Tonight, Southern Exposure turns the idea of installation on its head. The arts organization unveils its latest exhibit, "Working Conditions," a process-based project in which nine artists bring their studios into SoEx's gallery space. For eight weeks, these artists will set up shop and keep regular hours, creating "installations" out of their work environments. No longer isolated in their own spaces, the artists are confronted with the experience of being in the public eye as they work, addressing the concept of artist as laborer.

Jennie Ottinger asks visitors to engage in her project "These Paintings Aren't Going to Paint Themselves" by assisting with all the tasks involved in making a work, short of applying the paint to the canvas. Participants will be asked to do anything from mixing paint to creating underdrawings.

In an effort to combine gaming with traditional culture, Carlos Ramirez invites visitors to play Donkey Kong and participate in other tournaments on a work-in-progress clay play space for the chance to win gold, silver, and bronze awards.

Double the fun—for five Wednesday nights, SoEx will stay open late to host a happy hour so that visitors can interact with Working Conditions' artists over a few beers.

Opening reception: 7 - 9 p.m., Fri. 11/11; Exhibit runs through Jan. 7; Southern Exposure, 3030 20th St., 415-863-2141, soex.org