Friends of Sharon Art Studio
Advocating for the Community of the Sharon Art Studio
Friends of Sharon Art Studio (FOSAS) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to sustaining and enriching the programs at Sharon Art Studio, San Francisco’s largest public community art center, located in the heart of Golden Gate Park. Established in 1991 by a group of passionate students and community members, FOSAS was founded to ensure that art education in this historic space would remain affordable and accessible to all. For over three decades, we have partnered with the San Francisco Recreation & Parks Department (SFRPD) to provide a dynamic range of visual arts programming for children, teens, and adults. Each year, thousands of participants engage in ceramics, jewelry and metal arts, stained glass, and fine arts classes led by more than 20 teaching artists. Through this partnership, FOSAS provides expert teachers, tools, equipment, materials, and specialized programming that city funding alone cannot cover.
Our work ensures that Sharon Art Studio remains a vibrant and inclusive space where people of all ages and backgrounds can learn technical skills and build community through shared making. In addition to ongoing classes, FOSAS supports special projects such as the Artist-in-Residence Program, public exhibitions, and youth programs including Art in the Park summer camp.
As a cornerstone of San Francisco’s cultural life, Sharon Art Studio stands as a testament to the power of community-based arts. Every day, our classrooms bring together beginners and professionals, students and teachers, neighbors and visitors all connected through the joy of making art. FOSAS remains committed to ensuring that this vital creative space continues to thrive, adapt, and serve as a welcoming haven for artistic growth and connection in the heart of Golden Gate Park.
Membership
In 1991 a group of students founded the non-profit Friends of Sharon Art Studio (FOSAS) in order to advocate on behalf of the Sharon Art Studio community. For more than 30 years FOSAS has utilized a membership model to sustain and enhance the studio and its programming.
A FOSAS membership encourages you to expand your artistic self with discounts on classes and invitations to special events. Invest in a membership today.
Volunteer
Each year Friends of Sharon Art Studio has a variety of community events and special workshops. We have a team of volunteers that make it all happen beautifully. Most volunteers are members, but that's not required.
Would you like to join us? Fill out the volunteer application. When volunteer opportunities come up you'll be emailed with all the details and asked to RSVP. Thank you for being a part of this talented team.