Over the last few weeks I’ve been chipping away at a book called “Microtrends” by Mark Penn. Its an informative read that offers a detailed account of seventy plus mircotrends that will shape our lives in the coming years, ranging from Christian Zionists to newly released ex-cons (not so fun fact: nearly 650,000 a year). Most of his theories are rooted firmly in statistics, but others can be chalked up to good old fashioned foresight. Either way, Penn’s ability to monitor and process the small patterns in our lives is truly remarkable.
Obviously, and in the spirit of sharing, I’ve decided to reveal a pattern from my own observation. Prepare to have your mind blown.
The hybrid gallery (I made this term up) seems to be a new phenomenon. As we evolve as multi-tasking, multi-consuming creatures, it is only fitting that we start deconstructing cultural norms. For example, take the four white walls that make up most galleries you’ve ever visited. It is my contention that these white walls will need to offer additional content by absorbing profitable business models to stay afloat. Simply put, art galleries are failing. They are no longer a sustainable, for profit business. The overhead costs of running a brick and mortar operation have increased and art prices have remained at astronomical levels making it nearly impossible to sell out shows. Unless you’re selling Damien Hirst you might want to start expanding your retail efforts.
This leads me to a few small businesses I’ve explored here in San Fran. In some of these examples the gallery space is secondary, but I love what each space is doing to incorporate (and sell) art.
Park Life: If you’ve ever been to the Inner Richmond section of San Francisco, especially Clement Street, you know that there’s no shortage of Asian cuisine. But tucked away in the madness is a great retail store/art gallery called Park Life. Founded by Jamie Alexander and Derek Song in 2006, Park Life’s mission is to showcase relevant art and design. Inside there is an undeniable similarity to Urban Outfitters, but this place is quirky enough to maintain its character. In addition to selling books, clothing, paper goods, homewares and jewelry, they also have a back room dedicated to showing contemporary art. There is a new show almost every month featuring local bay area talent. Park Life definitely does it right. Stretching the business to include a plethora of art and design will give the retail portion enough legs to operate for many years to come. I’m going back for this print soon.
Varnish: I stumbled across Varnish after walking down Natoma Street to take some pictures of a TKO tag. The brick building is very unassuming from the outside, but the inside is absolutely incredible. The gallery is a large, open loft space with a wrap around mezzanine. Varnish plays up its location and mission by combining contemporary art (including cast metal sculptures) with a happy hour wine bar. It didn’t take long for me to realize that happy hour isn’t just another bar gimmick in San Fran. Unlike New York, professionals here seem to make an effort to leave work and enjoy a few drinks with co-workers and friends. Varnish plays this scene perfectly by opening it’s wine bar everyday at 5pm and hosting a diverse crowd of young professionals. The wine bar is a natural tie in with the Northern California scene and a perfect match for the gallery experience. This combination of services will strengthen overall awareness and encourage people to observe art that may or may not be on their current radar.
Cantina: There’s no way around it, the Cantina definitely encourages people to “experience a celebration of community, a sharing of Art and Drink.” With an emphasis on history, specifically Latin American via San Francisco, the Cantina prides itself on “handcrafted culinary cocktails” that truly are second to none. If the mixologists up front and the DJ in the back don’t win you over, then maybe take a look at the walls. Covering the main hallways of both the upstairs and downstairs bars are beautiful pieces of work from local artists. The current show features Jet Martinez and his examination of the “contrast between organic forms and systematic patterns.” The Cantina is more than just a bar. It is warm and welcoming; overflowing with art and culture.
111 Minna: I was disappointed that I missed the opening last week, but 111 Minna is, by self-appointed definition, the perfect blend of art and leisure. This place does it all. It is a creative show space, displaying the very best artists, DJ’s, live performances and films. The exhibits rotate every six weeks and you can expect everyone from hipsters to suits throwing back drinks and enjoying the work. I’m especially excited to break out my Adidas All Stars for Barracuda night, which goes down every 4th saturday of the month and features only the best 80s tracks. 111 Minna is easy to miss from the street, but once you get inside it might be easy to mistake this gallery for a club.
D-Structure: If there is a super hybrid in the group, it’s definitely D-Structure. I stopped by to look at some of the t-shirts and I was amazed to find out how much more they actually do. The shop was founded in 2006 by Azikiwee Anderson to channel urban art and culture through fashion and design. Located on Haight & Filmore the space is a retail store, an art gallery and a design studio all wrapped into one creative lifestyle. From the in-store set up to the online experience, the brand is dynamic in ever sense of the word. The business model has even branched out and set up a shop north of the border in Quebec. Not bad, eh.
