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The Do List

Let Bob Ross Guide Your Brush at WorkshopSF

The Haight Street DIY space hosts its annual Bob Ross Paint Along on Friday, May 2.
Sarah Hotchkiss
white man with afro peeks from behind easel while painting
The dulcet tones of Bob Ross on 'The Joy of Painting,' which aired for 31 seasons in the 1980s and '90s, continue to provide relaxation and inspiration. (Netflix)

Every first Friday of the month, the Haight Street space WorkshopSF opens its doors for a free art party, introducing visitors to a sampling of the classes they offer on a daily basis.

But nothing quite compares to WorkshopSF’s annual Bob Ross Paint Along.

“It’s been our most popular first Friday,” says Hayley, one of WorkshopSF’s instructors. “And it is always a really good time.”

On May 2, 7–10 p.m. those looking for a dab of delight in their lives are invited to swing through while WorkshopSF projects The Joy of Painting episodes on the wall. Postcards, watercolors and paint brushes will be provided for anyone interested in rendering their own “happy little cloud” under the patient tutelage of Bob Ross.

When they’re not relying on Ross as an instructor, WorkshopSF hosts professional artists and craftspeople teaching classes like an all-day sewing boot camp, beginner’s leatherworking and how to make your own natural skincare products. Founded in 2009 by Kelly Malone and David Knight, WorkshopSF caters to a 21+ crowd looking for lo-fi, hands-on activities.

“We try to really be a really welcoming environment,” Hayley says. “I think there’s a lot of pressure to be really good at something the first time. We’re definitely in a hustle culture right now where you can’t just do anything for pleasure.”

And where’s the fun in that?

“Try something new, get your hands dirty, get away from a screen. And have a little fun, be social!” Hayley says.

It’s a mentality Ross would absolutely get behind. As he said on The Joy of Painting, “Anybody, anybody can put a little masterpiece on canvas with just a little practice and a vision in your mind.”

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