Artist-Xchange

Well, I’m really going to miss this place. Artist-​Xchange gave me one of my very first art shows back in 2004 and it’s possible I may have sold my first piece ever here. I made some great friends amongst the exhibiting artists and made some great connections. More importantly, made a rock of stability out of its presence in the neighborhood. As long as AX was there, I knew my neighborhood hadn’t changed that much.
Now the reality is really setting in. This is the second business of friends that has closed down in the last few months.
However, Scott told me I could show here again several months ago. No wonder he said yes. Haha.

Great selection of matted prints, artwork, photographs, and handmade jewelry. Ran in to grab a birthday gift and came out with much more. I bought two prints and a pair of earrings. All beautiful, however, i just wish the person behind the counter would have perhaps told me more about each artist or have asked if I was looking for anything in particular.
I would like to say that they have some unique and interesting things to put up on your walls; prints/​art nicely sized for most urban walls. Most definitely on my list next time I need to fill a spot on my wall with unique art.

I’m really happy with the earrings I bought at Artist-​Xchange. Both of them are by Kalyle Origami. The pair I bought for my sister comprises a red and green paisley pattern folded into the shape of regal birds, one for each ear; upon reflection, I think they might be cranes. Poised royally, the birds dangle at a nice length, separate tail feathers jutting dramatically to add even more height. Red and green beads add interest at the ear lobe.
My white pair contrasts nicely with my dark brown hair. Pink beads sit up top, leading to Pegasus origami formations. They are huge and dramatic and wonderful. I’ve already received a lot of compliments and enjoy telling people in Atlanta, «Why thank you! I got them in San Francisco.»

Very clever art. Prices are a bit high, but some of these are worth it. Check it out!

I loved this place the moment I stepped in. The person at the front greeted me as soon as I entered. As I took time to look around, I was amazed at all the beautiful displays of jewelry, wall paintings, ceramics, and sculptures. I especially liked the hand sculptures, pretty cool! It’s wonderful that there are places like this that support local artists. I saw a few things I wished I had the money to buy, otherwise I would of came out of this place with an armload art pieces enough to decorate my house and a collection of beautiful jewelry.

You couldn’t ask for a more unpretentious art gallery. This place rocks! I love browsing the unique and locally made artwork. It’s also great that they constantly have new featured artists. It’s a small space, but it does the job! Thanks for continuing to make art cool, interesting and for all.

This is an awesome gallery and they treat artists really well. Check out the locally-​made art, paintings, photography, jewelry, cards etc.

This is one of my favorite spots in the Mission. I love stopping in to browse through the local art, and I have found some awesome stuff to fill my walls! I think it’s very reasonably priced for the most part. (I did ask for a discount on two paintings last time and after checking with the artist, I saved a little $). They also have a fantastic selection of simple and beautiful jewelry. I don’t make it in very often so it works for me, but I don’t think the inventory changes that often.

Smart business model gets a lot of art on the walls and the rend paid. Also, you get to see what real artists are making. These are artists who work for a living, and make art for life. It’s just my speed — I love emerging art.
The space is small. The gallery is set up more like a store than a gallery. It’s really an art emporium. Such, there is a lot to see, and all of it is competing for your attention when you enter. You determine whether that’s good or bad; for me, I like it because the gallery is as creatively done as the artwork it houses. It’s all affordable, so this is the commoner’s place for art. There’s just not enough exhibition space in this town for emergents. Artists Exchange is a welcome dot on the map!

Every time I have gone into this gallery I have come out with a beautiful piece of individual art from a local artist. That’s all I need to give a 4 star recommendation.
I don’t give five stars only because I wish there were a bit more frequent turnover of new pieces/​artists.

Great space that promotes local and emerging artists. I have seen some amazing pieces move through this venue, and wish money was never an object. Along with their standard art objects they also carry a large selection of jewelry; including some incredible recycled pieces made of old watch parts, typewriters keys, and such made by The Brown Banana.

They have interesting art and accessories from a variety of artists in one space. The displays are nice and well spaced so even though there was a lot in there, it was not overwhelming.
I saw some bracelets and hair clips from an artist who was at Feria Urbana before Christmas. I’m glad I made my purchases from him directly because it was significantly less expensive. But for people who don’t frequent those kind of things, it’s great there is a place like this for artists to display and sell their work.

