The Garage Gallery
The Garage Gallery is a public, street-facing exhibition space on the 1300 block of 9th Avenue in San Francisco's Inner Sunset neighborhood, across from Arizmendi Bakery. Visible at all hours of the day, the gallery will offer an open showcase of visual work — no entrance, no admission, no hours.
Each exhibition will feature six artists — one per display case — unified by a curatorial theme. The Optics Lab will collaborate with local, regional, and international artists to bring visual storytelling to the everyday rhythms of the neighborhood.
Opening Soon
The Garage Gallery is under construction. We're building out the space and finalizing our inaugural exhibition. Sign up for our newsletter to be the first to know when we open.
The Space
Six display cases arranged in an L-shaped configuration, each measuring 15.25" × 11". The gallery faces 9th Avenue and is visible from the sidewalk around the clock.
For Artists
We're accepting proposals for the gallery's first exhibitions. Each show features six artists unified by a curatorial theme, with one display case per artist. We welcome submissions from artists at all stages of their practice — what matters is the work and how it fits within a cohesive group show.
If you have a concept for a themed exhibition, or individual work you'd like considered for an upcoming show, we'd love to hear from you.
Submit a Proposal →Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Garage Gallery?
The Garage Gallery is a street-facing, 24/7 public exhibition space on the 1300 block of 9th Avenue in San Francisco's Inner Sunset, across from Arizmendi Bakery. There is no entrance or admission — work is always visible from the sidewalk for anyone passing by.
How does exhibition scheduling work?
Each exhibition will feature six artists, one per display case, unified by a curatorial theme. All six cases are scheduled together, and exhibitions will typically run for 8–12 weeks.
What are the display case dimensions?
Each of the six display cases measures 15.25 inches wide by 11 inches tall. Each artist in an exhibition is assigned one case, and work should be formatted to fit within these dimensions.
Is there a commission for sales?
Yes. The Garage Gallery takes a flat 25% commission on any sales that result from displayed work. This helps sustain the space and supports our ongoing curatorial efforts.
How do I submit work for consideration?
We welcome submissions from artists at all stages of their practice. Since each exhibition features six artists around a theme, we look for work that can contribute to a cohesive group show. Please reach out via email with a portfolio or project proposal.
Can I propose a themed exhibition?
Absolutely. If you have a concept for a six-artist exhibition that aligns with our focus on visual storytelling and artistic craft, we would love to hear from you. We can help identify additional artists to round out the show if needed.