Reviews of art galleries in Sausalito


Sausalito is world reknown for its art, but the art scene is not always exactly what people may presume it is. There are two types of galleries in town. There are the galleries that highlight the work of local artists and the ones that have art from elsewhere. Certain galleries are detrimental to the local art scene, the artists they represent, and to all of their clients that collect their art. Of the galleries, some distinguish themselves by showing almost exclusively original works, while others try to cater to every demographic (tourists primarily) by selling prints. Buyer beware when buying prints, as some of them are nothing more than an over- priced posters (Giclees, Offset Lithographs, Machined Serigraphs and "Crystal Archive" photos). Some of them are printed using obsolete technologies (Giclees). Unfortunately, many galleries will put an $80,000 print by a famous artist like Rembrandt next to a piece of crap machined serigraph by the Russian Mudigliani or the Chinese Picasso that they publish for a hundred or two hundred dollars and then sell to some unsuspecting (tourists usually) person for thousands. Of course they will have to pay royalties to the artist under contract, but that isn't much either. If they are "Hand touched" or "Hand- Embellished" buyer beware! Especially if the gallery is also the publisher and they are priced for thousands. Do not forget to haggle. It's amazing how many Americans simply don't negotiate price. It's like they think it is impolite to ask for a discount. These galleries often, though not always, will mark up 200% to even 10,000% yes I said 10,000% So don't forget to do your homework, and don't forget to negotiate your price. If they won't budge and let you walk out the door, than you know they don't have too much room to wiggle, or the work is in high demand and they are confident they will make a sale. As I was saying, there are the galleries on Bridgeway Ave. near the ferry terminal and in the surrounding buildings, those fall into two categories. The closer they are to the ferry terminal, the less likely their art is done by locals. There IS some nice art. Gallerie Elektra has a very nice selection of mainly Modern European Artists, a few local artists. A variety of sizes, all of it is very tasteful and all original work. Hanson Gallery has some regional artists, both original as well as many prints. You'll also find them inn the city in the Radisson Hotel and in several other cities. A corporate gallery that caters to tourists in many cities throughout the US. It's hit or miss. They cater to the full gamut as far as demographic is concerned. Remember what I was saying about prints. They have much work with labels that say the works are on sale. Again, I wouldn't be swayed by the fact that it is on sale. Just focus on the price and do some research. If you find the art on EBay for a tenth of the price, you might question the price. There is there really lousy gallery Rodney Lough Jr. who does exclusively giclees (obsolete!) and crystal archive which they machine as they get orders. The sales people are about the worst I have experienced in town. Last time I strolled through there was a high school kid working and doing most of the talking. The consultants made it up as they went. The photography is over- sized postcards and wayyyyyyy over- priced. Don't be impressed by the "Artist Proof." They are saying that the artist actually checked to make sure the print came out OK, even though his signature is on everything in the place. He takes the time to sign it, but doesn't print it, or check it out to see if it is up to snuff.? I guess he signs it with his eyes closed, or in the dark. There is Edith Caldwell Gallery. Interesting works, much of it very large and some highly conceptual. Like Gallerie Elektra, all original works and also worth a look, though a little off the beaten path. Edith also owns a funky consignment store "Five Star Consignment," on Caledonia St. There are several galleries 1/2 a block up Princess St. mixed in with the chachky shops. Much of it local, and some of it worth a look. It's hit and miss. There is Spirits in Stone. Their art is mainly from Africa with the slant of helping some poor African artist (rather than supporting some poor local talent). Some of is original, they even have some jewelry. They also have some prints. Again buyer beware. the prints I noticed are for the most part Giclees or offset lithographs. Over- priced posters, selling for around $1000 framed. There is the Firehouse Gallery shows original paintings, exclusively by artists from California and with a California motif. There is art hanging in almost every coffee shop and restaurant in town, with some of it by local artists. Sausalito Art Walk is held every second Wednesday, March through October.
Related pages: Click here for more info about Art Walk in Sausalito

Sausalito is world reknown for its art, but the art scene is not always exactly what people may presume it is.

