INVT’s curated list of “must do” creative events is designed to inspire.

Each and every month, INVT co-founders and practicing designers Arianna Orland and Dava Guthmiller review the many invitations that fill their inboxes and share their curated “Hotlist” of “must-do” design & art events in the San Francisco Bay Area and beyond.

Happy February! We’re excited to learn and grow this month, with a focus on two tenets of Our Manifesto: “Seek out opportunities to cross-pollinate and collaborate” and “Practice curiosity.” The design+art events we feel we “must-do”—featured in this list curated by INVT co-founders and practicing designers Arianna Orland and Dava Guthmiller —include exhibits that expand our understanding and appreciation of different cultures and experiences, as well as a workshop and a presentation that will introduce us to new techniques.

Please note: Following COVID safety protocols, many events require proof of vaccination, face masks, and social distancing. Check each event’s website for details.

Soul of Black Folks and Florida jitt.

The Museum of African Diaspora showcases the art, history, and cultural richness of the African Diaspora. Soul of Black Folks, the premier museum solo exhibition for Ghanaian artist Amoako Boafo, features over 20 deeply personal paintings that capture the essence of the Black figure. Emerging artist Vincent Miranda, who was raised in a white and Afro-Latinx household in southern Florida, explores the entities and tensions that contribute to a multiple culture identity in Florida jitt. $6 to $12. Reservation recommended for timed admission. Now through February 27. MoAD, 685 Mission Street, San Francisco.

CCA Spring 2022 Design Lecture Series.

The Design Lecture Series reflects California College of the Arts Design’s commitment to being a sanctuary for emerging voices and diverse practices. Each semester they host a powerful slate of thinkers and practitioners who expand our idea of what design is and what design can do. Kristin Neidlinger, Andrew McLuhan, and CCA alumni are among this month’s speakers. Free with RSVP. Wednesdays through March 9. Virtual and in person at CCA, 111 8^th Street, San Francisco.

Image Gardeners.

Image Gardeners features a community of women and non-binary artists nurturing alternative aesthetics of portraiture. Spanning eight decades, this barrier-breaking exhibition reveals varied perspectives on gender, race, power, intimacy, and photographic portraiture. Check out the related events, including a panel (on March 5) and film screenings. Free. Reservations for timed entry are encouraged, but not required. Wednesday through Saturday, through April 30. McEvoy Foundation for the Arts, 1150 25^th Street, Building B, San Francisco.

Early Bird Tix for First Round.

Save your spot now and save some cash! Pick up ideas and techniques for improving your own presentation skills as speakers share their first-round presentation process. They’ll show the original file they presented to a client, from the very first time they saw a range of design explorations for logos, identity, and branding projects. $150 early-bird ticket price till February 11. Event will be held on March 11. Yerba Buena Center for the Arts, 701 Mission Street, San Francisco.

Printmaking with Botanicals.

In this workshop led by artist and illustrator Rebecca Rippon, we’ll learn multiple techniques in monoprinting, receive guidance in principles of composition and color, and make stunning prints using natural pigments. No experience necessary, and experimentation is encouraged! $75 (includes materials). February 12, 11:00 am to 1:00 pm. Arch Art Supplies, 1490 17^th Street, San Francisco.