THE DARRYL SMITH SHOW

An Exhibition of Photography, Life, and Legacy

11/23/26 - 12/13/26

As co-director of the Luggage Store Gallery and 509 Cultural Center in San Francisco, Darryl Smith helped curate hundreds of art exhibitions throughout his career, championing countless artists and helping bring spaces like the Tenderloin National Forest to life.
But before becoming a curator and cultural force in San Francisco, Darryl was an art student at the San Francisco Art Institute (SFAI), creating large-scale photographs centered on people of color, their lives, environments, and experiences.
Many of these photographs were taken in San Francisco's Hayes Valley housing projects during the 1980s, capturing the people, everyday moments, and spirit of a community during a particular time in the city's history.
His intention was to make viewers feel as though they were inside the photograph — immersed in the moment, connected to its subjects, and able to experience the feeling and energy of that particular time.
Around 2018, Darryl began experiencing the effects of dementia, a disease he continues to live with today.
As an ode to Darryl, his artistic vision, and the extraordinary contributions he has made to San Francisco's cultural landscape, we are proud to present The Darryl Smith Show, an exhibition of his photography.
All proceeds from the sale of his work will go directly toward supporting Darryl's daily life, care, and expenses associated with living with dementia.
This exhibition is more than a celebration of photography. It is an opportunity to honor a man who spent decades creating opportunities for others, uplifting artists, building community, and helping shape the cultural fabric of San Francisco.
Now it's our turn to shine a light on someone who has spent so much of his life shining his light on others.