Varnish Fine Art

Saw the Winston Smith opening here yesterday. He’s probably best known for collage art on Dead Kennedy’s album covers.
Varnish is a small but nice space. I hear they used to be across from 111 Minna before.

When the original Varnish (
) closed, it was a real downward spiral for me, in terms of both beer, wine and art. I recovered, sure, but I missed gallery!
Flash forward to now, and Varnish is back. It’s a simpler space and there’s no beer or wine, but that just lets the art stand by itself. They’ve also added an online Emporium (
) so you can see more art and books available for purchase online!
Best part of the new Varnish? Owners Jen and Kerrie are still behind it. I stopped into the space today to see their first exhibit and already I can’t wait for more. One other noteworthy thing is that because the place no longer functions as a bar, kids are welcome. Being located at Ecker Place means the promise of outdoor receptions, and being a Dad now, I’m excited to bring the progeny down for some inspiration.

Whoa, Varnish is back and it’s looking shiny as ever. This was one of my favorite galleries in the Financial District, and it closed down awhile ago. Yet one more place to clear my head as a gallery goer during lunch hour or after work disappeared. But the new Varnish has emerged in the small little alleyway by Yank Sing on Jessie St. They have an amazing, newly remodeled space with unique wooden doors and light pouring in their huge windows. They’re only open by appointment right now, but they already have their typical set of funky, contemporary pieces on display. They no longer have a beer and wine bar, but the rumor is that their catered events will help with some bites and libations. They’ll also be available for private events.
I received a personal tour this afternoon and can’t wait until they are up and running in full force again. So, to be fair, I’ll hold onto one star until I get the ‘open to the public’ experience. I have a feeling they’ll earn it pretty quick.

This is to hype the new place, to which I have not yet gone, but which is nearby and under the same management and will not, by any stretch of the imagination, disappoint. I’m certain.
Progress took the old wonderful Varnish out. Squooshed it like a beautiful bug under its nailed boot. I bought my first real art here on an intoxicating evening many moons ago. I get excited easily, you see. Irrespective the amazingness of the new place, I’ll miss the alley.
That this lane has to be leveled to make way for the new Transbay has me of two minds. This is a little piece of older SF that was worth saving. Surely it could have been incorporated into the design. I’d hope for better from this city. But maybe remnant character has no place in the fabric of San Francisco tomorrow. That’s too bad. That doesn’t really make me want to stick around to see what it’s going to look like.
Varnish hosts a cross-​section of artists and their work in genres that maybe you won’t see so consistently elsewhere. They’re run by a collection of caring and welcoming people, now over a couple of blocks on Market. I’m going to make a day of it there very soon.
Until then, this 5-​star steer for you. Go. You’ll like it a lot.

Dear Varnish:
Please update your website and your contact info, and please check your email. I contacted you last week to see if your gallery was available for a fashion show, but I didn’t hear back (minus 1 star). What, do you not what my business? Does my smell offend? This afternoon I called and got a recording saying that the number had been changed (minus 1 star — old number was listed on the website). I was greeting by a very nice woman on the phone (2 stars for that!) who informed me that Varnish is no longer at 77 Natoma (minus one star — website still has 77 Natoma listed) because of the TransBay Terminal project. Apparently they’re relocating to a new space sometime next year, so check back then. *sigh…OK. I don’t doubt that they’ll have another amazing space. I just really wish they had this info somewhere on Unilocal or on the website itself. Varnish, you’re such a tease. :(
I’ll gladly give you 5 stars next year in your new digs if it proves to be as awesome as the old space.

So sad that Varnish is closing but went for their final night and it was a good time. While there was barely any art left on the walls, it was more a time to chat with fellow creative folks and I got to meet a friend of a friend and we bonded a bit over the fantastic curation efforts that the folks at Varnish have built their reputation on.
Looking forward to see where they land and if you like to see what’s happening in the art scene, definitely keep track of what they are doing (Facebook page is the best way for now…
)

Excellent alcohol selections to choose from at the bar. Interesting and eclectic art installations on the walls.
I love the old exposed brick buildings in San Francisco. Varnish embodies alot of classic S.F. character. The gallery is in danger of being demolished due to the Transbay Terminal redevelopment.
I hope Varnish is saved, so I can continue to return here.

