in experimental and classical apprenticeships that include non-Western styles of art, participants practice hands-on artmaking, curate their own exhibitions, and learn on field trip adventures in the Presidio and beyond.

Explore our programs
March 13 – May 15, 2026

Heidi Hardin and Tanya Joyce

ArtSeed’s first two shows of the year feature Tanya Joyce’s Outdoors in Illinois and California and Heidi Hardin’s Earth is Home. Humans Are Family. You’re welcome to explore the galleries at your own pace, but if you’d like to hear the stories behind the art and learn from the creators themselves, mark your calendar! Our artists will be present at the Opening Reception on March 13, 2026 and Art-a-thon on April 18, 2026.

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April 18, 2026

Art-a-thon

This six-hour art-making marathon and fundraiser kicks off our programming season. We invite participants of all ages and backgrounds to try their hand at new skills, watch demonstrations from Bay Area creators, and enjoy the live music, snacks, and drinks. Art-a-thon also helps us fund student scholarships for our Fine Arts Summer Intensive—so help us raise more than ever for a chance to win prizes from local businesses!

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Open Studios

Every year, we participate in the Hunters Point Shipyard Open Studios alongside over 140 artists! This event is a unique opportunity to explore a historic art-making space, meet creatives, and experience a wide range of inspiring work. This is hosted twice a year. Make sure to come see us at both!

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Fine Arts Summer Intensive

The Fine Arts Summer Intensive is an in-person summer camp led by experienced teaching artists and guest presenters. This program provides highly motivated youngsters the opportunity to learn experimental and fine arts skills—and see their hard work featured in a public exhibition! Space is limited, so don’t wait to apply.

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Presidio Exhibition

Inspired by our theme, So What Now? Figments, Domains, and Advance Directives, our 20th Annual Presidio Exhibition features youngsters in our programs, their mentors, and anyone else interested in submitting their artwork for consideration. Be sure to mark your calendar for the Opening Reception on July 11, 2026.

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Mentorships and Lessons

We offer year-round artist apprenticeships, mentorships, private art lessons, and small group lessons at our Presidio location. Whether you’re interested in learning something new or practicing something old, ArtSeed is the place to do it. Tuition is on a sliding scale and no one is ever turned away for a lack of funds.

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ArtSeed through the Years

ArtSeed was founded in 2000 with the vision that when treated with dignity and given real tools, young people create work far beyond what their years might suggest. Since then, we’ve helped more than 15,000 budding artists and creatives discover this for themselves! Read more about how we’ve accomplished this over the years.

Our Story

Ways to Give

Tangible, meaningful arts experiences have a substantial impact on youngsters by helping them develop self-confidence in their own talents, discipline transferable to all areas of life, and empathy for others with different experiences than their own. Help us make this happen for many more years to come by giving in the way best for you—whether that’s a few dollars today, a recurring monthly gift, or through your legacy planning.

Donate NowWays to Give

Get Involved

Volunteers

Our volunteers make the world go round. Whether you’re seeking to offer your expertise or try something new, we’re happy to be your second home and do our best to help you in return.

Artist Mentors

Most of us can point to a mentor who changed the direction of our lives. You can be that change for an ArtSeed student by acting as a role model and sharing your talent as an ongoing mentor or teaching artist.

Growing Artists

New to the arts? Professional in the sphere? We like them all! If you’re a growing artist, ArtSeed is here to help with lessons, apprenticeships, and more—whether or not you have the means.

Anyone Else

If there’s another way you’d like to contribute to ArtSeed’s mission, we’d love to hear from you. Reach out to us at any time for an exchange of services, in-kind donations, and more.

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“You and your staff have provided youth with an oasis and safe haven from the turbulence of the neighborhood over the past decade. We, the school and community, appreciate everything you do and hope that your programs sustain themselves here at Leola Havard Early Education School.”
Eli Horn Site Coordinator, Leola Havard Early Education School
“The number and quality of resources – both artists and artistic supplies – that ArtSeed’s programs provide are the kindling to inspire young artists and propel them to careers in art. ArtSeed’s style of apprenticeship teaching should be available to students throughout the nation.”
Leah Bedoian Volunteer, ArtSeed
“My daughters’ experience with ArtSeed’s Asian Art Museum partnership didn’t just have an effect on them. It turned me around! I cried when I opened our AAM membership letter, saw the membership cards and found my daughter’s picture in the magazine. We had a preview reception and the exhibition opened to the public on my birthday! Now I am dedicated to my children’s future in a new way.”
LaDonna Johnson Parent of an ArtSeed Participant