A collective of talented Bay Area women artists is bringing their fifth annual exhibition to San Francisco's Mission District, running through Sunday, October 26th. The Oxide Collective pop-up gallery opens its doors at 2751 21st Street, offering visitors a chance to experience diverse artistic styles with more vibrant colors than ever before.
The newly branded Oxide Collective represents a significant evolution for the group, which was previously organized by artists Erin Hupp and Jaime Lovejoy. "The big news is we've branded our merry little group the Oxide Collective so that the event and those involved can live on beyond the annual show," explains Lovejoy. "We're super excited about the lineup, which is a real mix of artistic styles with more color than ever before."
This year's exhibition features returning artists Hupp, who recently launched a jewelry collaboration with Goldstories, and Lovejoy, alongside returning artist and now collective partner Hannah Franco. The show also welcomes several newcomers including Ayca Kilicoglu, Taylor Smalls of Throughline fame, Jessie Laura, and Sasi Kladpetch. The gallery operates Thursday through Sunday from 11am to 6pm, with artists serving as staff members available to meet and chat with visitors.
The collective has planned several special events throughout the three-week run, including perfume workshops and book readings. Gallery visitors can explore paintings, ceramics, and sculptures while engaging directly with the creators in an intimate setting that has become a beloved annual tradition in the Mission District.
In other local retail news, Japanese eyewear brand Jins celebrated the grand opening of its new Stonestown Galleria location on Friday, October 3rd, marking the company's return to San Francisco after a three-year absence. The brand previously operated in Union Square before closing during the pandemic. "San Francisco has held a special place in our hearts ever since our first expansion into the U.S. 10 years ago, and we are ecstatic to be back," says Mickey (Katsumi) Kubota, president of Jins Eyewear U.S.
The new store showcases Jins' full range of collections, including Airframe, Combination Titanium, JINS 360, and Modern Rim lines, alongside limited-edition styles and technologically advanced lenses. The store design draws inspiration from traditional Japanese wooden townhouses, featuring light gray tones and mortar-like textures in the front area, while the back section uses warm wooden materials to create a more intimate atmosphere.
Jins has revolutionized the eyewear shopping experience with an innovative system that allows customers to scan QR codes on frames, wait for their number to be called for lens selection and fitting, then receive a text notification when their glasses are ready for pickup from automated lockers. This streamlined process typically takes about 30 minutes, giving shoppers time to explore other areas of the mall.
Meanwhile, Nordstrom Local officially opened its first Northern California location in Pacific Heights on Thursday, October 9th, introducing a new concept that focuses entirely on services rather than merchandise sales. The 1,750-square-foot outpost at 1919 Fillmore Street serves as a convenience hub for city residents who have been without nearby Nordstrom services since the flagship Market Street store closed in 2023.
The service-focused location offers online order pickup for Nordstrom and Nordstrom Rack purchases, returns processing, alterations, clothing donation drop-offs directed to St. Anthony Foundation, and beauty packaging recycling through the Beautycycle program. Complimentary styling services and gift wrapping are available for Nordstrom purchases, with validated parking provided at the Japan Center Annex Garage.
To celebrate the opening, Nordstrom Local has partnered with local businesses to offer complimentary treats over four weekends, including ice cream from Philmore Creamery, floral arrangements by Le Bouquet, chocolate from Dandelion Chocolate, and baked goods from Johnny Doughnuts and Jane the Bakery. These partnerships reflect the company's commitment to supporting the local Pacific Heights business community while providing enhanced convenience for San Francisco shoppers.