Like 111 Minna and a few other art galleries in the ‘hood that do the art/​booze thing, Varnish is a dope spot to imbibe in some adult beverages (at a real bar… not some guy slingin’ Anchor Steams from a dorm room refrigerator), while checking out some really cool art pieces in the process.
Just a stone’s throw from Zebulon and Tom Collins, Varnish is a slightly hidden gem about one block further down the alley on Natoma. The reason I say ‘hidden’ isn’t because it’s a secret by any means, just that there are traditionally so many drifters socializing around this particular alleyway, that it can be somewhat intimidating, causing passersby not to walk much further down the path than the above-​mentioned bars and restaurants east of 2^nd street.
Depending on your style preference, Varnish just might have some of the coolest art in the city. I’m a sucker for band posters, and they have all sorts of dope originals from a wide spectrum of different artists/​bands, and they also have avant-​garde creations like a lamps made from hundreds of miniature Jägermeister bottles all glued together, and a couch made out of the front end of an old school muscle car. I’m not good at identifying whips from the ‘60s and ‘70s, but if I had to pick, I’d guess it was a Buick. The front end of the car looked as is, but the inside, where the engine would typically sit, was cleaned out and reupholstered into a fully functional sofa! How bad ass is that? I wanted that thing sooooooooo bad! Perhaps a DIY project for a future date…
Getting back to the bar, they have a beer and wine bar that opens up at 5:00pm on weekdays. You can head in there, enjoy a glass of red, nibble on some artisan cheese and crackers, and enjoy their gallery in style. Not a bad way to blow off some steam after work in SOMA, if you ask me.
Check their website before you head in, though, as they randomly close the gallery for private events. They’re pretty good about updating their site to alert the public of unexpected closings, though.

When I heard we were meeting up for happy hour I was expecting to be in a place that was more like a bar, but Varnish is more like an art gallery that serves beer, wine and cheese plates. I’m a fan.
Normally, I’m not the most interested in art. I find myself thinking it’s over-​priced or under-​imagined, but the stuff in Varnish was awesomely weird and I found myself spending quite a bit of time being alternately fascinated and wigged out by the things they were showing.
The space is beautiful — tons of exposed brick and lots of natural light. And they have small stool-​like things scattered around for seating if you’re looking for a place to converge. I wish we had something similar in Denver because I would love to spend some time there with my friends for an end-​of-​the-​day cocktail if we did.

After a looonnng day of meetings nothing beats a glass of cava and a cheese plate. Varnish to the rescue!
I immediately felt relaxed after just a few sips of cava-.gotta love happy hour. I was so excited about the delicious cheese plate (the gouda was especially uhmazing) that I didn’t even get to check out the art that has found a home in this gallery like bar. My loss cause it looked like they had some cool stuff here.
Hard alcohol lovers will be disappointed to hear that Varnish serves only beer and wine, but they’ll perk right back up after a glass of that cava.

I want to live in here. I want to spend the rest of my life living in Varnish…
?
That just sounds weird, but I think you know what I mean.
Do you think they’d have a problem if I moved my queen size bed, a dresser… and maybe a chair upstairs (in the corner– I don’t need much room) and just posted up here whenever I’m in town to visit?
I’d been in here a few years ago for a glass of wine, but it was really busy on that particular night. I’m glad it wasn’t last night so I could actually look around and not feel rushed.
Michael Page has his «ThankYouGoodbye» exhibit up right now. There is something about this artist’s use of color and attention to detail that made me want to pull out all my art supplies and start painting again. He’s got a reoccurring theme throughout most of his paintings… a deep sea theme that’s somewhat subtle and obvious all at once.
Snacking on cheese plates and drinking wine were just the added bonus.
This place is perfection, IMO. For all you SeaTown folks –represent – , it’s like Vermillion (on Cap Hill) on crack.
Yeah, it’s that good…