A wonderful selection of art, wall décor and jewelry. I’ve picked up a few things for my home and I’ve been pleasantly pleased with the quality of the work and integrity of the artists they present. Though some pieces seem a bit overpriced, I won’t deny that there is some great talent here. The service was completely professional and accommodating and the space inviting. I will def keep an eye out for new things and pop in every now and then!

Spectacular art! There has always been a stand out artist that makes me say, «Yah, I want that in my house, «or «Yah, I want to MAKE that!» Half the stuff I do. not. like. But that’s why you guys shop there too! «Different strokes, bum ba dum, for different folks. «It is unpretentious. The quality is good and goes full throttle, hence my serious dislike of some the art. But what’s up with some of the lame blah stuff?
You guys see the photographs of words that were mounted like a photo collection? It’d be photos of different places and different words, mounted visually to read something like, «Eat Out or Put Out, «The words were photos of different signs so, red neon «eat,» in and out’s «out,» or was half of an oregon bumper sticker, etc. Very cool.

I was out in the mission, although i try to avoid it and saw some really great hangings on the wall. There also seemed to be a buzz in the place, so I jumped in. I Met my current crush (and my introducer to Unilocal) here on one of the first Fridays of each month that have an artist opening. She had her eye on the painting that made me come in and we chatted about the artist, who was also there. It’s local and cool, and I like that the owners know so much about each artist they represent in the store. Well done.

Whenever I come here, it takes every single ounce of my strength and discipline not to buy a gazillion items. They carry paintings, jewelry, home décor, bags, belts, wallets, etc. from local artists. It’s all unique and well made. If you’re not in the market to buy something for yourself, you’re guaranteed to find a great gift for someone else.
Okay, so I admit, on my last visit here, I did end up buying two of Niana Liu’s SF neighborhood postcards. Someday, I’ll upgrade to the actual watercolor paintings.

If the girl I’m subletting from didn’t leave her own weird art all over the walls, I would totally consider investing in a piece from artist xchange. It’s a good place to get starter art for those on a budget, and I really like the work they carry there. Plus, they have beautiful jewelry for $ 50-​$ 100. The only things I’ve been able to purchase, unfortunately, are a magnet and a postcard.

I really dig this store, I think of it as an artistic candy shop with lots of really cool original art work and jewelry pieces all made by local artists and reasonably and affordably priced. I find myself gleefully coming in here each time I’m on the 16^th street drag strip.
This is definitely one of my favorite places to find some cool original jewelry pieces. I have one necklace made by a local artist of which I get a lot of compliments on. So it goes without saying that you don’t have to fork over big bucks for great jewelry or art, you just have to know where to go!

If Holly Golightly gave up being a call girl and opened an art gallery, it would look something like Artists X-​Change.
This is one cool place, and I barely noticed it except that my friend made us stop in after we overstuffed ourselves at the Pork Store Café a few doors down. There is a variety of works by an even greater variety of local artists. Some are bizarre like these hanging wall vases that look slightly deflated condoms… not that I would know what those would look like.
Lots of paintings… one my friend loved was a cat sprawled like a Wilhelmina model after a rough night at Studio 54. One artist took Polaroids of words on various outdoor signs and spelled out sayings in linear montage photo frames. My favorite saying? «I…love…the…hole…and…the…pole.»
There was even a listening station to spotlight CDs of local musicians which you can buy there. Of course, a lot of the art was pricey, but what price art? Definitely check it out.

Are you an emerging artist? Well, Artist-​Xchange might just be the place for you. My first visit to this gallery was with a fellow artist friend and we both agreed that it was a nice little dig.
It’s off of Valencia street, which is an eclectic amalgamation of nifty bookstores, coolness, nice sprinkling of popular bars and restaurants. The space is pretty amazing considering that it is a place for obscure to well known local artists. The staff is gregarious and helpful.
Best of all? You can afford the art. From originals to giclee prints, you can invest in some art that you can actually appreciate over time. Another commendable element of this art gallery is the diverse types (representational to abstract). Definitely worth a visit while you’re strolling on Valencia!