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San Leandro might not be the city in the Bay Area people think of when it comes to an art gallery.
Darrell Robinson plans to change that notion.
As owner of Linen Life Gallery, Robinson believes that San Leandro is the perfect place to make a splash in the community because cheaper rent allows him to work with artists at a level not possible if he was located in a high-price area such as Danville or San Francisco.
Besides being a place that sells art, it's available for artists and musicians to showcase their skills.
Having hosted close to 80 events since it opened in January, Robinson feels the 7,000-square-foot building at 770 East 14th St., and its versatility, trumps geographic location.
"This is a place where people walk in and can't believe what they see," Robinson said. "They're amazed that something this nice can be found here in San Leandro."
An artist himself, who designs greeting cards and CD covers using watercolor, Robinson is quick to point out that Linen Life is an art and entertainment gallery. If he gets a call from someone, and their first question is how many people does it hold, then he knows they're more interested in the space physically and less on what it has to offer.
"We're an art gallery, not an exhibit hall," he said.
Having moved from Emeryville, Robinson renovated the former credit union space and set it up so that both musicians and artists would be comfortable with the
There's a grand piano, a beverage bar, and small tables and chairs in the front room. There's also a room to the side where a featured artist can display their art. In the back, there is a larger seating area and small breakout rooms on the sides where more art can be displayed and private sessions with the artists can be held.
"Darrell is very passionate about the gallery," said Lisa Jackson, a resident of San Leandro. "The openness and creativity he's brought to the space is very new to us."
Christine Balza, an artist who specializes in jewelry featuring ancient Filipino scripture, was approached by Robinson via Facebook. Initially she turned him away, because the idea of an art gallery in San Leandro didn't make sense to her.
"I ignored him for months, but when I finally took a look at the place, I found what he had done to the building was gorgeous," Balza said. "He then offered to launch my art shows, and it was just an amazing opportunity."
Depending on how the space is utilized, the cost to rent can range from $250 to about $2,500. For larger events, or major holidays, the cost is double.
However, because his monthly rent is less than $1 a square foot, he's able to offer opportunities to pre-screened musicians and artists for a nominal fee -- in some cases free.
"We want to give them a launch that normally wouldn't be possible because they couldn't afford it," Robinson said.
In the case of Balza, he took care of the music, appetizers and the venue. She just needed to bring her art work, and be willing to talk about it at events. Robinson typically works out a deal where the artists pay him a commission on any art sold.
With musicians, they might share the costs at the door.
"A musician, they might not have money, but they have a following," he said.
Linen Life Gallery brings in $10,000 to $15,000 in revenue a month.
One of the biggest reasons for his success, Robinson believes, is that he puts a strong emphasis on security, as well as controlling who comes through the doors.
One of his employees patrols the parking lots, and every female is walked to the car. For private events, Robinson makes sure that the guests are included only via invitations from Linen Life Gallery or the artists.
"If we know who is coming through the doors, then we greatly reduce the chance of having problems," he said.
If Linen Life Gallery goes well, Robinson hopes to open similar spaces in other cities. Emeryville, Walnut Creek, and San Jose are currently on his wish list of locations.
Unlike most art galleries that are open five to seven days a week, Linen Life Gallery is open to the public only on Sundays and Wednesdays from 6 to 10 p.m. That time, which features music and appetizers, is a chance for Robinson to show prospective clients the diversity of events that could be possible.
Private events are available throughout the week both during the day and at nights.
"People can sit and enjoy the music in the front, and then walk around and enjoy great art at the same time," he said. "It's a win-win for everybody."
Contact David Morrill at 925-977-8534.
Owner: Darrell Robinson
Fulltime Employees: 2
Address: 770 East 14th Street, San Leandro
Website: www.thelinenlifegallery.com
Phone: 510-301-9872
email: linenlife@aol.com
