International Art Museum of America

05/31/2026

On Friday, Erik Hunter arrived at IAMA coming from Seattle, WA, to set up for his solo exhibition, Estrangement: Challenging the myth of mankind’s separation from nature.

Here are some behind the scenes photos from Friday afternoon. We are beyond thrilled to welcome into Lightspace Gallery and have his works here for the next month and a half.

May 30 - July 12, 2026
Read more about Erik Hunter and Estrangement through the link in our bio. Stay tuned and follow for updates and more information!

05/29/2026

TOMORROW
Join IAMA this Saturday, May 30th, from 2 to 4 PM for the gallery opening and reception of “Estrangement: Challenging the myth of mankind’s separation from nature” by Erik Hunter.

This afternoon will be an exclusive opportunity to not only view the exhibition on its opening day, but to also meet the artist himself, who will be present to answer any questions and discuss the exhibition concepts.
This series of paintings places human anatomy in direct conversation with the organic world — flesh becoming root, vein becoming vine, bone becoming husk — not as metaphor, but as reminder. Each piece invites the viewer to sit with a discomfort that is, at its core, a recognition. “Estrangement” is truly something that can only be experienced in person.

Reception details:
Free to attend, no registration needed but RSVP is preferred.
Light bites and drinks provided.
Find more information about Estrangement on our website through our linktree!

05/23/2026

Join us next Saturday, May 30th, from 2 to 4 PM for the gallery opening and reception of “Estrangement: Challenging the myth of mankind’s separation from nature” by Erik Hunter.

This afternoon will be an exclusive opportunity to not only view the exhibition on its opening day, but to also meet the artist himself, who will be present to answer any questions and discuss the exhibition concepts.

This series of paintings places human anatomy in direct conversation with the organic world — flesh becoming root, vein becoming vine, bone becoming husk — not as metaphor, but as reminder. Each piece invites the viewer to sit with a discomfort that is, at its core, a recognition. “Estrangement” is truly something that is best experienced in person.

Reception details:
Free to attend, no registration needed but RSVP is preferred.
Light bites and drinks provided.

Find more information about Estrangement on our website through our linktree!

05/20/2026

We can't wait for May 30th!

Opening May 30th at International Art Museum of America:

Estrangement: "Challenging the myth of mankind's separation from nature" by Erik Hunter.

On display from May 30th to July 12th, be sure to stop by the opening reception on Saturday May 30th from 2 to 4pm.

The reception is free to attend and will have light bites, wine, and soft drinks for attendees. The artist will be there onsite for a meet and greet and to talk about his artworks.

Read more about Estrangement here: https://iamasf.org/art/exhibitions/estrangement-challenging-the-myth-of-mankinds-separation-from-nature-by-erik-hunter/

05/16/2026

COMING SOON to IAMA in two weeks:
Estrangement - Challenging the myth of mankind’s separation from nature. By Erik Hunter

“The word human comes from humus — earth, soil, ground. Somewhere
along the way, we forgot.”

This series of paintings places human anatomy in direct conversation with
the organic world — flesh becoming root, vein becoming vine, bone
becoming husk — not as metaphor, but as reminder. Each piece invites the viewer to sit with a discomfort that is, at its core, a recognition. “Estrangement” is not just a collection of works to be viewed, but something best experienced in person in order to reflect on our own humanity intwined within each piece.

Find more information about Estrangement on our website through our linktree!

About Erik Hunter:

Erik explores the complex and often turbulent interplay of culture, politics, and spirituality—on both the individual level and society at large. Using various mediums, he creates vivid narratives that invite viewers to engage deeply with themes that shape our existence.
Erik’s artistic sensibility was shaped by the dramatic natural and urban landscapes of the Northwest United States, where he grew up and studied art at the University of Washington.
Rooted in a lifelong curiosity about the forces that define human experience — belief, authority, and the natural world — his work seeks to illuminate how these forces quietly govern the way we see ourselves and each other.

Read more about Erik Hunter at his website lightshadowcolor.com or at iamasf.org

05/16/2026

IAMA is honored to share that we are the recipient of Mid Market Community Benefit District’s Golden Brick Award for 2025! The Golden Brick Award recognizes those that have supported the mission of by uplifting the Mid-Market District, which spans over 30 city blocks in San Francisco, though projects, polices, and programs. For IAMA’s work to be recognized is incredibly meaningful for us as it not only reflects our own aim to make art appreciation and education accessible to all, but also our mission to connect communities with art, which starts with our own neighbors in the Mid Market District.

