If you're living and breathing art, you're probably hustling full-time — making work and finding a way to sell it. For some artists, it's online, through social media, or at pop-up events. Then there are the artists who’d rather focus on the creative process than juggle sales, shipping, and professional conversations with clients — though in our case, we've been fortunate to work with some truly great ones.
That said, there’s no shortage of stories about navigating private sales without the so-called “big bad” galleries. Some artists thrive that way. But for every success, we’ve also heard plenty of stories from clients who had bad experiences trying to buy directly from artists.
We’re not here to tell anyone how to sell their work. Whether you go solo or work with a gallery, it’s all about what works for you. We believe in the arts — period — and we wish every artist blessings and prosperity. If you’re managing your career independently and thriving, that's incredible. We don’t need to interfere — we’re just here to find our people, the ones who see value in working with a gallery like ours. And after 17 years of building lasting relationships with artists, we know they’re out there.
Lately, major contemporary art galleries — with huge reputations and multi-million-dollar sales — have been making headlines for closing their doors READ MORE HERE . The commentary that follows is often part concern, part entertainment, part meme. Some artists, especially those never invited to show in these spaces, jump on the bandwagon of hate toward people who, in reality, are probably still doing just fine and will continue to sell art — with or without a venue.
Let’s be honest: the art world is as much about who you know as what you do. And the same artists shouting “support only local” will sprint out the door — barefoot and beltless — the moment New York, LA, or Miami comes calling. The record doesn’t change — it just plays in a different room.
That, to us, is hypocrisy.
The truth is, we all want to make it someday, and there’s nothing wrong with that. But we all deserve to shine without cutting each other down to get there.
Empire Seven Studios is an artist-owned gallery. Since day one, we’ve aimed to treat artists with honesty, transparency, and the same respect we would expect as artists ourselves. Over 17 years, we’ve continued to grow those relationships and build real connections — and above all, friendships — with the people who have found a home with us.
Our mission has always been to represent artists who appreciate what we do — and we’re always seeking new talent, building new kinships, and sharing our experience to help guide artists toward a bright, sustainable future in the arts.
We don’t have all the answers. We don’t have blue-chip collectors lined up outside. But if they show up one day, we’ll proudly introduce them to a wide variety of emerging and established artists we believe in.
Years ago, we learned that representing the work we love — the art that speaks to us first — is what makes this whole thing worth it. And we hope that joy comes through to the collectors and community who support our small business.
San Francisco, Oakland, and Los Angeles have always had the spotlight when it comes to collectors. Meanwhile, Silicon Valley — aka San Jose — is still waiting for the tech world to wake up to the incredible art being made right here.
Before we lost our first location, the art scene was thriving. Everyday people — not just elite collectors — were showing up, having fun, and supporting local artists. Our new space is different but just as exciting. It’s packed with printed matter — books, portfolios, and zines — all filled with powerful visuals and ideas that belong just as much on coffee tables as on gallery walls.
More Than a Gallery
We’re artists running an art gallery.
We’re collectors of original artwork, books, and toys.
We’re a place to hang out, connect, and be inspired.
Our hope is that what we curate here expands minds, sparks conversations, and leaves people with memorable experiences.
We’re still here — still building, still believing.
And we know our people are out there.
