Works of art attract everyone from billionaires purchasing their hundredth piece to new collectors looking to buy their very first. The art community tends to concentrate in vibrant and flourishing cities, and it has more than made a home for itself in the Bay Area. There are few better places to enjoy paintings, sculptures and mixed media extravaganzas. The 2024 readers’ choice Best of the County winner is Art Works Downtown (pictured above). For the rest of the Marin Magazine‘s Best of Marin County art gallery picks, see below.
Our 2024 Arts & Entertainment category sponsor is Gene Hiller. View the rest of the Arts & Entertainment category here.
We’ve broken it down by region: Southern and Central Marin.
Southern | Central
Southern Marin
Aerena Gallery
Mill Valley
New artists? Established artists? Artists in the middle? Aerena Gallery showcases them all in its galleries or sculpture gardens from Mill Valley to Napa. No matter what kind of collector you are, this is an ideal spot to start in your quest. The gallery’s exhibits focus on anything from bringing an explosion of nature into your home and office, to imaginative and surrealist works sure to make you do a double take. Hours are 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday.
53 Throckmorton Ave., Mill Valley, 707.603.8787
Anthony Meier
Mill Valley
Anthony Meier has been an established private dealer in the secondary market since 1984, but it wasn’t until 2004 that his gallery moved to the hub of California Street in San Francisco. In 2023, the gallery opened another location in a historic building in downtown Mill Valley. The gallery produces five shows a year featuring local and emerging artists, welcoming them to the Bay Area art world with style and acclaim. They also participate in numerous art shows up and down the state, and across the country in New York. Hours are 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday.
21 Throckmorton Ave., Mill Valley, 415.351.1400
Robert Green Fine Arts
Mill Valley
Established in 1969, Robert Green Fine Arts has a long history in the community. Its early mission was to serve WWII soldiers who suffered from PTSD and other trauma responses to help them express difficult emotions through nonverbal creative mediums. Today, it continues that tradition, displaying abstract art featuring evocative takes on color, form and intuitive emotion. Hours are 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. Friday through Sunday, and by appointment Monday through Thursday.
154 Throckmorton Ave., Mill Valley.
Seager Gray Gallery
Mill Valley
First opened in 2005, Seager Gray has established a strong reputation as a contemporary fine art gallery that attracts international artists as well as local newcomers bursting with talent. But their roots are still firmly planted in the community, as they focus on the artistic history of the area through an exploration of mediums such as ceramics, abstract paintings or even handmade book artistry. Walk into their gallery and you’re sure to find quality and mastery of the arts. Hours are 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, 12 p.m. – 5 p.m. Sunday.
108 Throckmorton Ave., Mill Valley, 415.384.8288
Central Marin
Art Works Downtown
San Rafael
Expenses are rising in Marin and artists are at increasing risk of being priced out, but Art Works Downtown, a nonprofit art center, is committed to staying put with a mission to make art visible and accessible for the betterment of all. Drawing from the community as well as from the breadth of creators in the area, Art Works Downtown showcases art in all mediums to inspire the public and encourage aspiring artists to pursue their dreams. After a quarter of a century in business, it is as dedicated as ever to fostering unity and opportunity through the arts in a time where being an artist is getting harder and harder. Hours are 12 p.m. – 6 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday.
1325-1337 Fourth St., San Rafael, 415.451.8119
Garvey|Simon
San Anselmo
Founders Elizabeth Garvey and Catherine Simon have made their business stand out as not only a refined contemporary art gallery, but also as a stage for major female artists of the 20th century and artists from the oft-overlooked Midwest. Simon opened the San Anselmo location with the goal of making the frequently exclusive and highbrow art world more accessible, to assist those who haven’t had the opportunity to learn the ins and outs of creating their own collections. Hours are by appointment only.
538 San Anselmo Ave., San Anselmo, 415.720.9252
Julie Zener Gallery
San Anselmo
Relatively new to the San Anselmo scene, Julie Zener is already making a splash as the place to go for modern art. Both emerging and established artists can find a home inside the gallery. The pristine white walls display paper prints, paintings, photography and plenty more. Whether you’re seeking a piece for your living room, a custom outdoor mural or a rental for your office building, Zener provides a hands-on approach tailored to each customer’s needs and budget. Hours are Wednesday through Saturday by appointment only.
540 San Anselmo Ave., San Anselmo, 415.246.3944
Best of the County Arts & Entertainment Sponsor
Gene Hiller
Gene Hiller Menswear has been providing American gentlemen with the very best clothing from brands like Canali and Brioni since 1953. Gene Hiller is also its own menswear brand designed in house and manufactured in Montreal, Italy and Spain. Owners Tom Gangitano and Wayne Kaleck share more about their storied business.
What’s unique about your business?
Our business is a community business that extends all around the world. We are not only fashion consultants for our clients, but also their personal concierge service. From securing private drivers for airport transfers, booking hotel stays, making reservations — we do it all.
Another element of our success is the longevity of our knowledgeable sales staff, which includes our world renowned tailor shop with Maestro Franco Aulicino.
What you love about living in Marin?
Marin is a very beautiful place — its temperate climate, amazing views and diverse communities — it’s no wonder we all love to live and work here.
Gene Hiller | Sausalito, CA | 415.332.3636 | genehiller.com
