Meadering through the SOMA area, you can find secreted locations which host art galleries with bars: a perfect blending. Near to SF Camerawork are two alleys called Natoma and Minna, named in remembrance of local prostitutes that walked those alleys.

At 77 Natoma @ 2nd st. is Varnish Fine Art which provides a wine bar, art library, and gallery with an emphasis on cast metal sculpture. Open Tues-Fri 11am-11pm-ish [wine bar opens at 5pm] and Saturdays 1pm-5pm. Next opening reception is their 5-Year Anniversary Show on Saturday April 19, 7-10pm.

Minna is parallel to Natoma, and there you can find 111 Minna Gallery. I’m especially looking forward to their upcoming exhibition on May 1 and lasts until the 30th. It’s titled ‘Circus’ and includes paintings by Ferris Plock and Kelly Tunstall. The works have a Takashi Murakami feel to them. Gallery hours are Tuesday-Friday 12-5.

-laurie halsey brown

(*Image: Varnish Fine Art, photo courtesy of laurie halsey brown.)