I recently strolled through this gallery on a holiday visit to Seaport Village. A friend and I were just browsing the shops and really had no specific interest in the gallery, other than that it was there. Walking though, though, we found several pieces that delighted us. As we were exiting, my friend saw a set of pieces hanging in one of the viewing rooms and she made a comment about liking them. I told her we should go in and look at them. «Are we allowed?!» she asked? I guess she was concerned that since we were not high rollers throwing cash around that we wouldn’t be allowed to get that close to the art, and that viewing rooms are only for rich people. However, we were allowed to spend all the time we wanted in there, looking at the pictures and browsing through the books on the artist. On the way out, I stopped by the desk to ask Tiffany a question. *Note here: We were never hounded or pressured in any way. When we first walked in, Tiffany told us to let her know if we had questions, then pretty much ignored us and let us enjoy the art at our own pace. It was really refreshing.* As to the question, Tiffany answered me with an incredible amount of knowledge on the artist, let me know about upcoming events, and showed me what was available from the artist and at what prices. At no point did I feel pressured to buy in ANY way. It more came off as just information. It was a great experience, and I am now considering starting an art collection because I enjoyed it so much. I can’t wait to go back here. It’s like getting access to a free art museum.(and they validate parking!!!)
Dan Y.
Tu valoración: 4 Raleigh, NC
I am no art aficionado. But the wonderful thing about art is you don’t have to be in order to appreciate and desire a piece of captivating work. Walking along 5th Ave one evening, trying to find a place to eat, I fell victim of choice paralysis. In an attempt to clear my head of making the perfect dinner decision, I strolled unexpectedly into Exclusive Collections due to the one piece in the front that caught my eye. I was promptly greeted by a beautiful smile and a friendly hello. I explained how I was just stopping in because the piece up front caught my eye. The girl then told me more about the artist, his work, and the piece I liked in particular. As we talked about the work in the gallery I looked around, at some gorgeous sculptures and paintings in various styles and the girl knew extensive amounts about every piece that stood out. Then, my night changed and the idea of food left my mind to the point I barely remembered that food even existed. My eyes met the artwork«Desiree» by Daniel Merriam. Instantly, I was pulled in. This piece had more than caught my eye. It captured my imagination. It appealed to my preference of dark-themed pieces, not simply by color scheme but in tone and setting. To me, the work from Daniel was more than unique. It was definitive and spectacular. His style, and the«Desiree» piece in general encompassed everything I appreciate in art. And to no surprise, the girl working with me knew seemingly everything about the artwork, Daniel’s style, and Daniel himself. She was my personal Wiki for the visit and it was great to ask questions, be interested, and have have her feed that. Yes, that’s her job but we have all come across people who do their job poorly. She taught me a good deal in my once-intended-short visit now turned an hour and a half. From somebody who does not follow the art world(so take my review for what it’s worth) I felt very comfortable in Exclusive Collections. My unfamiliarity with the artists and their works was not something that was looked down upon — it was something the girl took time to build upon and educate. She seemed to have a true passion for art. I intend on returning and ordering works from Daniel Merriam in the near future. This was certainly a highlight of my trip to San Diego.
Judith B.
Tu valoración: 5 San Marcos, CA
This is my favorite gallery featuring some of the best new contemporary artists around. We have been clients for several years and love all of the art that we’ve bought from Exclusive Collections. The staff is great to work with and are incredibly knowledgeable about the artists work. The owners are involved in the day-to-day management of the business and it feels like a true family business. Their love of art and the support they give to their artists is great to be a part of. We have enjoyed working with Tiffany Mendenhall for many years and she brings a personal touch to her work. The gallery promotes regular events that are open to the public that showcase their artists and they take the extra step of creating fun events like pairing a particular artist with dinner at a local restaurant. It has been such a treat to find a gallery that makes art fun!
Ryan C.
Tu valoración: 3 Scottsdale, AZ
Exclusive Collections is a very nice gallery, first and foremost the floor layout is well done. The arrangement and volume of items is sufficient but not overwhelming so it facilitates browsing without sensory overload. The lack of gallery cram is key to allow you to enjoy and appreciate the strength of individual pieces and their elements as well as the flow of several pieces as a whole giving you a ideal feel for the artist. The staff were knowledgeable, low pressure during selection, and maintained the appropriate courtesy when it came time to negotiate. This review would easily be four to five stars, if it were not for the pre sale and post sale communication aspects. Specifically two different staff members answering emails about the items in the pre-sales phase and shipping schedules during post-sales. Despite the minor issues I will definitely visit and in all likelihood purchase from Exclusive Collections again.
David J.
Tu valoración: 5 San Diego, CA
I have been a patron of Exclusive Collections Galleries for 4 years. I have always enjoyed art and was drawn to the different and classical styles that are represented by ECs artists. I have always felt welcome at all of the galleries, the staff is very friendly and accomodating with respect to answering questions about the art &artists. Tiffany Mendenhall has become my sales rep as I have become a Michael Flohr collector. She is very in tune to my tastes and always let me know when there is painting that I may like to see. I certainly cannot buy them all but just the fact that she knows that I would appreciate seeing them is very ccol! Check out EC Galleries if you want to see some real art for the everyday person.
Matt a.
Tu valoración: 5 San Diego, CA
It’s been over 3 years since my wife and I have discovered EC Gallery. In that time we have not only enjoyed collecting art from them but we have also been fortunate enough to have participated in many of the different events that they put on. Masterpiece Monday is one of the best ways to not only meet the artist but also a chance to interact with them while painting a group piece of art. We recently brought a family of friends with us to participate in this event, the way the staff at EC catered to the couples two young daughters was amazing both the girl were extremely excited to paint with Daniel Ryan. They were even more thrilled when one of them won the end of the night raffle. Other events such as the«Today’s top Artist» event at the Addison, artist shows by Michael Flohr, Christopher M, and Asencio have all been highlights as well. However the pride and knowledge that both Ruth-Ann and James Thorn bestow on their staff along with their passion for art is very noticeable in each of their staff members. From the time you select a piece of art to the help they offer in choosing the right frame down to the time you hang the artwork you feel that all the knowledge they have given their staff is very comforting. Our art consultant is Tiffany Mendenhall and she is wonderful. Tiffany is very good at what she does and her passion for art along with her attentiveness will keep us coming back to EC Gallery for a lifetime. We wish you the best of luck on you new location in Las Vegas.
Denzil W.
Tu valoración: 5 ASTORIA, NY
My wife and I discovered this gallery in Seaport Village while on a mini-vacation in San Diego. Great space. We really liked the work on display. The art consultants were very friendly, approachable and knowledgable! One of note was Rachel. She took the time to describe several pieces to us. I ended up making a surprise gift purchase that day of a piece that my wife really loved from Michael Flohr(She had eventually wondered off at some point to a candle making store.) Rachel dutifully gift-wrapped the piece and packaged it for the flight back home. Overall it was a great experience. We will definitely be picking up a couple more pieces there in time.
James D.
Tu valoración: 4 Jamul, CA
Bought A print while out having a nice evning. The sales perosn put no preassure and it was kind of fun. I was not really looking for anything but the time and place was right. Will visit them again.