ArtHaus

Carolyn Meyer, Portrait of Geometry

WHERE ART FEELS AT HOME

In the art world not everything is always as it seems, and one plus one doesn’t always equal two. Case in point: ArtHaus.

Annette Schultz and James Bacchi are the two that equal much more than this mathematical equation suggests. As the creators of ArtHaus,  a most interesting venue for artists to display their work in San Francisco’s SoMa district, they’ve combined their talents as eagle eyed scouts of up and coming artists as well as established names in the art world to make this art gallery a destination in which to discover, enjoy, and of course, purchase, contemporary art.

Instead of their galley being a large neutral, white space in which to display art, it’s comprised of several spaces, rooms, if you will, each with its own feeling and personality. Art is displayed museum-style, juxtaposing different artists’ styles and medium together for the viewer to browse. The feeling one gets in the gallery is how art should be seen in someone’s home; different artists sharing the same space for maximum impact.

Recently voted “Best Art Gallery” in San Francisco by the Best of the BayList, it’s easy to see why: Annette and James bring warmth and human-ness to the process of acquiring art. For the uninitiated or neophyte to the world of collecting art, it’s not a daunting or intimidating experience to be in their gallery. Rather, they welcome people who want to dip their toe into this environment and make the process of learning about art and its creators a pleasurable one.

The list of artists that they represent is long and impressive, and includes guest artists as well. Gallery shows rotate to give their audience an opportunity to see a variety of styles and media, so there’s sure to be something there for just about every taste and preference. Their web site also includes a rotating presentation of artists’ work, and is entertaining and well as informative.

In addition to being able to view works in the gallery, ArtHaus works with interior designers to bring artists’ works to special events throughout the Bay Area, including the always well-attended Designer Showcase houses. 

Kenny Mencher, Lake George, oil on board

Carolyn Meyer, Tuscan Illuminato, oil on canvas

Maxine Solomon, Japel, oil on canvas

Joanne Landis, My Mother Was Beautiful

Adam Kurtzman 

Centaur and Leaded Mica Lamp

Michal Venera, Farris Wheel, sepia photograph

ArtHaus

411 Brannan Street

San Francisco, CA 94107

415 977 0223

Gallery Hours: Tuesday – Friday 11:00 – 6:00, Saturday Noon – 5:00

http://www.arthaus-sf.com/

Artist Peggy Del Rosario

MAGICIAN WITH A PAINT BRUSH

The feeling that one has when stepping into a space transformed by artist Peggy del Rosario is that you've just taken a sip out of Alice's bottle in Wonderland, and been shrunk small enough to fit into Tiffany's Christmas window and walk around in a miniature diorama of delightful, artistic surprises to your heart's content. But, in fact, you’ve stepped into Peggy’s own reality, her home, where design fantasies have come to life.

Every surface of every room is the beneficiary of the delicate hand of a true artist as Peggy orchestras a palette of copper, rust, verdigris, celadon, and dusty miller like a conductor, blending and mixing the colors into a harmony for all the senses to enjoy. The walls are textured so the softly fauxed, multi-colored paint absorbs light rather than reflecting it, giving rooms a dream-like quality.

Windows are draped with transparent silky fabrics so the natural light is gently diffused, adding to the dreamscape. And even in the daytime, Peggy lights candles so their soft glow casts a magical spell on the tableaux of interesting objêts d'art that delight the eye at every turn. 

Beautifully arranged objects create tableaux for the eye to settle upon and rest.

Upholstered furniture is an extension of the softness of the walls, and invite by virtue of their gentle lines. Wood furniture that isn’t of excellent antique quality becomes another venue for Peggy’s paintbrush; she adds layers of interesting finishes so even the most mundane piece of reproduction furniture takes on a newfound glory.

Days after visiting her home, the dream-like feeling returns in waves like an addictive desire for a magical potion and I want to return to her cocoon of gentle illusion and stay forever. 

People wishing to have a little piece of this heavenly effect in their own homes can purchase refinished furniture that Peggy sells through several shops in the Portland, OR area. And, in addition to the furniture, Peggy has a collection of her paintings available for purchase as well.

Of course, should you want to have a room faux finished by Peggy, and several of my own client’s rooms have received this special treatment, the airport isn’t too far from her home and her bag and paint brushes are always packed and ready to go.

Stores where Peggy Del Rosario’s items are available to purchase:

PLEASE BE SEATED   

Laurie Austin, proprietor

8309 SE 13th Avenue

Portland Or 97202

503.595.1736

JUSTIN & BURKS    

Justin & Carol Burks, proprietors

8301 SE 13th Avenue

Portland, Or. 97202

503.234.6414

Peggy Del Rosario

http://peggydelrosario.com/

And who wouldn't mind going to work here;
the computer area is in this beautifully dressed alcove.

415 271 4264

This drape disguises the closet.

Details of the way Peggy combines elements; antiques, nature, and found objects.

A simple medallion with ribbon accent that draws the eye to it.

Objects in the workroom await attention.

The artist's work space is a work of art itself.

Photos by Beryn Hammil and Peggy Del Rosario and are used with permission.