Gallery 85

First off, let me say that I love walking in Santana row. I am not supposed to say that, because it is a major faux pas in the San Jose long term underground scene. To me it is more akin to a Disneyesque or fantasy feel. Like walking in someones idealistic view of a European village. I like the store front artist and a few shops there, but this review is for one place in particular, Gallery 85.
Created by Vernon Davis, it is a good cause. Bringing art education and opportunities to underprivileged youth. Even if it is a tax write off, he actually does seem to genuinely care. I find that very admirable. Vernon is an artist himself, and some of his own work hangs in the gallery, as it should.
There is a wide range of art in the gallery and portions of the sales go to his foundation, while part goes to the artist. What I find admirable is the eclectic variety of artist that show there. Yes, there are some high end artist in the gallery, but also some underground artist as well. As an artist myself, I have been able to talk to the docents and get my art known to them. I have yet to show there, but have had a few of the show calls for artist forwarded my way, so I could have shown, but it was on my end that I have not yet shown.
The openings are great with musicians and Hors d’œuvre supplied from local businesses. There is a much more elegant feel to them, although they can get crowded. There is usually a small donation associated with the openings, which is also in order to go to the foundation. Also, they have a very friendly and informed staff and that do need to get paid as well.
The gallery is open in the day time, except Mondays and maybe Sundays too, but I am not sure. I usually take walks from my apartment (not in Santana Row — more east by about a mile).
If it was not for seeing it online first, I may have never known about the Gallery. It is in one of the last, or first, spots in the center and very easy to overlook.
Also, it is FREE to just walk in and look around. The price rating on Unilocal for this business is if you are going to buy art. This is a gallery and they actually want people to walk in and see the exhibitions without the expectations of buying anything. In fact, they are doing a service by giving a venue of local art culture for the public to see without having to pay a fee like many of the high end museums do.
Now go out and see some art!

I came to gallery 85 for a grand opening event my co workers mothers art work was featured in. It is a small gallery, but the work is unique and different. On a normal day, the gallery is free to walk in and browse around, however for this event it was 15 $ donations with free Jamba Juice, free finger food, and some wine.
Another unique feature to this event was this huge apple camera? Basically it takes a photo of you like a photo booth, by camera and projects on a huge flat screen tv. You then have the option of adding features such as drawing and writing. They then emailed and printed you out a copy :)
The art work ranged from abstract, portrait, painted record labels, recycled tires made into animals such as a bear or panda, and other tapestry.
The event was very fun and had additional features. I would definitely come back even to do a free walk in walk out tour myself.

Interesting Gallery on Santana row with a decent amount of pieces. The only downside is that it is pretty small and the pieces are a little overpriced. If you are just on Santana row and are walking around then I recommend coming by this place and seeing some of the pieces 49ers Tight End Vernon Davis has drawn up.

Checked out Gallery 85 because it’s at Santana Row & it’s FREE if you’re just looking, if you want to Buy the art it cost money.
There’s a bunch of youth artists that they are helping to show off their work & help build their spirits & their dreams. That’s cool.
There’s many football players that the youth drew, some of Vernon Davis, & other 49ers football players & Giants baseball player. Other artwork too.
Another thing is they have a unisex bathroom in the back! That’s hard to find at Santana Row, trust me!

This is Vernon Davis’ art gallery. this place is a small little art gallery to walk through and browse. i’m very impressed with vernons talent on and off the court. For anyone that knows anything about Vernon Davis, you know about his passion for art and football. Anyone who is a fan of football and art should stop by this gallery. Its FREE! show some love and support

A quaint art gallery, nestled in Santana Row, gallery 85 features several of vernon’s own works as well as works of talented local artists.
I enjoyed the different sections of the gallery, from printed & signed images of many of the 49ers, to abstract paintings to a section in the back room with artwork done by kids.
The concept of Gallery 85 is derived from the Vernon Davis Foundation for the Arts, which promotes art education and awards scholarships for inner-​city youth.
This is my favorite painting in the whole gallery, I’m sharing a paint can with him! :)

Small space but pretty nice gallery walk through. I actually thought all the paintings/​work here were mainly done by Vernon himself but it wasn’t.
I loved some of the pieces here and if I had the money to cash out on a few I would. I was hoping VD would be here so I could learn from his paintings lol the work he’s done himself is unique.
Bottom line, when you have free time at the ROW, come visit and just check out the art work here. Really neat! OH AND DON’T FORGET TO SIGN IN

Vernon Davis has gone from misunderstood football player who lacked effort to an integral piece of a championship team (even if he doesn’t get receptions, he still is an amazing blocker).
If you’ve ever watched his E:60 ESPN documentary, you’ll know he came from a very tough background.
His art gallery is great, it’s a must see if you’re in San Jose /​Santana Row already. He has about 4 works of art that are oil on canvas and full of life and vibrant color.
I just wish there was a bit more sports related art. The gallery isn’t huge, but there is space and the use of pillars to add more content.
Very proud to see a friendly and loving person (I’ve met him briefly) start his own gallery to share his love of art and sport.

From Vernon’s signed sports memorabilia to the fine art created by the kids who benefit from his foundation to his own artwork to the art featured by internationally recognized and collected artists… a spectacular gallery in Santana Row!

Great place to connect w players, fans, friends & family to benefit youth in the inner city. Enjoyed the evening and was able to take home a Vernon Davis original painting.