Iconic American Artist Hunt Slonem Returns to San Francisco

12 Gallagher Lane Becomes Home to Hunt Slonem’s Art in Emerging Art District with Inaugural Exhibition: “Flora, Fauna, Faces & Feathers”

SAN FRANCISCO, CA (January 12, 2010) – 12 Gallagher Lane is announcing its inaugural exhibition featuring celebrated and internationally renowned artist Hunt Slonem’s first exclusive show entitled, “Flora, Fauna, Faces & Feathers,” a vibrant overview of the artist’s work comprised of whimsical bunnies, famous portraits, colorful birds and an array of flowers. This newly renovated 3,300 square-foot gallery is split between a grand 2,500- foot first floor, and an 800 square-foot private loft area; and is located in the emerging Art District or Gallery Row, commonly known as the Moscone West and Yerba Buena Gardens district in downtown San Francisco. 12 Gallagher Lane is Slonem’s first ever permanent exhibition on the West Coast.

“San Francisco is one of my absolute favorite cities in America and also happens to be home to some extremely prominent artists, as well several distinguished cultural institutions,” says Slonem. “It is a sincere honor to be involved with the emergence of the Art District and to have the opportunity to contribute to the exponential growth of art and culture that continues to envelope this beloved city.”

With plantation shutters and lively colors, the exterior of 12 Gallagher Lane is reminiscent of Slonem’s two restored plantation homes in Louisiana – Albania and Lakeside; where he resides when not at his loft in Manhattan. The interior of the gallery is also filled with colorful walls personally chosen by the artist to playfully accentuate his work.

Gallery Director and long-time supporter of Slonem’s work, Derek Cabaniss says, “The inspiration for 12 Gallagher Lane was to create an ambience of Slonem’s interiors from his studios and homes – a warm and welcoming environment that embodies Hunt Slonem’s personality and inspiration behind his work. We are providing San Francisco with an authentic view into Hunt’s wonderfully colorful and unique world.”

Inside the space, period pieces such as Roman marble bathtub, a Baccarat chandelier, ancient sculptures, and a 1929 gilded piano complement the ebonized white oak floors. Formerly known as 366 Clementina, the building’s surrounding area was part of the Art District before the 1989 Earthquake, and housed a 77-foot Keith Haring mural that survived the quake and the housing of a Catholic Gymnasium. Award-winning, San Rafael-based EDG Interior Architecture + Design is the firm responsible for the redesign of the gallery.

Featured works range from smaller portraits of Billie Holiday and former President Abe Lincoln to larger works, such as “Multiply,” a 90 x 156’’ work, filled with bunnies of many sizes and personalities. All works of art are for sale and prices are available upon request. Winter hours for 12 Gallagher Lane are Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Monday from 11am – 5pm, and Sunday from 12pm – 5pm and by appointment. The gallery is also available for private events.