“Women in Public Art” at SF Main Library

SFPL

As San Francisco works to increase the visibility of women in public art, join San Francisco Public Library artists Lava Thomas, Mildred Howard, and Cheryl Derricotte for a panel moderated by Sarah Hotchkiss. These influential artists share insights on creating public art that honors identity, history, and activism, celebrating Thomas’s new “Maya Angelou: Portrait of a Phenomenal Woman” sculpture at the Main Library.

Artist Bios:

Lava Thomas – Known for her multidisciplinary work in sculpture, drawing, and installations, Thomas addresses race, gender, and representation, drawing from her Southern heritage and African American traditions. Her art is held in major institutions like SFMOMA and the Smithsonian.

Mildred Howard – An acclaimed sculptor and installation artist, Howard’s work explores home, belonging, and gentrification. A Bay Area native, she has shown work internationally and received numerous awards, including the Adaline Kent Award and Rockefeller Fellowships.

Cheryl Derricotte – Working primarily in glass, Derricotte’s art reflects themes of social justice and memory. A licensed city planner, her work is featured in collections such as the Museum of Glass and the de Young Museum. She recently unveiled a Harriet Tubman monument in glass.

Moderator: Sarah Hotchkiss – A San Francisco-based artist and award-winning arts writer, Hotchkiss has been recognized for her contributions to visual art journalism and reporting on arts and culture.

Disclaimer: Please double check event information with the event organizer as events can be canceled, details can change after they are added to our calendar, and errors do occur.