ArtHaus Gallerists James Bacchi and Annette Schutz present the FINE ART OF DESIGNers, an exhibition showcasing fine art and photography by some of the bay area’s most noteworthy interior designers.

While projects by these designers have been featured in showcase homes, San Francisco Design Center projects, major publications or on HGTV, for many the FINE ART OF DESIGNers marks their first public appearance in the art world.

Kevin Hackett/Siol Studios, Pagoda, 8.5”x11”, ink on vellum

On exhibit are works in various media by artists/designers; Avelino Pombo/HGTV, Candace Barnes/Candace Barnes Design Studio,Tracey Kessler/TKID, Steve Henry/BAMO, Katherine Bloodworth/Wheeler Design Group, Judy McBride/ McBride Designs, Samuel Fleming Lewis/INSTUDIO, Gioi Tran/Applegate Tran Interiors, Ken Leto/Ken Leto Designs, Kevin Hackett/Siol Studios, Bonnie McGregor/McGregor Design Studio, Eric Engstrom/Engstrom Design Group and Frank Van Duerm/ Van Duerm Design Associates.

Gioi Tran/Applegate Tran Interiors, Misty, 48”x48”, acrylic on canvas

ArtHaus has always enjoyed a very special alliance with the interior design community. The gallery is an outstanding resource for contemporary fine art, and meeting place for designers and their clients. Bacchi and Schutz represent a sought after collection of museum-quality works, diverse in subject matter, media and style by New York and Bay Area artists. The gallery’s constant presence at Bay Area designer showcases never goes unnoticed. Beginning October 23rd, ArtHaus will be featured in “Icons of Design”, a rather unique Designer Showcase, at The Grand Residences at Millennium Tower. According to Bacchi, the FINE ART OF DESIGNers brings ArtHaus’ association with the design world full circle.”

“It’s most interesting to learn how these designers feel about their fine art, and the relationship it has to their design work”, says Schutz. HGTV’s Avelino Pombo’s illustrations of birds capture the most complex features with simple strokes. Designer Ken Leto grew up in Chicago and attended the Art Institute. When he left for San Francisco, he took a commitment to the arts with him. He believes “beauty is its own reward.” According to Steve Henry, a Principal at BAMO, his plein air paintings give him an immediate sense of accomplishment. “By contrast, my interior design work often takes a very long time before I get to see a finished product.” Siol Studio’s Kevin Hackett’s ink drawings are an exploration of form in space, specifically the intersections of the positive and negative. “An architectural language evolves in the conception and termination of these lines.”

Designer/photographer Frank Van Duerm states “my photographic eye is keyed into light and detail in all my design work. Real and imagined light help me inhabit and create luxurious spaces.” “It’s ironic”, adds Bacchi. “Eric Engstrom, a thirty year veteran of the design industry, and founder of Engstrom Group, has left the design world to pursue life as a fine artist.” “In essence, says Engstrom – I’m living out my dream.”

Frank Van Duerm/Van Duerm Design Associates, Untitled, 16”x20”, photograph

To complete the FINE ART OF DESIGNers, Lawanna Cathleen Endonino, Principal of Lawanna Cathleen Design, who studied art and is an avid collector, will create a Collector’s Salon in the Side Gallery at ArtHaus. An accomplished designer, known for her flashes of the unexpected and flair for the avant-garde, Lawanna Cathleen Design has been featured in the San Francisco Chronicle, California Home & Design, 7X7, and Sunset Books. “Her outstanding work at the San Francisco Decorator Showcase, and Design Lecture Series, hosted by bay area fine art galleries, makes Lawanna the perfect designer choice for this project”, said Schutz.

All of Lawanna’s selections for paint, furnishings and accessories for the Collector’s Salon will be provided by showrooms at the San Francisco Design Center, incorporated with select works from the ArtHaus collection. Participating showrooms include; Candace Barnes Antiques, Benjamin Moore, Baker Knapp and Tubbs, Coup d’etat, Madina Aryeh Custom Sewing, Battersea and William Switzer & Associates. Painting: Courtesy of The Restoration Company. Moving: Coutesy of STS/Specialized Transport Services

During the run of this exhibition, ArtHaus will donate 10% of sales to Philanthropy By Design. Since 1987, PBD continues to improve the quality of people’s lives by providing design services and recycled and new furnishings to not-for-profit organizations, and by promoting the benefits of quality design and creative re-use.

the FINE ART OF DESIGNers continues through December 23, 2009.

ArtHaus
411 Brannan Street, between 3rd and 4th Streets
San Francisco, CA
Gallery Hours: T – F: 11am-6pm; Sa: noon-5pm
T: 415-977-0223

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