Artist Meetups San Francisco

The Distance Between Two Notes: Poetry, Music, and the Art of Silence

There is a moment in every piece of music when nothing is played. A pause. A breath. A silence so brief it can be overlooked, yet so essential that without it there would be no rhythm, no tension, no release. Poetry lives in that same interval. Between one word and the next, one line and another, there is a space where meaning gathers. The unsaid deepens what is spoken. The pause after a verse can carry as much emotion as the verse itself. In both poetry and music, beauty often emerges not only from what is expressed, but from what is withheld. “The Distance Between Two Notes” is a gathering devoted to these luminous intervals — the rests, silences, echoes, and subtle transitions where feeling ripens slowly into language and sound. Across traditions, artists have long understood the creative power of emptiness. Jalal al-Din Rumi listened for the music beneath words. Amir Khusrau dissolved the boundary between poetry and melody. Matsuo Bashō distilled entire worlds into a few carefully placed syllables. John Cage transformed silence itself into a form of listening. This gathering invites us into that attentive space where poetry and music meet — where a held note, a repeated refrain, or a lingering line reveals what ordinary speech often cannot. Some poems arrive softly. Some songs remain with us longest in the silence after they end. Some feelings can only be approached indirectly — through rhythm, pause, repetition, or breath. We will read poetry that listens as much as it speaks. We will explore the emotional architecture of the ghazal — its refrains, separations, returns, and resonances. We will sit with poems shaped by stillness, longing, memory, and incompleteness. There may be music. There will certainly be pauses. And somewhere in those intervals — between one voice and another, one poem and the next — something shared may quietly begin to take shape. You are welcome to bring: * A poem centered on silence, longing, resonance, or waiting * A ghazal, haiku, or meditative poem you love * A musical piece or lyric that embodies stillness or emotional depth * An original poem inspired by pause, rhythm, listening, or distance We invite poetry from all languages and traditions. Together, we will read, reflect, interpret, and listen — allowing meaning to emerge collectively and slowly. As always with Kaavya Connections, the conversation may wander beyond the theme. We follow where the words — and silences — lead. Because sometimes, what stays with us most is not the note itself, but the space between. > “Music is the space between the notes.” — commonly attributed to Claude Debussy And perhaps poetry is the space between two silences. Please find more about us here — [Kaavya Connections Website](https://www.kaavyaconnections.com/?utm_source=chatgpt.com) Please also join the mailing list for upcoming gatherings and events: [Kaavya Connections Mailing List](https://www.kaavyaconnections.com/mailing-list/?utm_source=chatgpt.com) If you would like to volunteer to help organize future gatherings and performances, please email: contact@kaavyaconnections.com Bring a friend, a poem, a favorite piece of music, or simply come to listen. Above all, bring your creative self. **Kaavya Connections**

6/21 SF PASTEL PEOPLE

*Based on Urban Sketchers, I’ve created a Meetup group for soft pastel folks who want to work outdoors together. No cost, no teaching - just enjoy each other’s company!* Zip here, filling in for Diane—hi! **JUNE session is at** \*\***[CHRISSY FIELD OVERVIEW](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Crissy+Field+Overview/@37.8044689,-122.4709457,270m/data=!3m1!1e3!4m7!3m6!1s0x808587808a73f1ed:0xba8754cef006cb36!4b1!8m2!3d37.8050436!4d-122.4698087!16s%2Fg%2F11sy3y6mx9?authuser=0&entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI2MDQxOS4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D)**\*\* **\- AGAIN\!** Just up the hill from House of Air at the western end of Chrissy Field. Dramatic views of the Bay, lots of red roof geometry, boats, clouds, maybe even some seagulls. Benches in the shade!! and benches in the sun. Restrooms and snacks at the Warming Hut. The MUNI 28 stop at GG Bridge is a short walk. **I'll meet you at 10:30 am** at the intersection of Lincoln Boulevard and Chrissy Field Avenue. Come say hi! **At 1:00 pm** we'll meet there to share and enjoy everybody's work. **Bring layers!** Karl the Fog is always a possibility. Bring your [pastels](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1mfj0y76y996UhKqXsHtCc57et62fikry/view?usp=sharing), [paper](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1d--XtZPmC2EuxaOtL9h4oo1faUgL9Q8s/view?usp=sharing), a [board](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Jig4iyOTJoQL6BMCj_A2ym-XX_Wg96d1/view?usp=share_link) (suggestion in blue links), tape, something to sit on, baby wipes as well as water and sunscreen/hat. **NOTE**: this meetup is FREE, I do suggest you sign up so that you receive any updates about the event.

Sunday Figure Salon

### Sunday Figure Drawing Class ## SUNDAYS \| 5\-8PM Join us Sundays for a figure drawing class with a model. This class is open to all skill levels. Students must be 18+ We will have charcoals and paper available, as well as drawing boards. You can bring your preferred drawing/painting materials if you like. Our 1st Sunday session will be May 31, 5-8pm. We will be adding more dates soon. Please sign up for workshops in advance so we can plan accordingly. An evening of short pose figure drawing session with a model and instructor. The gallery will provide chairs and tables. Easels on request. Bring your own paper, pencils, pens, etc. Snacks will be served. Please register in advance.

Father's Day Market

Father's Day Market June 13, 10am-4pm A great place to shop for dad, grads, and yourself. Join us for a day featuring local-made art and live Music! the band Pain of Ornithology will play 2 sets starting at 1pm **Call for Vendors** If you’re a SF Bay Area maker interested in vending, please message us thru our contact form on this site. We are looking for vendors of handmade craft and art who live SF Bay Area. Please tell us about your products (and process) and include images.

