Since Hope Hospice moved out, neighboring Studio 7 Fine Arts nabbed the coveted corner of Main and Angela streets and expanded to become the Bay Area’s largest art gallery. It will boast 5,000 square feet, compared to its former 1,500-square-foot space tucked around the corner.
“Several times a day (during the remodel) I’ve had people come ask me if we’re a new business,” owner Jaime Dowell said. “We’ve been in business for 24 years and we’re excited to be rediscovered. I’ve always considered Studio 7 to be a hidden gem.”
Being located on a prime corner of the street is not something that the studio takes lightly. Dowell considers it her “responsibility” to utilize the location and be a resource to the community. To do these, they plan to stay open later on some evenings and host events (like artist receptions and solo exhibitions with food, live music and local wines) once a month.
With almost double the space to fill, Studio 7 is bringing in a little more of everything — fine art, fine crafts, glass, jewelry, wood and sculpture — to bring even more diversity to an already unique display of artwork. The new expansion will also allow them to more completely showcase several pieces from current artists, instead of one or two.
Studio 7 will be one of several galleries on Main Street, but this doesn’t bother Dowell. “The more galleries the better! I wish there were more,” she said. “Every gallery has its own approach, which gives each a different experience.” Dowell adds that new art is continually added to Studio 7, so even coming back to the same shop should be a new experience.
The gallery will open for business on Sept. 6, and will have a grand opening event on Sept. 16. For more information, visit Studio7FineArts.com.
Dowell has worked hard to bring art to the community, and through Studio 7 and the Firehouse Art Center, she continues to work towards that goal.
