Out on the Bay, art by Pablo Fernicola

Celebrate the arrival of spring in North Beach with Out on the Bay, a new exhibition by local artist Pablo Fernicola. Debuting this April at Sweetie’s Art Bar, the show offers an intimate look at the textures and perspectives of the San Francisco waterfront.

The Exhibition

Hosted in Sweetie’s signature Black & White Gallery, the exhibition centers on the unique visual identity of the San Francisco Bay. While the venue is known for its rotation of artists who draw inspiration from the city’s aquatic borders, Fernicola’s work brings a specific focus to the movement and atmosphere found “out on the bay.”

The collection captures:

The Maritime Perspective: Views of the water that move beyond the typical tourist postcard, focusing instead on the lived experience of the local sailing and rowing communities.

Atmospheric Transitions: The shifting light and fog patterns that define the Bay Area’s microclimates.

Neighborhood Integration: Art that reflects the salt-and-grit spirit of North Beach and the nearby Embarcadero.

First Friday: Art + Jazz

The exhibition’s opening coincides with North Beach First Fridays, the neighborhood’s monthly celebration of local galleries and studios. At Sweetie’s, the visual art is traditionally paired with live music, creating a multisensory experience that fills both the gallery and the bar area.

Live Music: The Vince Lateano Trio—featuring some of the most seasoned jazz players in the city—sets the tone for the evening. Expect three sets of classic swing and hard bop, often featuring surprise guest horn players or vocalists.

The Atmosphere: Sweetie’s remains one of the few places in the city that maintains a neighborhood living room feel. Between the art and the music, you can usually find a game of pool in progress and a mix of local artists, musicians, and long-time North Beach residents.

The Venue

Owned by artist and sailor Flicka McGurrin, Sweetie’s Art Bar is a cornerstone of the district’s creative scene. It is a space where high-caliber art meets an unpretentious bar environment. The cocktails are straightforward, the pool is free, and the focus is always on supporting the local creative ecosystem.