Where to See Art in Marin: Galleries, Trails, Public Works

This late summer and fall, Marin County feels alive with a wild variety of art exhibitions. Creative talent is coming out from every corner of the region.

From the rugged coastline of Bolinas to the lively centers of San Rafael and Sausalito, museums and galleries are buzzing. You’ll find photography, painting, sculpture, fiber arts, ceramics—honestly, just about everything.

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If you love plein air landscapes, contemporary photography, or quirky sculptures made from recycled stuff, you’re in luck. The next couple of months have something for every art lover who calls Marin home—or just happens to wander through.

A Season of Artistic Abundance Across Marin

Marin’s artistic energy is hard to miss right now, in both tiny towns and busy neighborhoods. You can explore traditional and modern works, stumble into hidden local galleries, or meet artists at casual receptions and talks.

The exhibitions are as diverse as Marin’s landscapes. From the calm shores of Point Reyes Station to the leafy streets of Mill Valley, there’s always something new to see.

Bolinas and Mill Valley Highlights

The Bolinas Museum has exhibitions running through September 21, featuring works by Charlie Callahan, Kristiana Chan, Tanja Geis, and Aubrey Trinnaman. Shao-Feng Hsu’s evocative photography and a display of vintage Marin maps add even more to the mix.

Over in Mill Valley, the Anthony Meier gallery will show off Marsha Cottrell’s striking new creations from September 12 through October 24. It’s a chance to experience fresh, thought-provoking art in a space that feels both modern and welcoming.

San Rafael’s Multi-Venue Offerings

San Rafael is shaping up as a real hub for art seekers this season. The Archbishop Alemany Library hosts Julie Cohn’s watercolor retrospective until August 25, showing off her delicate, vibrant pieces.

Art Works Downtown keeps things lively with several exhibitions through late September, ranging from intimate portraits to Duane M. Conliffe’s stunning photography. September 12 brings receptions where you can meet artists and chat with fellow art fans—always a highlight.

Sausalito’s Creative Energy

Along the waterfront, the Sausalito Center for the Arts gears up for its third annual “Paint Sausalito” plein air show from August 18 to September 14. Both beginners and seasoned plein air painters get their moment in the sun.

After that wraps up, ceramics and historically inspired studio exhibitions will run into November. If you love art you can touch—or wish you could—these shows are worth a look.

Art in West Marin and Beyond

In Point Reyes Station, Gallery Route One presents “The Box Show” from August 16 to September 13. Artists create within the limits of a box, and the results? Always surprising.

Nearby, Tom Biagini’s art draws visitors with its mindful, textured style. Inverness-based painter Kim Ford Kitz also has ongoing exhibitions, capturing the quiet beauty of the region in her own way.

From San Anselmo to Corte Madera

San Anselmo’s The Image Flow hosts “Queer Conscience” through September 12, a photography exhibition exploring identity and personal narrative. The Marin Society of Artists in San Rafael is displaying “Made By Hand,” a show focused on ceramics and sculpture running until September 6.

In Corte Madera, Book Passage features Marne Jaye’s detailed animal paintings through October. Over in Sausalito, Books by the Bay offers Paula Monsef’s vibrant “Wild Marin” through September—definitely worth a stop if you’re in the area.

Public and Historical Venues

Marin’s cultural institutions are joining in, too. Exhibitions are popping up at:

  • Marin History Museum
  • Hamilton Field History Museum
  • Marin Museum of Bicycling
  • Museum of International Propaganda

Each place offers a unique window into local and global history. There’s a blend of educational exhibits and creative inspiration that keeps things interesting.

A Vibrant Calendar of Events

Beyond the exhibitions themselves, this season bursts with receptions, artist talks, and special gatherings. These events spark real conversations with creators, letting visitors from Novato to Larkspur connect more personally with the art.

You might find yourself strolling through a gallery in Fairfax or showing up at a lively reception in Tiburon. Marin County locals and visitors can expect a cultural experience that sticks with you long after you leave.

Art spills into every corner of the community during late summer and fall. It’s a great moment to dive in, not just to see creative works, but to really feel the county’s artistic pulse.

Want to enrich your calendar—or maybe just your soul? Now’s probably the best time to check out the art scene, whether you’re in Bolinas, Sausalito, or any of the inspiring stops in between.

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Joe Hughes
Joe Harris is the founder of MarinCountyVisitor.com, a comprehensive online resource inspired by his passion for Marin County's natural beauty, diverse communities, and rich cultural offerings. Combining his love for exploration with his intimate local knowledge, Joe curates an authentic guide to the area featuring guides on Marin County Cities, Things to Do, and Places to Stay. Follow Joe on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
 

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