New Poster Series by Adrian Arias, “Layers of the Mission: A Celebration of Memory and Resilience,” brings the culture and stories of San Francisco’s Mission District to Market Street

SAN FRANCISCO, January 21, 2026 – The San Francisco Arts Commission (SFAC) is pleased to present Layers of the Mission: A Celebration of Memory and Resilience, a new Art on Market Street poster series installation by San Francisco based artist Adrian Arias. 

Now on view, Arias’ poster series will be displayed along Market Street between 7th and Steuart streets at 15 SFMTA transit shelters through March 2026. 

Commissioned around the 2026 theme of “Now & Then: Living Memories,” Arias’ poster designs honor the Mission neighborhood as a place where memory is carried through vibrant murals, street corners, and local businesses. Arias’ designs utilize the concept of the Forever Stamp ®, enlarging everyday objects, typically small and easy to overlook, into a monumental symbol of value, communication, and cultural affirmation. 

“Through Layers of the Mission, Adrian Arias elevates the often-overlooked stories, labor, and cultural traditions that define the Mission District and truly leaves his artistic stamp on Market Street,” said Ralph Remington, Director of Cultural Affairs. “These vibrant illustrations help transform Market Street into an outdoor gallery of remembrance and recognition, inviting visitors and local residents alike to reflect on their memories of the Mission, reminding us that San Francisco’s identity is built from the everyday legacies of our communities.” 

Each poster design features vibrant portraitures and poetic narratives that highlight individuals and traditions that have shaped the Mission’s cultural soul. Surrounding each image are intricate frames inspired by Indigenous design traditions found throughout the Americas, including Ohlone, Aztec, Maya, Moche, and Taíno visual languages, connecting local stories to a broader ancestral lineage. 

The series highlights the following themes and community figures: 

• Danza Azteca – honoring ancestral movement, ceremony, and collective rhythm 
• El Paletero / Ice Cream Vendor – a tribute to everyday labor, sweetness, and street culture 
• La Señora de las Flores (Denhi) – celebrating care, beauty, and floral ritual in the neighborhood 
• Papel Picado & Herminia Albarrán – reflecting domestic art, memory, and intergenerational creativity 
• Día de los Muertos & René Yañez – honoring remembrance, altar-making, and cultural continuity 
• Lowriders & Roberto Hernández – celebrating cruising culture, devotion, and dignity in motion 

“As a visual artist, poet, performer, curator, activist, and cultural promoter, my multidisciplinary practice centers around social justice, racial equity, climate awareness, peace, beauty, and hope,” said artist Adria Arias. “My work frequently engages community collaboration and public space as a platform for cultural visibility and storytelling.” 

The 2026 Art on Market Street Poster Series, Now & Then: Living Memories, will focus on and highlight previously unrecorded, newly unearthed, and unconventional San Francisco histories. Other artists that will be featured this year include Amir Khadar, Colin Kimzey, and Vida Kuang. For more information about the Art on Market Street Poster Series, visit sfartscommission.org/artonmarketstreet. 

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About the Artist 
Adria Arias is a visual artist, poet, performer, curator, activist, and cultural promoter, who brings together multidisciplinary artists to engage in community projects with messages of social justice, racial equality, climate change, peace, beauty, health, and hope in California. To learn more visit adrianarias.com. 

About the Art on Market Street Poster Series 
The San Francisco Arts Commission has commissioned new artworks from artists on an annual basis since 1992 in partnership with the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA) and Clear Channel. Now in its 33rd year, the program has partnered with over 130 artists since its inception, commissioning over $1.2 million worth of art, showcasing a wide breadth of artistic styles, themes and topics centered around San Francisco. Up to four artists are commissioned annually by the Arts Commission to create a series of at least six unique works of art that responds to a theme specific to San Francisco. To learn more, visit sfartscommission.org/artonmarketstreet 

About the San Francisco Arts Commission  
The San Francisco Arts Commission is the City agency that champions the arts as essential to daily life by investing in a vibrant arts community, enlivening the urban environment and shaping innovative cultural policy. Our programs include: Civic Art Collection, Civic Design Review, Community Investments, Public Art, SFAC Galleries, and Art Vendor Licensing. To learn more, visit sfartscommission.org.