San Marino Gallery

Wow, it’s the little gallery that could! After wanting to visit for a while, I finally made it this afternoon and it didn’t disappoint. Inviting, understated, and talented are some of the adjectives I think of as I remember my walk through the gallery. Formally located in San Marino (hence the name), it’s currently nestled in a corner of Old Town, almost hidden, inside a historic space with wonderful architectural charm as well.
Although I love art, I don’t frequent small galleries like SMG as often as I’d like but I thought the pieces were pretty much all excellent and well curated.
My favorite pieces were of Martha Klonowska’s 2 sculptures made from glass shards (e.g.,
) and Georges Monfils mixed media homage to Michael Jackson (and I’m not even a MJ fan).
Jeptah, the one working there while I stopped in, was kind enough to talk to me about some of the artists and their works. I always appreciate people who are enthusiastic about what they do and where they work as was easily seen in him.
SMG is a fantastic gallery you have to see for yourself. Once you do, spread the word.

San Marino is a graceful, perfectly curated upscale art gallery with a distinct aesthetic that jives with my own. I like the installation style and the general tilt of the lights, the glide of the floor, all of the fixtures.
We went for the Man Ray exhibit opening and stayed for, well, everything: the DJ, the wine, but most importantly, the lovely staff (especially Jepthah) and owner Careen who explained to us the rationales for and stories behind the gallery’s exclusive relationships with its artists.
While I developed a deep fear of Martha Klonowska’s sharp and glaring work, I feel that the gallery might be worth the new phobia. Some things are worth a little pain.
It’s pointless to review for you each piece or even each artist that I loved, since obviously it’s rotational, but I can preview for you what’s coming up. San Marino will feature an exhibit of large photos (maybe giclées) of colored pencils intricately shaped into old masterpieces, such as «The Last Supper.» These pieces are going to be freaking ahhhhhhmazing when the artist finishes them. Then, in November (I think), an anatomy professor whose classes are always full to the point of having a waiting list due to his famous active, passionate teaching/​drawing style, will have a one-​man exhibit at the gallery …
But it’s the general vibe in the gallery that has pushed it to the top of my list of favorites. When I go into upscale places, I still feel a little uncomfortable, though the last ten years of my life have trained me to have that snooty etiquette necessary in all scenarios. I don’t WANT to be that sort of asswipe, though I can. I brace myself when I go into a dressy spot, ready for anything. Again, I was NOT ready for Careen, the gallery owner to come up, introduce herself, welcome us, give us a tour … and then for Ilene, the manager, to do the same later. The gallery was busy, and it was lovely to receive special attention. These art-​minded people are graceful, as I said earlier, and sincere.
I want a Man Ray horsie for my birthday :)

I didn’t find anything I loved much in this gallerey, except that there was one piece – a blown up photograph of a koi fish in a pond, that was really nice.