Truth: I wasn’t really feeling «happy hour.» IN fact, I was set to jet straight to my hotel bed and sleep for about 45 hours… just draggin’, haggin’. WIth no end in sight. Sigh.
But, of course… the lure of champagne and lively conversation with spirited co-​workers was a huge draw, and thus I trekked. To Varnish.
And, within mere moments… my eyes popped open, my mind starts spinning… and my mood starts liftin’. Oh yes, chambord +champagne + lemon wheel, hallo… indeed. I like it.
Part art space, part bar, part lounge… all tucked away, entirely fitting, and absolutely necessary. Open, airy, breezy, sunny, sweet. Wood floors, sparse seating… room to mingle, flow and breathe. On point staff… decent wine selection, bottled beers, and taps (when they work).
I’d live in this space if i could… thus was the appeal. So, inviting… so, genuine. Truly. However, I’m pretty sure the «art» in my abode would not nearly compare to the local showings. But hell, that’s why we go out, right?
Cheers. A fan, absolutely. Of all the bars I’ve been to in San Francisco, I’d place this near the top. Yes, I’m from Chicago… so, take this at face value, but… I enjoyed immensely.

So I checked out the reviews on this place and it didn’t seem like anyone went there for the art. Which is the only reason I’ve gone there. I can’t rate the drinks, service or food. But the art is top notch. No dreary landscapes or modern, abstract washes. Cool, cutting edge, emotive, surrealist art of the newbrow variety. Art that actually challenges you to think, feel, stare… not boring. The only other gallery (in the Bay Area) that has solid exhibits like this is the most excellent Eclectix, over in the East Bay. Not the place to find something to match your couch, but rather the place to find art and then, match your couch to the art.
Varnish has now re-​opened on Eddy St. in downtown SF!

Very nice Lemondrop (soju + lemon). Atmosphere was okay. The DIY coat check was interesting. The bar staff was very nice. Never made it upstairs; think I would have liked that area. The downstairs is very open, seems they play artsy-​fartsy movies on occasion.
All my friends gave this place 5-​stars, but I’m not sure I «get it.»

Hi Varnish,
I love your happy hours. I also love thee cuz of the vibe, great music, décor. The paintings that adorn you are aesthetic and thought provoking (though the glass in my hand doesnt allow me think too much). Would you like to know what I love most about you? The cheese platter! Such tasty little mouthful (s) of heaven. Yes, that has made me succumb to you. I dream of you!
Thank you for letting me into your world!
Smitten

What! This place is getting torn down?!
Too bad, I just stumbled upon this place while working a catered event there. They had a nice selection of beers on tap, and an even larger selection of wine, I didn’t recognize most of the varietals. Space is cozy, some pretty cool art to look at, including a few shelves of art books. Bonus points for having Scrabble (yeah I’m a dork), though I cant think of any occasion when I would want to play scrabble at a bar unless I’m drinking with visiting relatives and need something to do so we can avoid any meaningful conversation.
Alas, I’ll probably make it back to Varnish sans black bistro attire the day after it closes.

Really cool art gallery with a downstairs and upstairs. They have happy hour from 5 – 7 and beers are only $ 3 and sake martini’s are $ 5. They have these cool ice cubes with either guava, pear or mango and drop it into the sake. I didn’t try guava, but the pear cubes are shaped in hearts and mango shaped in arrows. Since this is not a «full» bar, they only have wines, beers and sake…

Great spot for a party!
Open space downstairs that alllows people to move (and get at the bar!) without too much congestion. From upstairs you can watch the crowd on the main floor or find one of the nooks that are good for sitting and having an actual conversation.
The art is always interesting and it is a welcome change from party spaces that feel blank &/​or generic.
PS pay special attention to the décor in the women’s washroom ;)

Varnish is my new favorite place in the FiDi to chill after work. Beer is $ 3 during happy hour and they have a great selection of wine and cheese, but if you’re looking for hard liquor, look elsewhere. It’s a super chill place with nice lighting and interesting (read: expensive) art. It’s not a place to see and be seen, but rather a place to sip and chill.
The bathrooms are really nice too!

The plan had been to happy hour at John Colins but en route I received a text informing me that folks had migrated here instead. I was more than happy to bypass the crowd at the original venue in favor of $ 5 mango sake cocktails and plenty of savory snack mix. The sake cocktails come in other flavors as well — pear is one among them — and are made using fun shaped (think stars and arrows) fruit cubes over which the sake is poured (the cubes are designed to melt amidst the sake).
Varnish is a clean space with plenty of room to move around. The bartender, while distracted, was efficient and at the end of a long week I can’t ask for much more than a steady pour of alcohol.
And hey, if you’re in the market for some art and have a spare 35k (yes, $ 35,000) lying around they’ve got something for you!