The Gallery Art Bar
310 14th St, Oakland
(510) 368-2342
Recent Reviews
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Terrible place. I held a two-week art exhibit here in August 2018, and it remains the worst experience I’ve had working with any business. I’m reposting this now because my original reviews and photos were taken down, possibly here, and definitely on Yelp. I’m resharing this not out of spite, but because the owner’s continued denial of what happened makes it necessary. If sharing my experience prevents even one person from going through what I did, then it’s worth it.
Yes, the event was curated and fully paid for by me. I was juggling graduate school and part-time work while single-handedly producing an art experience for both local and international artists. It was an ambitious undertaking, and the owner was fully aware of the challenges I was managing.
Any gallery that works with artists and curators understands that last-minute adjustments are part of the process, and they should be handled through respectful communication. Unfortunately, this business seems more focused on taking payment than providing any real service. Communication was poor from the start. Rather than working collaboratively, they interpreted basic attention to detail as me being “difficult” or “demanding.” Their tone was consistently dismissive and condescending, not professional.
To make matters worse, they nearly withheld the funds from pieces sold during the show. I had to ask a male friend to step in and advocate on my behalf just to recover a portion of what was owed.
The most traumatizing part of this experience, however, was when the owner, in collaboration with his girlfriend, physically put hands on me to escalate the situation further after throwing our artwork on the street because I was late to pickup. I am not from the U.S. and at the time, I had only lived here for about a year. While calling the police may be the common American response, my instinct as a newcomer on a student visa was to de-escalate and protect myself. I left the rest to karma.
That said, if someone who has just hosted a two-week exhibit and opening event at your gallery is running late to pick up their work, the professional response is to store the pieces safely, not to throw them in the street. That alone speaks volumes.
I originally posted about this on Instagram Stories, including photos of my injuries and a written account of what occurred. Those posts were taken down, but I recently recovered them through iCloud and will be resharing them publicly. I’ve presented my evidence, so where is the so-called “robust footage” the owner claims exists?
Throughout this entire process, I received treatment that was intolerant, unaccommodating, and blatantly disrespectful. This behavior is not just unprofessional—it’s harmful. People who hurt others and gaslight them about their experience don’t deserve support, and I won’t be silent about it.
Please support kind, communicative, and respectful businesses. Save yourself the unnecessary drama.
Did a pop up here, it was fun, safe, and all the staff was great and helpful,loved the entertainment
Did a pop up here, it was fun, safe, and all the staff was great and helpful,loved the entertainment
Terrible
It was closed when I went but looked like a cool spot
Litt I had a great time...I will be back
My first experience here was for a silent party that turned out amazing due to double booking earlier in the year. The vibe is wonderful and the drinks are heaven (make sure to get you a Bay Breeze). Also be sure to follow their IG for special events that also caters great food. Wonderful staff I must add. Kudos to the owners for a dope establishment.
Dope people, dope events!
My first experience here was for a silent party that turned out amazing due to double booking earlier in the year. The vibe is wonderful and the drinks are heaven (make sure to get you a Bay Breeze). Also be sure to follow their IG for special events that also caters great food. Wonderful staff I must add. Kudos to the owners for a dope establishment.
great atmosphere! music, poetry, all bomb
Restaurantji Recommends
Have been here several times. From 11/18 to 8/19
Great atmosphere. Very comfortable. Staff was awesome and very friendly. Drinks and entertainment were on point. The DJ and hostess kept it litty!
Great atmosphere, great patrons, great staff, GREAT OWNER
Great service and you get to listen to Afro-beats
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