My First Museum Exhibition at the de Young Open – A Dream Come True
- Nimisha Doongarwal
- Mar 15, 2021
- 3 min read
Updated: Jul 4
Exhibiting at the de Young Open Museum During the Pandemic
2020 has been one of the most unpredictable years of our lives, but somehow, it gave me one of the biggest moments of my art career. I’m beyond excited (and still a little in shock!) to share that my work has been selected for The de Young Open at the de Young Museum in San Francisco.
This is my first-ever museum exhibition, and it’s a huge honor.
The de Young launched this show—their first open call for Bay Area artists, to uplift local voices during the pandemic. To be part of such a historic moment, in a space I’ve always admired, is something I’ll carry with me forever.
What Is The de Young Open?
The de Young Open is the museum’s first juried community art exhibition featuring emerging and established artists from the Bay Area. Hundreds of local artists were chosen, and each work was selected by curators from the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco.
I still remember reading the acceptance email, it didn’t feel real at first. But it was one of the only truly joyful, grounding moments in a year full of unknowns.
Being part of this show means that my work, which often explores themes of migration, identity, memory, and the natural world, is now in conversation with hundreds of other voices shaping the creative landscape of this region.
Why This Museum Show Means So Much to Me
As someone with a non-traditional path into art—I started in science before fully embracing my creative side—I’ve often felt like I existed between worlds. This show made me feel like those in-between places are where the real stories live.
To see my piece hanging on the wall at the de Young Museum is something I never imagined would happen so soon, or during such a difficult time for the arts. It reminds me that art matters, that our stories are powerful, and that there’s space for all of us—even when it feels like there isn’t.
Featured in ART U News
I was also lucky enough to be featured in this ART U News article about the exhibition. It was incredibly special to see my name and my work highlighted alongside so many inspiring fellow artists. I’m deeply grateful.
What Comes Next
This moment has sparked something in me. It’s reminded me that even in times of isolation, there’s still connection to be found, through art, through community, and through courage.
I know this is just the beginning, and I’m excited to keep telling stories that reflect the world around us, its beauty, its complexity, and its urgent need for care.
✨ See the Work That Was Exhibited
You can view my featured piece and explore more from my portfolio here:
💌 Stay Connected
If you’d like to follow along with my journey, hear about upcoming exhibitions, and get behind-the-scenes studio updates, you can sign up for my newsletter:
Thank you for being here—and for supporting artists during this unforgettable moment in time.De Young Museum, The de Young open exhibition, San Francisco, CA
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