SMAart Gallery & Studio

We set out to find the SMAart Gallery on a «soft» San Francisco evening.
Okay, it was just raining. Not cats’ndogs Seattle rain, not sideways-​gonna-​knock-​your-​britches-​off Galway rain. Not Nemo rain.
But it was raining enough to make us a trifle crotchety.
Said the Mister to me, «Why are we heading out to this gallery opening?»
Said I to the Mister, «I told you, it was Richard II they found, not Richard III.»
Said Mr. Oh-​So-​Right, «He stayed at the Chancellor Hotel.»
Said I, «He did not, that’s where Dan stayed.
Said he, «That’s who I was talking about.»
In other words, we weren’t communicating very well.
Union Square, that beehive of the uppencomin’ and well-​to-​do. Union Square held no charm despite its taxi-​whistles, well-​lit windows, little cable cars.
«Half way to the stars, said I, as we turned left on Sutter. «You’re making us walk uphill… its too far and I’m too wet.»
Every building along Sutter seemed to be owned by the Academy of Art. Art buses lined the roadways. The SFIA lobby appeared welcoming but empty. (Everyone loves an architect, you know.) But Mrs. Fuddyduddy had not yet found what she was looking for…
The SMAart storefront appeared. Warm, well-​lighted. Dry.
Small pleasures these… but on the Maslov Needs Scale, pretty basic.
We went in.
Were greeted by Steve Allen, the owner of SMAart. Steve Martin Allen, actually. Hence the double Aa in SMAart.
Found Gene Erickson, the featured artist for the evening.

Also found a glass of wine, a bit of food and a friendly face in sommelier Roger Smith.
Life began to look better. Art began to assume its rightful importance at the top of the Needs Scale.
Mrs. Fuddyduddy began enjoy herself; the quiet humor inherent in the featured exhibit, «Out of The Woodwork» was the work of a mature artist. But one who understood human foibles.
The Mister liked Gene Erickson’s work too. A lot.
Nice art. I love it. I want it. I need to have it.
Or at least an exhibition catalog. (None yet printed, but ask for one anyway.)
Loved «Buena Vista.» Wanted it. Loved «The Procession.» Wanted it.
«Journey, ««Whither»
Loved…“Untitled.» Which looked like Richard III’s spine to this untrained eye.
Well, you know what I’m gonna want for Valentine’s day.
A piece of Gene Erickson’s art. Or at least a piece of the Mister’s Heart.
Attention to detail.
Repurposed.
Timeless.
innovative.
Fine Art.
Worth the journey. Even in the rain. This show,
«Out Of The Woodwork.» is at the SMAart.

This is a gem of a gallery which is part of the Lower Polk Art Walk (which is the first Thursday of every month). There are a variety of resident artists with a gallery up front and ceramic classes in the back. The front of the gallery features an often changing display of artwork. A section of the gallery nearer the back displays resident artists’ work. It’s well worth a look!

This is a great studio and gallery space, with a well equipped open working space and a friendly community of artists. I have taken a class taught by Steve, and I really enjoyed it. He is very knowledgable and has all sorts of tips and tricks to share. I currently rent a cubby space here and I am very pleased with the setup. I highly recommend this studio if you’re interested in learning more about ceramics, finding a space to work and showcase your art, or if you’re just looking to be inspired and do some art shopping.

Great gallery and studio. I took a class with Steve, he is very patient and handy with the clay and bringing new sculpting tips and tricks in every session. The studio is very equiped and organized, and the gallery has interesting new pieces everytime you visit. It’s a place where you are always welcome to explore, learn and also get nice pottery pieces for your home and friends!

Great studio, enough space for handbuilding and throwing. Many different artists showcasing work throughout the studio. Steve is very helpful and knowledgeable and is fantastic on the wheel.

An efficient and well lit studio which offers a lovely place to work! the gallery houses a large variety of ceramic works, functional to sculptural, as well as other media – like hand knit items and abstract paintings. friendly fellow artists and the owner couldn’t be nicer or more accommodating-​such a great find in the city!