Located on Market Street, in between 6th and 7th streets, IAMA has been dedicated to making art accessible to all since its opening in 2011. Whether that is through exhibitions and spotlighting local artists, youth art programs and initiatives, community events, or partnerships with local organizations, the museum has and will continue to play an active role in bringing arts and culture to Mid Market district.

Thank you to Mid-Market Community Benefit District for the incredible honor! IAMA would also like to thank everyone who has a role in any of our events and exhibitions, including staff, artists, visitors, partners, and supporters. We sincerely appreciate your support that makes everything possible!

The museum’s President, KC Hsieh, accepted the award on behalf of the museum which was presented along with a Certificate of Honor from the Office of the Mayor of San Francisco signed by Mayor Daniel Lurie. Slide 4.

Read more on our blog post here: https://iamasf.org/blog/international-art-museum-of-america-honored-with-2025-mid-market-golden-brick-award/ or in our linktree!

05/08/2026

IAMA’s featured artwork of the month:
The Water Carrier
by Daniel Ridgway Knight (1839-1924)

The Water Carrier, executed with rich color and detail, is a charming example of landscape and portraiture, the genre for which Daniel Ridgway Knight was best known. The peasants of France were his favorite subjects. Most popular were his paintings of peasant girls, alone or in pairs, with their wooden shoes and picturesque clothing, at work, in conversation or personal reflection. Story-telling pictures of peasant life were much in vogue in Paris, and his work was sought after on both sides of the Atlantic.

Daniel Ridgway Knight was born in Philadelphia and attended classes at the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts along with Mary Cassatt and Thomas Eakins. Later, he settled in Paris, where he spent most of his life.

He exhibited regularly at the Paris Salon, also sending his paintings to the United States for exhibitions at the Brooklyn Academy and the National Academy of Design. He was the recipient of numerous medals and honors throughout his career, including the covered medal of Honor from his Alma Mater, the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts.

Find this painting on the second floor in our Great Room Gallery.

05/06/2026

First round of submissions has closed – what’s next?

We are proud to share that this year’s competition received 2500+ submissions from over 1200 artists across 42 countries! Our international jury panel is currently reviewing all entries, of which the top 30% of selected artworks will advance to the next round and exhibit their artwork at IAMA. Here’s what to know about upcoming dates and deadlines.

What’s happening now: Scoring all 1st round submissions.

May 11th: Participants whose artwork(s) that has scored in the top 30% will receive an email with an invitation to move onto the 2nd round and submit their physical artworks for the exhibition and 2nd round scoring.
*All physically submitted artworks will be exhibited.

June 14th: 2nd round submission deadline
June 25th: The last day to drop off in person or receive artworks

Other important dates:
Exhibition: July 18 - August 2nd.
Ceremony: Sunday July 19th from 1-4 PM

If you have any questions, please DM us for assistance.
Stay tuned and follow for updates and more information.

05/03/2026

IAMA is honored to announce that we have been nominated as one of the top 5 in several categories for SFGate’s Best of the Bay Area 2026!

Whether you voted for us because you loved our always rotating gallery exhibitions, events like Candlelight Concerts featuring the talented , art activities for any young visitors, or our permanent collections, we are so grateful to be recognized by the Bay Area, especially among so many other amazing venues. We welcome you to visit us from Wednesday to Sunday, 10 - 5 PM and we look forward to keeping up our work in the community!
-IAMA

Voting is open through Tuesday May 5th on SFGATE! You can find the link to vote in our linktree or copy the following link
https://www.sfgate.com/best/vote/ #/gallery?group=537783

05/01/2026

COMING SOON to IAMA this month: Estrangement - Challenging the myth of mankind’s separation from nature by Erik Hunter.

About Estrangement:
The word human comes from humus — earth, soil, ground. Somewhere along the way, we forgot.

This series of paintings places human anatomy in direct conversation with the organic world — flesh becoming root, vein becoming vine, bone becoming husk — not as metaphor, but as reminder. These works do not
argue that we are like nature. They argue that we never left it, and that the consequences of believing otherwise are all around us.

Find more information about “Estrangement” on our website via our linktree!

About Erik Hunter:
Erik grew up in the breathtaking landscapes of the Northwest United States, where the inherent beauty of natural and urban landscapes first captured his imagination. Over the years, his curiosity led him to explore art formally at the University of Washington and moreover, self-guided exploration and learning. He’s always been fascinated by the intersections of spirituality, governance, and science, and how they shape our lives and values. This perspective shapes his work, as he strives to capture life’s rich yet fleeting moments.

Read more about Erik Hunter at iamasf.org and lightshadowcolor.com