Lyrical Imagery, San Francisco: Open Mic Night + Open Art Gallery
A New Series is Born
On Saturday, October 3, 2015, Lyrical Opposition launched Lyrical Imagery—a brand-new series merging lyrical artistry with visual imagery. The event was designed as a creative platform where spoken word poets, hip-hop artists, musicians, and visual artists could showcase their work, inspire one another, and begin building collaborative relationships across disciplines. With an emphasis on storytelling through both word and image, Lyrical Imagery created space for artists and audiences alike to experience the beauty of two art forms in dialogue.
Open Gallery & Open Mic
The evening opened with a visual art gallery at 6:00pm, featuring local artists who displayed their pieces throughout the night. Shortly after, the open mic began at 6:30pm, welcoming acoustic musicians, emcees, poets, and other performers to the stage. This format allowed the community to experience art in multiple dimensions—walking among paintings, drawings, and photography while also being moved by powerful lyrics and live performances. This event also had featured performances by Lyrical Opposition artists, Jreillah P, June Elizabeth Banks, Samuelu Veu, Johnny, Why?, Jermaine “The Maine Event” Hughes, Alex “Alfluent” Osborne and more.
A Free Community Gathering
As with many Lyrical Opposition events, Lyrical Imagery was completely free and open to the public. Dozens of community members came together not only as spectators but also as participants—signing up to perform, displaying their work, or simply lending their presence to a supportive and creative environment.
Curated With Care
The event was thoughtfully curated with the support of Ruby Martinez, whose contributions helped shape both the vision and execution of the night. Together with the Lyrical Opposition team, she ensured the event balanced both mediums, allowing artists to shine equally in lyrical and visual expression.
Building a Creative Community
Beyond being a one-time event, Lyrical Imagery marked the beginning of an ongoing series. The series is part of Lyrical Opposition’s broader mission: to provide positive, socially conscious platforms for creative expression. With plans for monthly workshops and continued gatherings, the event laid the foundation for an evolving community of collaboration and co-creation.
About Lyrical Opposition
Lyrical Opposition is a missional arts organization that brings together hip-hop/rap artists, spoken word poets, and other lyrical creatives through workshops, cyphers, trainings, and fellowship. Rooted in positivity and social consciousness, Lyrical Opposition continues to cultivate inclusive spaces where art and activism intersect.
📸 Follow the Movement:
Website: lyricalopposition.org
Instagram: @LyricalOpposition
Facebook: @LyricalOpposition
✨ Lyrical Imagery was more than an event—it was the first spark of a community committed to blending visual and lyrical storytelling. The collaborations and connections that began on October 3, 2015, continue to ripple outward, shaping future gatherings and creative endeavors.
Lyrical Imagery is a brand new series that merges both lyrical artistry with visual imagery. There is beauty in both art forms and we want to create a positive platform for both to be highlighted and showcased. We are developing a community of lyrical and visual artists that can collaborate and potentially work together by storytelling through the two different mediums. We strive to create an environment for artist collaborations through connecting at our events, as well as attending our monthly workshops. Feel free to join us in the beginning stages of this process by either performing during our open mic or displaying your visuals during our open art gallery!
This event is absolutely FREE to the community and public!
RSVP for FREE at http://lyricalimagery.splashthat.com
Acoustic, hip-hop, spoken word artists and other lyrical artists can sign-up online by emailing at submit@lyricalopposition or sign-up on the day of the event during open mic sign-ups at 6:30pm.
Visual artists will displaying their pieces at 6:00pm until the event has concluded. For those that want to highlight and display your work are highly encouraged to submit your entries to submit@lyricalopposition.com as soon as possible, due to space being very limited.
Facebook Event Page: https://www.facebook.com/events/497391470434132/
About the Organization:
Lyrical Opposition is a missional art organization that consists of a community of hip-hop/rap artists, spoken word poets, and other lyrical artists getting together in building up each others' artistic talents through icebreakers, freestyle, cyphers, hip-hop development workshops, training and fellowship. Their inclusive community consists of positive, socially-conscious and/or faith-based artists and non-artists, activists, and enthusiasts that respect the culture of creativity.
http://www.lyricalopposition.com
Instagram: @LyricalOps
Twitter: @LyricalOps
Snapchat: LyricalOps
Facebook: Lyrical Opposition
We hope to see everyone there! =)