Figure Drawing Fridays

## [Figure Drawing Fridays](https://abramsclaghornshop.com/products/figure-drawing-fridays-2025) ### Fridays 6-9pm A Weekly Open Figure Drawing Session This is a short pose session. We start with 2 minute warm ups, with each set of poses getting a little longer. We usually finish the evening with 20 minute poses. The gallery will provide chairs and tables. Easels on request. Bring your own paper, pencils, pens, etc. Snacks and water will be served. Please register in advance.

🎷 JAZZ JAM + BLOSSOM & SWING

🎷 **JAZZ JAM + BLOSSOM & SWING Opening Reception** **Sat. May 30 • 1:30–4 PM** Two events, one afternoon. **[Blossom & Swing: Art, Color & Groove](https://hayesvalleyartworks.org/on-exhibit-blossom-swing/)**[ —](https://hayesvalleyartworks.org/on-exhibit-blossom-swing/) our spring group exhibition — opens May 30 at Hayes Valley Art Works. Come see the new show, meet the artists, and spend time with the work. Then head to the garden for our [monthly ](https://hayesvalleyartworks.org/jazz-jam-last-saturday-of-every-month/)**[Jazz Jam](https://hayesvalleyartworks.org/jazz-jam-last-saturday-of-every-month/)**, live and in full swing. Come for the art and stay for the music. Come for the music and discover the art. Either way, you're welcome. *Artists' Reception is free. Jazz Jam is $10 suggested donation — supporting our professional band players.* Jazz theme: **Blossom & Swing** — spring songs, love songs, any jazz standard. Bring a song, an instrument, your voice — or just come listen. **Musicians & Singers:** Advance sign-up recommended. Limited slots available. Sign up for a slot → [https://tinyurl.com/JazzJamSignup](https://tinyurl.com/JazzJamSignup) $10 donation to participate (pay at the door or via Tickets on SQUARE) **Audience:** $10 donation (no one turned away) Tickets on SQUARE Everyone welcome — family and pet friendly! 🐾 📍 295 Oak St\, SF \| @hvaw\.hayesvalleyartworks @explorehayesvalley @hvnasf @lowerhaightsf @artspan @sfartdealers @artguidesf #gallerysanfrancisco #hvaw #hayesvalley #livejazz #jazzjamsf #sfart #openingreception #blossomandswing

Live Music at Abrams Claghorn

## Pain of Örnithology \| June 13 at 1pm The "Pain of Ornithology" is a deeply personal, genre-blending project. Haroon Tahir's music explores complex themes of grief, human connection, and introspection. The instrumentation seamlessly blends elements of modern folk, indie, and contemporary chamber music, with the violin adding a sweeping, emotional texture to his acoustic and vocal arrangements.

Drink and Draw at Jupiter

Come draw, paint, or do whatever other art you're working on! Bring your own supplies. We're usually on the second floor -- look for all the people with sketchbooks and/or drawing tablets. In case you'd like to share your art or just stay in touch, we have a Discord server: [https://discord.gg/k7Vbwgm5ey](https://discord.gg/k7Vbwgm5ey)

Gallery Opening for Tom's Art

Hi Everyone I am pleased to announce that my art will be going on public display at a workspace right down the hill from my home/studios located at **7019 Stockton Avenue**, **the Gallery Opening will be Thursday May 28th 5:15 p.m. To 7:30 p.m.** My paintings will be hanging on the walls for the public to see Monday thru Friday 9 am to 6 pm through June. To see my art, go to Instagram and search tom_banfield_ I hope to see you. Tom

Figure drawing from the live model

In Person Drawing from the nude Model $16 Drop in Fee (Note\* You MUST be vaccinated, no exceptions! Mask wearing is optional, or per the model's requests and attendance is limited to 30 open RSVP spots, 1 additional guest is usually ok, but be aware of how many people have already signed up) **Model roster is updated weekly these days, so the current list may not be available from time to time, our apologies for any inconvenience. If a session was ever cancelled, a notification will go out.** **April 2026** Tues 04/07 **Teresa** Tues 04/14 **Bridget** Tues 04/21 **Becky** Tues 04/28 **Giuseppe** **May 2026** Tues 05/05 **TBA** Tues 05/12 **TBA** Tues 05/19 **TBA** Tues 05/26 **TBA**

Charcoal Drawing Classes Meet in Art Studio in SF

Thank you for visiting our group - Charcoal Drawing Class! We meet on Saturdays, 5:00-7:00pm, in my art studio located in San Francisco. All are welcome, whether you are a total beginner who want to explore, learn, or just have fun... or a more experienced artist who might want to freshen your techniques, pick up where you left off a while ago, or just enjoy the experience of drawing in a group setting and share the joy of creating art. My art studio is a place for kids M-F after school and we have day camps during school holidays. We have been in business since 2019. I have decided to include adult art classes on Saturdays and Sundays, and now we have oil painting classes 2-4:30pm, and drawing classes 5-7pm. On Sundays are have soft pastels drawing classes. We will draw still life. If there's a request for a live model, please let me know! It's a wonderful place for everyone to get together safely to have fun, learn, and bring home a beautiful piece of artwork that you have created! All art supplies are provided unless you wish to bring your own. Please go to my website https://www.sweetartssanfrancisco.com/art-for-adults, to pay/sign up. Please note that you are not signed up for the class if you only RSVP here on Meetup. Also, many participants sign up directly on our website for the event; therefore, if you see an event with no RSVP here on Meetup, it does not mean no one is attending the event. If you have any questions, please email me at sweetartssf@gmail.com for a quick response. Hope to see you soon!

Summer Sketchbomb! 🌞🌞🌞