Shop Talk: SHOH Gallery

SHOH GALLERY SHOH Gallery opened in late June in the space previously occupied by Dancing Paintbrush, and shows paintings and 2-dimensional works primarily by East Bay artists. Owner Julie McCray, raised in the East Bay, previously co-owned and operated a gallery in San Francisco’s Union Square neighborhood. “I found that certain segments of gallery culture in San Francisco could often be more about the bottom line than about supporting the artists community,” she said. After taking a break to raise children, she is back in action. “I wanted to open a gallery in the East Bay focusing on giving our local fine artists the respect and visibility they deserve as well as creating a comfortable, inviting environment where collectors and community can find some of the gems of Bay Area art. It was also imperative to open a business that works on the principle of ‘right livelihood’. That idea includes providing a higher 75/25 split for the artists, transparency with artists and clients, good wages to employees and having SHOH be a supportive member of the arts and local business community. As the costs of living in the Bay Area rise, one concern for many is that we will see an exodus of our most creative and talented residents. That creativity, innovation and culture is in many ways the lifeblood of the Bay Area and I think I speak for many when I say we would hate to lose that.” SHOH Gallery, 700 Gilman St. (near 4th), Berkeley, 94710. Tel:  510-504-9988. Open Wed. through Sat., Noon to 6 p.m. Connect with them on Facebook, and Instagram.