Fall is prime time for the art scene in the Bay Area, so this month’s blog post is dedicated to helping you fill your walls with art you love!
Art Events
A great place to start shopping for art is San Francisco Open Studios, organized by Art Span. It consists of a series of weekends where emerging and established artists open up their studios so you can browse various mediums of art and talk with the artists. Each weekend focuses on a different San Francisco neighborhood, so that you can maximize your gallery visits, or explore a new part of San Francisco. Open Studios offers a broad introduction to many different kinds of art for a wide range of budgets.
The de Young Open 2023 is an exhibit of 883 art pieces by Bay Area artists, out of 7,766 artists who submitted work. Paintings are grouped by themes including political and social issues, the urban environment, the human figure, nature, abstraction, and surreal imagery. This is only the second time the de Young has hosted such an exhibit, and I’m looking forward to going this weekend! The exhibit is open through January 7, 2024, and proceeds from sales of the paintings go directly to the artists.
Art Galleries and Consultants
If you prefer a more intimate approach to shopping for art, here is a list of some of my go-to San Francisco galleries and consultants. Art selection is often a very personal experience, and each of these resources will help you find art that resonates for you. Sometimes you just don’t know what you’re looking for until you see it.
SB Fine Arts
SB Fine Arts represents artists that vary in medium, subject matter, and career path. Last time I visited the gallery, I discovered an unintentional theme of a handful of artists who had previously worked as architects. I’m always delighted to see what’s new in their gallery, and through a collaboration with Evars Collective, the gallery always has beautiful wallpaper and furnishings on display – double win!
Chloe Gallery
I recently attended a dreamy afternoon at Chloe Gallery that paired chocolate and wine with artwork – what’s not to love about that? Four of the artists they represent were in attendance to talk about their process and inspiration. Chloe Gallery represents an exciting range of emerging artists, and they have sourced important works by some of art history’s most acclaimed artists such as Warhol, Dali, Moore, Calder, Chagall, and Picasso. Amy Nelder, one of the gallery owners, currently has an impactful piece on display at the de Young Open 2023.
Lost Art Salon
Lost Art Salon is exactly what it sounds like. The gallery experience is like being transported into an attic of forgotten treasures. This is not surprising since they specialize in the rediscovery of artists whose work often has been hidden away, unseen for decades.
I recently attended one of their Art Talks on surrealism and the work of Diana Ferlini, a fascinating artist whose work had been in the family’s storage for 40 years.
O-Connor & Associates Art Advisors
O-Connor & Associates Art Advisors is a full-service art consultancy that offers a highly personalized experience. They will work with you from beginning to end to present options, curate a collection, frame, and install artwork.
Individual Artists
Here are a few artists that I have had the pleasure of working with and getting to know in various ways.
John Goodman
Much of the work of artist John Goodman focuses on the abstract human figure. I especially love the textural depth and his use of color. A few years ago I had the pleasure of working with John and his wife on the interior design for their home. It’s quite a delight to work on a project with such compelling artwork just waiting to be placed!
Represented by Kim Eagles-Smith Gallery
Jaime Lovejoy
Jaime Lovejoy’s abstract paintings are heavily influenced by nature and specifically by the surroundings of her studio in Sebastopol. I find the warm tones, light touch, and generous white backgrounds to be calming, and they have visual appeal in many different interior environments. Jaime has a Pop-up Gallery at 2162 Union Street, San Francisco, which is open through November 28, 2023.
Sherry Williamson
Sherry Williamson is a friend, mentor, interior designer, and I am a long-time admirer of her creative thought process and execution. She works in a multitude of mediums including lighting, furniture, rugs, ceramics, sculpture, painting, and mixed media. Her most recent exhibit closed at the end of October, but I can’t wait to see what she’ll be up to next!
Studio Yablonska
Andi Yablonski is another artist-designer whose work adds the finishing touch to many interior spaces. Before she moved to the mountains, she spent much of her spare time surfing, so it’s no surprise that much of her work incorporates vast ocean horizons and sunsets in all the best colors. Her skillful use of color adapts beautifully to abstract work as well.
Farell Beam
I worked with Farell Beam to paint a commissioned piece of art for the reception area in my former office. I had come across her work on Instagram and was struck by the movement, energy and composition. She did a series of small studies so that we could talk about which direction she would go for the full-sized piece. We’ve moved offices twice since then, and Farell’s artwork is still one of the first things I see when I arrive at work. Farell Beam has her studio at the ICB Collective, which houses numerous artists, and hosts an Open Studio event in Sausalito in early December and again in May.
If you would like interior design advice on art selection, placement, or other design-related matters, reach out to schedule a Discovery Call with me!
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