Discover the captivating world of Michelle Thomas Fine Art Gallery + Studio, where art, community, and creativity intertwine. Michelle Thomas, an accomplished artist passionate about sharing artistic techniques and unlocking creative potential, has curated a multifaceted space that offers exhibitions, performances, classes, and a membership-based creative workspace. Michelle Thomas Fine Art is a haven for artists and enthusiasts in the vibrant Mission Bernal neighborhood. Join us as we delve into this exceptional gallery’s unique features, inspiring events, and heartfelt vision.

We recently sat down with Michelle to learn more.

Michelle Thomas Fine Art: Fostering Creativity and Community in Mission Bernal

Tell us about your background and what inspired you to open Michelle Thomas Fine Art.

I’m an artist, and throughout my career, I’ve maintained a painting practice in parallel with work in structured organizations; I get a kick out of working with a team and playing at the edges of traditional systems. I began my career as a teacher, then moved to creative project management, but I’ve always had a strong desire to share art-making techniques and unlock creative potential. Michelle Thomas Fine Art Gallery + Studio weaves these interests into a multifaceted community offering.

What sets Michelle Thomas Fine Art apart from other galleries in the area?

We host a variety of art programs—exhibitions, performances, and classes for all ages—and our beautiful space is available to host both public and private events. The space has two levels: My studio and the gallery are street-level, while the garden level is a membership-based creative workspace for artists and hobbyists.

How do you curate the artwork and events at your gallery?

What factors do you consider when selecting artists and exhibitions? We are focused on new work by artists addressing intersections, margins, and collisions—cultural and thematic but also disciplinary: a florist who writes poetry, the architect photographer. We focus on artists who ponder the process, the in-between, the act of figuring it out, the awakening, and the moment before the revolution. These are constant motifs in my work, and I show the work of artists with whom I can see thematically dialogue. We offer a variety of price points—the current show has work from $25-1300—because we insist that the art collection is for everyone.

Can you describe some of the most successful events or exhibitions you’ve hosted at Michelle Thomas Fine Art? What made them stand out?

We held an Intro to Watercolors class series attended by adults whose career paths have taken them away from the arts, from law to biotech. It was remarkable to see how open they were as they tapped into their latent creative talent to create gorgeous paintings with an unpredictable medium.

What challenges have you faced as a gallery owner, and how have you overcome them?

I was raised in Chicago by gentle Indian parents who listened to me when I spoke, consoled me when I cried, and encouraged modesty, taking me to parks, restaurants, art museums, ballet/tap/jazz classes, and concerts at Navy Pier followed by long walks along Lake Michigan. While I’ve had the same childhood as Joan Mitchell and formal education in the arts, I have not experienced arts spaces in the US run by people who look like me. Now, at 40, I have enough experience working in schools, galleries, museums, and on design teams to execute my concept fully. I feel sure of my capacity to define and articulate the contours of a space that supports creative activity, and waxing nostalgic, I understand how to recreate the environments that have encouraged me to flourish.

How do you foster community within your gallery and engage with the local art scene?

For the hobbyist: The studio is meant to be a solace, a shelter, a hideout! In adult life, we don’t have the dedicated practice rooms of our school days, the orchestra risers, the art room, the cubbies with our names holding dance shoes or brushes or sheet music. We miss the comfort of the librarian, the art teacher who understood us and let us be. I spent the first seven years of my career as an art teacher with the romantic purpose of sharing my love for my subjects and advocating for sensitive and vulnerable young people, all those children othered by the educational system. I have designed the studio to comfort and protect the highly sensitive person, managing the light, sound, and scent to encourage the softer self to feel safe and emerge. Studio membership provides an environment for anyone who wants to dedicate time to art in their daily lives before putting up their painting to dry and leaving to become a roommate, parent, caregiver, or worker. For the professional artist: I hope to maintain an approachable presence and open channels of communication so they feel comfortable proposing shows, collaborations, and events.

I also spend as much time making art in the storefront window. My table takes the glorious daylight, the latest work-in-progress, and materials in honest, artful disarray. I love when neighbors come over to see how the work is progressing or passers-by stop mid-stride to watch the painting process, someone at work with solid, tangible tools. I am eager for anyone who passes by the gallery to grow their understanding and affection for the creative life cycle, to see the connection between the process and the final presentation, and to be part of the purpose and meaning I assign to my work.

What strategies do you employ to market and promote the artists and events at Michelle Thomas Fine Art?

I am trying to reduce my screen time and intensify my engagement with the physical world. This may fly against the logic of this digital age, but I am satisfied if the only people I reach are those who share my craving for something REAL. I am admittedly addicted to Instagram and do promote exhibitions, classes, and events using social media and email campaigns. Still, I put greater emphasis on designing beautiful exhibition announcement postcards that recipients will want to collect, sharing announcement posters with strategic partners—going out into the world, living honestly, building authentic relationships, and naturally discussing the artists and events that excite me! I want gallery patrons to feel they have discovered it for themselves, to understand that they have stumbled upon a gem, and to take pride in sharing their discoveries with others. This growth may be slow, but the relationships are real and long-lasting.

Can you share any upcoming projects or exhibitions visitors can look forward to?

Yes, gladly! Our current exhibition, ON BEAUTY, features a floral design, paintings by Nirmala Thangam, and my watercolor collages. On July 15, fiber artist Mayumi Fujio will teach a class on botanical printing on silk. In September, we will host a book launch party for local comic artist Chuck Whelon and open a new exhibition featuring local photographer Alese Rivera. Our 2024 program is also shaping up nicely, and we will release the schedule soon!

How do you stay connected with emerging trends and developments in the art world to keep your gallery relevant and exciting?

I travel internationally and attend as many cultural events as possible with bright eyes and a bushy tail, open-minded and ready to be moved and inspired. While I don’t want to chase trends, I talk to friends of the gallery constantly to learn about what they want to see, learn, and experience so I can bring these programs close to home for us.

Why did you choose Mission Bernal for your business?

I live nearby Twin Peaks. I originally selected the 29th St corridor at the intersection of Noe Valley, the Mission, and Bernal Heights because it complements our motif of an identity “in-between” various currents. After settling in and spending time with my lovely neighbors, I am sure I made the right decision. I’ve been more than welcomed by the owners of Cafe Seventy8, STEMful, and Komaaj (and my errands are eased by proximity to The UPS Store).

I look forward to building our support network and spending fruitful years together.

Calendar – Bernal Heights and Beyond