By Ellen Eason

Cue the confetti! San Francisco Women Artists Gallery (SFWA) will mark its 100th year with a centennial celebration on Saturday, Sept. 13 from 1 to 6 p.m. at its gallery at 647 Irving St. Enjoy artist demonstrations, refreshments and raffles while admiring the current exhibit, “Second Summer.” SFWA has been a vibrant part of the neighborhood arts scene since it relocated to the Inner Sunset in 2015. Learn more at sfwomenartists.org.

Happy first anniversary to Sunset Mercantile Emporium at Eighth Avenue and Irving! This collective of local makers and merchants includes a plant shop, pet supplies store, vintage market, artisan foods and goods, vintage cameras and more.

Described by owner Scott Morton as a “play on your neighborhood bar and grill,” Maggie & Mac’s will open next year at 1326 Ninth Ave., site of the former Social Kitchen & Brewery. Morton, who also owns the popular Momo’s near Oracle Park, aims to create a welcoming spot for relaxing, socializing and dining. He told the San Francisco Chronicle, “We really want to be that neighborhood anchor for people to come in and kick back, watch a game, read a book, dinner parties and date nights.”

Sunset Commons: A New Space for Crafting and Community

If you’re inspired to learn a new craft or join friends for a creative meet-up, check out the newly opened Sunset Commons. Raised in the Sunset, founders Carmen Luk and Steven Lee recently celebrated the grand opening with friends, family members, neighbors and elected officials. A highlight of the event was unveiling a colorful sunset-themed mural that illuminates the cozy space featuring rustic tables and shelves displaying colorful craft offerings.

“We met at Washington High School and are blessed to have deep and long-lasting friendships and community that persist to this day,” says Carmen. “We hope to play a small role in fostering the same sorts of connections for our guests and community in our space.”

Sunset Commons offers a variety of workshops, craft stations, DIY kits and a café in its location on Irving and 16th Avenue. Current workshops include crocheting, block printing, knitting, learning linoleum and visible mending. See the workshop schedule at sunsetcommons.store. Guests can also drop in for a casual craft session and perhaps try one of the café’s popular lattes.

Air-dry clay kits have been a big hit. The clay is not messy and doesn’t require special equipment. Everything on the shelves is beginner friendly, with instructions included. Workshops have been gaining steam as well, with a terrarium class pulling ahead of the others.

“Like most neighborhoods in the City, the Inner Sunset is absolutely unique,” Carmen said. “We are excited to join a healthy art community in the neighborhood’s hottest commercial corridor. We offer a unique experience in between all the great food and drink, and outside food is allowed.

“Steven and I have always wanted to challenge ourselves,” Carmen added. “Starting a business from the ground up was daunting, but I have an MBA, and we both have plenty of experience organizing events and building community.”

They said they are eager to learn from guests about their ideas for future workshops and products.

Sunset Commons also offers its venue for private parties and events.

“The space is ideal for kids as well as adults. We have even partnered with a face painter,” adds Carmen. “Ask how we can make your event come to life.”

Ample Learning Opportunities at Schools and Library

As autumn unfolds, the Inner Sunset’s schools and public library are in full swing.

The Sunset Branch Library is a treasure trove of resources and activities for children, teens and adults. In addition to English-language books, periodicals, audiobooks and DVDs, the library has collections of Chinese- and Russian-language materials. Programs for adults range from Tai Chi to craft club, knitting and tech tutorials. Children’s and teens’ programs include story times, Lego robotics, drawing hours, origami hour and board game meetups. See the calendar at sfpl.org/locations/sunset.

A small alternative public high school, Independence High School (IHS) structures its class schedules to accommodate students who may have priorities and commitments outside of school.

“We are always looking for ways IHS and the Inner Sunset neighborhood can support one another,” said Community School Coordinator Deborah Sommers. “We attend meetings of the Inner Sunset Park Neighbors and the Inner Sunset Merchants Association to find out about ways to stay involved. We received an outpouring of support from the neighborhood for our holiday fundraiser. Our students aspire to real-world experiences and are always looking for jobs in the neighborhood.”

The Alice Fong Yu Alternative School, the nation’s first Chinese immersion public school, offers a rigorous K-8 Chinese language immersion curriculum. Students study in a supportive environment, with a strong focus on academic achievement and leadership.

Jefferson Elementary’s 17th Avenue and Irving location allows for dynamic community partnerships and enhanced opportunities for students. Families may select after-school programs that include activities at the San Francisco Botanical Garden, Wah Mei and the YMCA.

Located on 14th Avenue, St. Anne is a Catholic school that welcomes all faiths and serves students from preschool through eighth grade. Strong academic programs emphasize math, science and technology. Sports, music and varied extracurricular activities contribute to a balanced student life.

Wah Mei was founded in 1974 by a group of passionate community leaders, educators, and parents who held the vision of dual language education as an essential resource for a healthy and thriving community.

Programs for Chinese language are held both before and after school, while Saturday classes focus on Chinese culture.

For the tiny tots, neighborhood preschools include Stepping Stones Preschool, Teaching Tots Preschool, and Learning Bridge Preschool. St. Anne also offers a pre-K program.

The Inner Sunset Merchants’ Association is the voice of our neighborhood’s business community. It is an all-volunteer, nonprofit association committed to supporting, promoting and advocating for the needs of our local business community. It welcomes new merchants into our neighborhood and work hard to drive new business to our growing community. Learn more at innersunsetmerchants.org.

Ellen Eason is a writer and Inner Sunset resident.