Wednesday, July 3, 2013

Herro...

Friends,

If you're reading this then you probably have way too much time on your hands!  Get back to fb stalking! So on the suggestion of some friends, I thought it would be interesting to share my experience with the 'Sunnyvale Art Gallery'.  Although times have been both good and bad, it's been an amazing experience and a blessing that I would do all over again in a heartbeat.  Here's a quick rundown of the spot to get you up to date. 

History
I first got got the keys to 251 West El Camino (10,000 sq ft) in early 2009 with the task of opening an art gallery/cafe.  After about 9 months of planning permits, construction, and hard labor, we opened our doors October 17th, 2009.  The first 6 months were straight ludacrious speed and I definitely learned many 'business lessons' those first few months.  In order to survive, my parents brought their flower shop of 30 years in the same building to help with the cost of rent.  Thus the place evolved to an art gallery/cafe/florist...and now to an art gallery/cafe/florist/art supply store/art classes/music venue...(haha, we got to do what we got to do to!!)

Positives
A whole lot of good has gone through this place.  Our mission was to 'Create Community through Art' and I think in that aspect the gallery has been a huge success.  Open mics, fundraisers, toastmasters, and monthly art exhibitions (FUHSD, Academy of Art, SVOS, Sunnyvale/Los Altos/Cupertino/Santa Clara Art Clubs, benefit shows, and multiple 'life's work' of an artist, etc...). When I look back to all those memories it makes 'the struggle' worth it.

I want to share a specific feel good story:

A 90 year old women named Jean came to the gallery as a member of the Sunnyvale Art Club.  Story goes she picked up painting just a few years ago as a hobby in her elder age.  Her paintings were amateurish but she thought it would be fun to display them at the gallery anyways.  And then she sold one of her paintings....and then another...then another...and then a few more.  People liked her style and subject matter.  With each painting sold she felt inspired to paint more and her skill went up exponentially.  One day she said to me, 'Tim, I feel like an actual artist!!' with this childish grin.  I saw how 'art' changed her life, and I knew at that moment that what we were doing here was good.  

Negatives
The place just doesn't making enough money...it's a miracle we've been able to stay in business this long.  work...work...work...no social life...no time...no money...lots of debt...lots of stress...but we gonna keep going till the police are at our door with an eviction notice.


Leveling Up
We've been able to make money here and there to survive but haven't been able to 'kill it' if ya know what I mean.  I think a big part of that is poor planning, lack of capital/experience/execution/marketing and spreading myself too thin.  To help pay for operation costs I've had to pick up some other jobs which spreads myself even more.  The beauty of this place though is there is so much potential still!

Times running out as always but I'm finally now in a position to take some steps to level this place up.

Much Love
SAG would not have existed without the help of so many people.  From my friends and family to the generous neighbors who have supported this place with their time, energy, and ideas...and especially to the donors who hooked me up with loans and even allowed me to pay them back later then I had originally planned.  You know who you are...thank you, thank you, thank you, and much love.  I work tirelessy when I think of ya'll and the belief ya'll had in me.


For those who want to waste some more time, I'll try to share what's happening at the gallery...changes and progress we gonna make...and some feel good stories as well as some venting :)





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