A Living Gallery

At 963 Hayes St., art doesn’t just imitate life, it displays it. At the Alamo Square Victorian, the Jones Institute hosts revolving installations in the living room of Aida Jones’ in-home gallery.

After Jones learned a good friend wanted to display their art but couldn’t find a venue to show it, she offered her living room to host. Jones saw the impact of this neighborly gesture on a self-taught artist who’d never been shown. So in 2018, she painted her living room white, lit the room, and transitioned it into the Jones Institute.

Jones, who began offering the space pro bono, shared that her inspiration came from the joy of seeing the creativity of the installation process, inviting the city to celebrate art she loves, and creating an opportunity for community-building without having to leave her house.

Jones also intentionally selects at least one newly minted MFA or BFA student to show in her gallery to build greater access for not-quite-emergent artists. Jones’ generosity is contagious, as it has led to her meeting neighbor and photographer Jason Henry, who lends his skills for exhibition photography.

Jones gives the advice that “everyone should do it,” inspired by another neighbor blurring the line between public event and private home, who used to convert her room into a bar once a month. Jones’ home represents what so many love about this corner of San Francisco: community focus, expression, and Victorians.

Jones shared that she’s never had a bad experience inviting strangers into her home over the past few years, reflecting the notion that offering without expectation can be reciprocated more often than exploited when strangers are treated like neighbors.