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December 2018 by Ronald Edward Turner
Clean, crisp exceptional reproduction prints, fantastic sculpture and original art and VERY nice and honest.
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February 2013 by Ken L.
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.
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August 2011 by Michael E.
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.
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December 2010 by Markus N.
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.
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January 2010 by Gene X.
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...
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January 2010 by Ivan F.
A friend celebrated his 40th birthday here last weekend and I had a blast. It was good seeing a bunch of friends whom I haven't seen in over a decade. Varnish was a perfect venue for such an ocassion. The artwork currently on display was a nice mix. I really dug the huge painting of the Soul Train. We even took a group picture in front of it at the end of the night. The bar kept me inebriated with a steady flow of Chimay red and the staff was really cool and friendly.
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December 2009 by R A.
Varnish had a little experimental film series a couples years ago that my friend Daniella curated. Nice space. I thought the city was moving them out of there? I would deff drop by to see an exhibit or catch a libation...
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December 2009 by Julie Z.
Not impressed- didn't like the doorman, rude: spoke down to me as if I was some high school chic trying to con my way through the doors. This turned me off from the start and the rest continued to go downhill. Art work was blahhhh and crowd was pretty dull. Not my cup of tea.
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November 2009 by Infodiva B.
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.
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November 2009 by Ernie P.
I've only been to this venue for different events. I really like the setup. It's very small thou. I always have a great time here. They have a small bar which goes perfectly. Also john collins is jus across the street if u want to continue with an afterparty
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November 2009 by Krismet C.
Heard that Varnish is being bulldozed in imminent domain, expanding bus station BS. BOO! Another charming SOMA backstreet is getting ruined.
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October 2009 by Ruggy J.
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 2nd 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.
