photography by Iris Lin
Very much like the up-and-coming Dogpatch neighborhood in which it’s located, the newly opened Silverman Gallery focuses on community, growth and innovation. The small basement gallery showcases artists and musicians who challenge and manipulate the notions of sound, vision and space and offers an informative lecture series that invites the community to engage in a discourse that encompasses all realms of art, music, science, philosophy and politics. The gallery’s Look Boutique, situated in a colorful Astroturf-carpeted corner of the small yet inviting space, sells cutting-edge clothing, art books and hard-to-find magazines, artful limited edition collectibles and chic items sold exclusively on its website. After first visiting the Silverman gallery, I became enamored with the history-rich industrial architecture juxtaposed with the influx of artistic visionaries and local tastemakers moving into this former ghost town-esque section of SF. I recently took a tour of the historical Dogpatch neighborhood with Silverman Gallery director Jessica Silverman who took me to her 7 favorite spots and proved that this blossoming ‘hood is way more than an industrial wasteland.
Jessica Silverman with painting by Elizabeth Peyton (left) at the Silverman Gallery
1. Silverman Gallery and Look Boutique 2295 Third St., 415-225-9508
Come check out the opening reception for video performance piece “T.V. Honey” tonight from 7-10 p.m. (the exhibition runs through November 11) and cruise by the Look Boutique for rock T-shirts by We Are Married. Be sure to check the website for edgy yet feminine goods by Parisian designer Heimstone and Aussie label Jessie Hill’s tailored pieces.
Inside the Look Boutique
Sliverman Gallery's creative director Carolina Amaris with gallery mascot Bear
2. Yield Wine Bar 2490 Third St., 415-401-8984
Jessica loves this neighborhood wine bar that offers organic, biodynamic and sustainable wines hand-picked by the former sommelier of Millennium.
3. Dogpatch Saloon 2496 Third St., 415-643-8592
Jessica comes to this low maintenance neighborhood watering hole for its lack of pretense, community vibe and stiff drinks. The retro booths, pool table and adorable dog-themed stain glass window makes this a locals favorite.
Inside the Dogpatch Saloon
4. Ping Pong Gallery 1240 22nd St., 415-550-7483
This action-oriented alternative art space strives to create an active dialog between the artists and viewer.
5. Ampersand Gallery 1001 Tennessee St., 415-285-0170
Spacious and chic, Ampersand features local and international artists with an emphasis on broadening an intercultural dialog by sparking an interaction between the Bay Area arts movement and others around the world.
Jessica eyeing the Blue Bottle Coffee at Piccino
6. Piccino 801 22nd St., 415-824-4224
This tiny restaurant located on the corner of 22nd is one of Jessica’s favorite spots for Blue Bottle organic coffee and sweet treats like the decadent pumpkin, ricotta and hazelnut tart. Piccino only uses organic and sustainable produce for its crispy crust pizzas, paninis and seasonal salads.
Outside Piccino; delectable goodies inside
7. Mabel’s Just For You Café 732 22nd St., 415-647-3033
Come to this brunch spot for hearty country breakfasts and–according to Jessica’s discerning palate–the best New Orleans-style beignets and authentic grits.
The beignets at Mabel's keep them coming back for more
