Marking the arrival of a rather intriguing and exciting art show, come celebrate the Chihuly Opening Weekend – an event sponsored by Target – taking place at the de Young Museum this weekend (June 14th and 15th, 2008). This occasion will become the first time that San Francisco welcomes one of the best glass sculptors in the world. For Dale Chihuly, it signifies the largest show he's ever staged.

This weekend, there is much more than just art to enjoy and explore at this get-together – a well-rounded family affair awaits. Live music will fill the air. Family features (including magicians and clowns) keep visitors of all ages satisfied and busy. Stilt walkers serve as greeters at Tea Garden Drive. Hands-on art activities are found at the front of de Young and the screening of a new documentary entertains at Koret Auditorium all weekend.

Artist Background: Dale Chihuly fueled his love of art by indulging an interest in the abstract forms in nature found in his mother's Washington garden. His art also shows the influence of the ocean and its inhabitants. Overall, Chihuly pieces have pushed the envelope regarding the color, size, and shape of glass blown art.

Other weekend Chihuly events at de Young include:

• Crucible's Educational Response Vehicle – blacksmithing and welding demos
• book signing at the Piazzoni Murals Room
• contortionists and extreme jugglers
• modern jazz quartet
• the sounds of Caribbean and reggae music
• artist lectures

For more information, visit www.chihulyatthedeyoung.org/content.asp?key=150

Experience the beauty of this month's art exhibitions and variety of docent tours fit for the entire family by paying a visit to the de Young Museum this weekend (with festivities starting at 10:30am on Saturday, June 7th, 2008). Between 10:30am and 12pm – the art of Mesoamerica comes to life with "Doing & Viewing Art and Big Kids/Little Kids." Adults may enjoy the docent-led tour of "Art of the Americas" between 11am and 11:50am while the kiddies are exploring new worlds.

At 12pm – gather for a tour of "Art in America to the 20th Century," to discover intriguing sculptures, paintings, and decorative art. At 1pm – a docent tour sets off to present the permanent collections of Oceanic and African art.

If you missed the first "Doing & Viewing Art and Big Kids/Little Kids" held in the morning – you have a second chance to take a trip to Mesoamerica at 1:30pm. A popular tour featured at the end of the day is "Women: Worldly and Otherworldly" – which explores the female gender impact on some of the greatest works of art in the world (3pm to 3:50pm).

Overall, Art at de Young Museum is a real treat any time of the year! Next week – I suggest you mark your calendars for a celebration of glass-blown art and the arrival of a rather important art exhibit for San Francisco.

This weekend, the San Francisco County Fair Building (located at 9th Ave at Lincoln Way) will open its doors to host the S.F. Gesneriad Society Rare Plant Sale on Saturday (May 31st 2008). Between 10am and 3:30pm, you can browse an exciting collection of exotic and rare plants that are sure to liven up your household with energizing shades of green, soft violet, bold reds, and regal purple.

The Gesneriad family of plants includes the likes of:

• saintpaulia (African violet) – an eastern tropical African plant
• episcia (flame violet) – with an intriguing leaf pattern and flashes of red
• sinningia (florist gloxinia) – offering an exotic display of leaves and flowers
• streptocarpus (cape primrose) – meaning ‘twisted fruit’
• nematanthus (goldfish plant) – uses distinctively shaped blooms to attract hummingbirds
• aeschynanthus (lipstick vine) – scarlet flowers with a rather odd shape

I guarantee finding prices for cuttings and potted plants that range from $1 to $8 is a rare thing as well. However, if you’re looking for a one-of-a-kind prize for your living room mantle or desk at work? Expect to pay a bit higher.

Worried that you aren’t equipped to care for something quite this unique in the plant world? Don’t fret – tons of experts are more than willing to answer all of your questions and give advice. If you’d like additional details on this FREE event – contact 650-359-1719 or visit http://www.sfgesneriads.org/.

With all of the BBQ’s stirring at local parks, colorful firework displays on the agenda, and endless family get-togethers – there are still some people searching for something to do for the Memorial Day weekend. Why not head for the Golden Gate Park Band Shell (Ninth Avenue – off of Lincoln Way) on Monday to take in the sounds of the 14th Annual California Blues Festival.

This event will take place between 12pm and 6pm – with an exciting array of musical performers. Scheduled to fill the air with toe-tapping fun and entertainment is Curtis Lawson, Bobbie Webb and the Smooth Blues Band, Rose Eger, Oakland Red, Emma Jean Foster, Kelley Richey, Psychedelic Mike, Fillmore Slim, Willie G, Robin Smith, and many others. Hope to see you there!