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

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 explore the exceptional gallery’s unique features, inspiring events, and heartfelt vision.

We recently sat down with Michelle to learn more.

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 parallel painting practice alongside work in structured organizations; I enjoy working with a team and exploring the boundaries 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 offer a diverse range of art programs, including exhibitions, performances, and classes for all ages. Our beautiful space is available for both public and private events. It has two levels: My studio and the gallery are located on the 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, as well as disciplinary: a florist who writes poetry, an architect who is also a 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 a thematic dialogue. We offer a variety of price points; the current show features work ranging from $25 to $1,300, because we believe 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. They took me to parks, restaurants, art museums, ballet/tap/jazz classes, as well as concerts at Navy Pier, followed by long walks along Lake Michigan. While I’ve had a similar childhood to Joan Mitchell’s and received a formal education in the arts, I have not had the same experience with arts spaces in the US run by people who look like me. Now, at 40, I have sufficient experience working in schools, galleries, museums, and on design teams to fully execute my concept. I am confident in my ability to define and articulate the contours of a space that supports creative activity, and, looking back, I understand how to recreate the environments that have encouraged me to flourish.

How do you cultivate a sense of community within your gallery and engage with the local art scene?

For the hobbyist: The studio is meant to be a sanctuary, a refuge, a haven. In adult life, we don’t have the dedicated practice rooms of our school days, the orchestra risers, the art room, or the cubbies with our names holding dance shoes, 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 offers a space for individuals to dedicate time to art in their daily lives, before putting their painting to dry and leaving to become a roommate, parent, caregiver, or worker. For professional artists, I aim to foster an approachable presence and open communication, helping them feel comfortable proposing shows, collaborations, and events.

I also dedicate significant time to creating art in the storefront window. My table takes the glorious daylight, the latest work-in-progress, and materials in honest, artful disarray. I love it 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 go against the logic of our 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 I promote exhibitions, classes, and events through social media and email campaigns. Still, I place 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, and building authentic relationships, all while 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. Although this growth may be slow, the relationships are genuine and enduring.

Can you share any upcoming projects or exhibitions that 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 silk printing. In September, we will host a book launch party for local comic artist Chuck Whelon and unveil a new exhibition featuring the work of 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 many cultural events with bright eyes and a bushy tail. I am open-minded and ready to be moved and inspired. While I don’t want to chase trends, I regularly discuss with the gallery’s friends what they’re interested in seeing, learning, and experiencing, so I can bring these programs closer to home for us.

Why did you choose Mission Bernal for your business?

I live near 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 welcome by the owners of Cafe Seventy8, STEMful, and Komaaj (and my errands are made easier by proximity to The UPS Store).

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

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Michelle Thomas Fine Art Gallery + Studio

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Mike Doherty serves as Chief Experience Officer at Greening Projects, a nonprofit organization dedicated to transforming underutilized urban spaces into vibrant green areas