Sun Gallery

Sun Gallery in Hayward is a beautiful art space! They exhibit sophisticated art in a dramatic, colorful setting. They have great art openings for each show and there’s a wonderful little gift shop with very reasonably priced art objects… jewelry, cards, prints, crafts, etc. Check it out!

I was in an all fabric art show curated by Jacqueline and she did an amazing job coordinating everything and bringing in various artists! She is friendly, supportive and inspiring! If I was only rating Jacqueline, I’d give Sun Gallery 5 stars!
Unfortunately, my interactions with the executive director brings the stars down a WHOLE LOT. So here’s my story.
The show was in July 2012. I sold a few posters (of the sewn quilt). I sold them mostly at cost so it wasn’t a whole of money but I told the folks who bought them that the money would be going back into the project. On the day of the show, I was told that they were keeping track of the number of posters sold and would send the money soon.
I contacted the gallery in August informing them that I had not received the check in the mail. Again they assured me that I would be getting the money in the mail.
Time passed and I didn’t want to bug because, hey it wasn’t too much money. But it was because I wanted to keep my word to the people who bought the posters that the money would be going back into the project that I kept it in mind. I waited a few months and in January decided it really was too long. So I sent what I thought was a really nice email just asking about their timeline of payments.
Jacqueline, again who I really appreciate, responded right away and apologized for the lag and forwarded the email to Valerie, the executive director. Valerie wrote me back a nasty email saying that she had no idea what I was talking about. She then went on to tell me that the gallery is closed until February and that once it is open I need to contact the gallery manager. She closed the email informing me that I should have told them at the end of the show.
I DID tell them and I said that in the email! She took no responsibility for the delay! She did not even say she would talk with the manager! That’s ridiculous! She acted as though I was in the wrong when I am the one that has been waiting patiently for the proceeds from my art.
Thank God it wasn’t a huge lump sum and that I do not only live off of my career as an artist because she isn’t going to move a finger to help me get the money I earned (which of course is not all the money because the gallery takes a cut). I can’t believe that after knowing that I have waited more than 4 months, she wants me to wait another month before having to talk to the 5^th gallery person about my earned money!
But maybe I am too nice. I love art and community and hate burning bridges so I sent another email stating that I had already sent an email to the manager and asking if there were further steps I needed to take or ones that she would be taking on this matter. She responded with one sentence «You need to contact Christine (the manager) like I said in the last email.»
How RUDE!
I RARELY write 1 star reviews, but to be honest if it could be 0, I think it would be.
Jaqueline= 5 stars
Valerie= –5
So that’s it folks.
Unless you don’t care to get the proceeds from your art I suggest you DO NOT show your art here.
PS
I will keep you all posted as to just HOW LONG it takes to get my proceeds.

Hidden gem in Hayward. I’ve been here a few times for different showings, most recently for a friend of ours. The space is really great, and everyone in the area should take advantage of it! They have a lot of free programs as well.
Bottom line: Don’t let this local treasure get buried! Support the Sun Gallery!

My child was finally old enough to participate in its family art program on Sat. What a treat!
The program is free is on the second and fourth Sat. each month. There is instruction and guidance on the project but kids (and parents) have a lot of leeway to do they project as they please. We did a project using paints, and another using pastels. It’s a friendly family-​oriented group.
We hope to try out their summer camp for kids soon.
Their exhibits also are available for tours to school groups.
Thanks for doing what you do.

There was some concern a couple of years ago that Sun Gallery would close due to lack of funding. However, they are still open, and I’m so happy about it.
As a fan of their Facebook page, I saw an announcement about their summer day camp. All summer 2010, through August, they have art camp for kids ages 6 – 12 weekdays from 9am-​3pm. What was great for me is that they have daily drop in rates, instead of having to make a full week commitment.
For my kid who loves to make art, this camp was like a dream come true. The supplies are provided, and volunteers give some guidance, but the kids really determine the direction the lessons go. The instructors’ enthusiasm for sharing art with the children is apparent and infectious. Participants made dream catchers, paintings, jewelry, sculptures, a play, and an imaginary hotel under a table, which was apparently big fun.
I would highly recommend their art camp for your little artist. Check it out for a single day, and see if they beg to return. Mine did.

This is a wonderful little gem in Hayward. Our dance group recently performed at one of their events, I was overtaken by the warmth of the volunteers and the creativity and beauty of the art at the gallery.
The current exhibit theme is Day of the Dead. The whole gallery is filled with beautifully decorated altars. I believe that all the art is from local artists and many displays were made by youth involved in art programs at the gallery.
Wonderful place, I definitely will be watching to see what the next exhibit is.