Founded in 1960, SECA (Society for the Encouragement of Contemporary Art) is the Bay Area’s leading support group for contemporary art. SECA brings together art enthusiasts, collectors, curators, and arts professionals through a variety of exclusive events that strengthen members’ knowledge of art. The group also works closely with curators to identify the best new examples of contemporary art and to produce the highly respected biennial SECA Art Award and its associated exhibition at SFMOMA.
SECA Art Award
Administered biennially by SECA, the SECA Art Award honors local artists of exceptional promise with an exhibition at SFMOMA, an accompanying catalogue, and a modest cash prize. Nominees are selected from the extraordinary pool of talent in the Bay Area. After a comprehensive review process, including studio visits with approximately 30 artists, the winners are chosen by SFMOMA’s curatorial team in conjunction with SECA members.
The review process for the 2008 SECA Art Award begins soon. Join us as we explore the Bay Area in search of the up-and-coming stars of the contemporary art scene.
Recent SECA Art Award recipients include Sarah Cain, Kota Ezawa, Amy Franceschini, Mitzi Pederson, and Leslie Shows (2006); Rosana Castrillo Díaz, Simon Evans, Shaun O'Dell, and Josephine Taylor (2004); John Bankston, Andrea Higgins, Chris Johanson, and Will Rogan (2002); Rachael Neubauer and Kathryn Van Dyke (2000); Chris Finley, Gay Outlaw, Laurie Reid, and Rigo 98 (1998); and D-L Alvarez, Anne Appleby, and Barry McGee (1996).
SECA Membership Benefits
In addition to enjoying the benefits of SFMOMA membership at the Supporting level or higher, SECA members have the opportunity to view the work of talented emerging artists before they become well known and to participate in the selection process for the SECA Art Award. SECA also organizes exclusive visits to art galleries, private collections, and artists’ studios for its members as part of its ongoing support of contemporary art in the Bay Area.
Education
SECA’s educational forums provide a welcoming setting for Bay Area collectors and art enthusiasts. Programs include insightful discussions with Museum curators, visits to collectors' homes and artists' studios, gallery visits, behind-the-scenes exhibition tours, and social gatherings in conjunction with exclusive Museum events.
Contemporary Art Accessions
SECA’s accessions program supports the acquisition of cutting-edge contemporary art, for the SFMOMA collection.
SECA's most recent acquisitions for the Museum include four of Rosana Castrillo Díaz exacting still-life drawings (2006); Josephine Taylor's epic family portrait We All Have Our Weaknesses (2004); Andrea Higgins's final painting, Betty (2003), from her Presidents' Wives series; Mark Lombardi's drawing UPI Saga, c. 1982-92 (1996-98); Tony Feher's exquisite hanging bottle sculpture It Seemed a Beautiful Day (2001); and Carlos Mollura's room-size inflatable sculpture Untitled (1997).
Join SECA
Become an active supporter of cutting-edge contemporary art as a
member of SECA. SECA membership dues are $500 per year. Prospective
members must be SFMOMA members at the Supporting
level or higher.
SECA membership dues are fully tax-deductible and are the same amount for individuals or couples. For two people to be listed on the same membership, they must reside or work at the same address.
For more information, contact the SECA coordinator at 415.357.4031 or via
.