There are two types of galleries in town. There are the galleries that highlight the work of local artists and the ones that have art from elsewhere. Certain galleries are detrimental to the local art scene, the artists they represent, and to all of their clients that collect their art.

Of the galleries, some distinguish themselves by showing almost exclusively original works, while others try to cater to every demographic (tourists primarily) by selling prints.

Buyer beware when buying prints, as some of them are nothing more than an over- priced posters (Giclees, Offset Lithographs, Machined Serigraphs and "Crystal Archive" photos). Some of them are printed using obsolete technologies (Giclees). Unfortunately, many galleries will put an $80,000 print by a famous artist like Rembrandt next to a piece of crap machined serigraph by the Russian Mudigliani or the Chinese Picasso that they publish for a hundred or two hundred dollars and then sell to some unsuspecting (tourists usually) person for thousands. Of course they will have to pay royalties to the artist under contract, but that isn't much either. If they are "Hand touched" or "Hand- Embellished" buyer beware! Especially if the gallery is also the publisher and they are priced for thousands.

Do not forget to haggle. It's amazing how many Americans simply don't negotiate price. It's like they think it is impolite to ask for a discount. These galleries often, though not always, will mark up 200% to even 10,000% yes I said 10,000% So don't forget to do your homework, and don't forget to negotiate your price. If they won't budge and let you walk out the door, than you know they don't have too much room to wiggle, or the work is in high demand and they are confident they will make a sale.

As I was saying, there are the galleries on Bridgeway Ave. near the ferry terminal and in the surrounding buildings, those fall into two categories. The closer they are to the ferry terminal, the less likely their art is done by locals. There IS some nice art.

Gallerie Elektra has a very nice selection of mainly Modern European Artists, a few local artists. A variety of sizes, all of it is very tasteful and all original work.

Hanson Gallery has some regional artists, both original as well as many prints. You'll also find them inn the city in the Radisson Hotel and in several other cities. A corporate gallery that caters to tourists in many cities throughout the US. It's hit or miss. They cater to the full gamut as far as demographic is concerned. Remember what I was saying about prints. They have much work with labels that say the works are on sale. Again, I wouldn't be swayed by the fact that it is on sale. Just focus on the price and do some research. If you find the art on EBay for a tenth of the price, you might question the price.

There is there really lousy gallery Rodney Lough Jr. who does exclusively giclees (obsolete!) and crystal archive which they machine as they get orders. The sales people are about the worst I have experienced in town. Last time I strolled through there was a high school kid working and doing most of the talking. The consultants made it up as they went. The photography is over- sized postcards and wayyyyyyy over- priced. Don't be impressed by the "Artist Proof." They are saying that the artist actually checked to make sure the print came out OK, even though his signature is on everything in the place. He takes the time to sign it, but doesn't print it, or check it out to see if it is up to snuff.? I guess he signs it with his eyes closed, or in the dark.

There is Edith Caldwell Gallery. Interesting works, much of it very large and some highly conceptual. Like Gallerie Elektra, all original works and also worth a look, though a little off the beaten path. Edith also owns a funky consignment store "Five Star Consignment," on Caledonia St.

There are several galleries 1/2 a block up Princess St. mixed in with the chachky shops. Much of it local, and some of it worth a look. It's hit and miss.

There is Spirits in Stone. Their art is mainly from Africa with the slant of helping some poor African artist (rather than supporting some poor local talent). Some of is original, they even have some jewelry. They also have some prints. Again buyer beware. the prints I noticed are for the most part Giclees or offset lithographs. Over- priced posters, selling for around $1000 framed.

There is the Firehouse Gallery shows original paintings, exclusively by artists from California and with a California motif.

There is art hanging in almost every coffee shop and restaurant in town, with some of it by local artists.

Sausalito Art Walk is held every second Wednesday, March through October.

Click here for more info about Art Walk in Sausalito