Gallery 1337 is our flagship gallery at the heart of Art Works Downtown. Facing Fourth Street and serving as the main entrance, Gallery 1337 showcases an ever-changing mix of traditional, contemporary, and cutting-edge art by a diversity of Bay Area artists. Visitors encounter dynamic group shows, high-concept exhibits, and thought-provoking themes that reflect the pulse of today’s art scene.
Upcoming Exhibits
November 21, 2025–January 24, 2026: The Art of Giving: Small Works Exhibit
Gallery 1337
Joy
Jeff Downing, Skipjack, ceramics
Joy celebrates visual-art’s ability to uplift our spirits by showcasing six Bay Area artists embracing positivity in diverse and thoughtful ways. Each connects with joy through their own path—whether rooted in lived experience, a relationship with creativity and materials, or from an intent to awaken a sense of wonder in the viewer. Together, their works form a radiant chorus that affirms joy as both personal and universal, playful yet profound. Visitors are invited to step into this exhibition with an open heart, ready to receive and to enjoy.
Featuring Artists
Melanie Christie, Jeff Downing, Emily Dvorin, Bonnie Kuhr, Stephanie Mohan, Yusuf Ssali
Curator
Susan Press, curator, artist, teacher
Curatorial Statement
When asked to curate this exhibit I began my search to find a select group of artists with the ability to communicate joy through their art. This led me to discover these six Bay Area artists whose work gives me a definite lift of spirit.
Looking at the many Bay Area talented artists, narrowing my search to those expressing this specific emotion was challenging. The pieces of art in this selection are filled with an array of glorious colors, playful imagery, joyful expressions and sometimes, the use of surprising and unusual materials. Many of these artists have also chosen to use recycled materials. The works all have the common ingredient of delight. I have a personal hope that those attending this exhibit will feel the joy emanating from the collection of the art as a whole, as well as from each individual creation. — Susan Press
Melanie Christie
Melanie Christie, Ollie Olly Oxenfree, mixed media
One of the reasons that my work feels joyous is because I am finally making work that expresses my true artistic self. I grew up with parents that were artists and makers, and I have always been drawn to creating things. As early as I can remember I had a paint brush in my hand and in high school I began designing beaded jewelry. At SUNY Purchase I studied costume design and theater tech. My early career was spent as a freelance scenic painter, costumer and decorative artist in and around New York City. After moving to California and having kids I found myself running the art program at the local elementary school. I absolutely loved working with young kids and seeing the happiness that art making brought to them. At the same time I went back to school and got wrapped up in art classes at San Jose State University. There I fell back to painting, but it never felt completely like my true expression. When I came to the medium of mosaic, a door cracked wide open for me artistically. Then as I started to explore the medium more and hone in on my vision, I came back to beads. Now that I have my media figured out I can explore the themes that make me happy.
The entire of process of making beaded sculptures brings me joy. From finding or sculpting the substrate to rummaging through bins of beads to painting collage paper to coming across that perfect vintage item at a tag sale — all of these activities feed different parts of my artistic exploration and that enthusiasm spills over into my work. Often, I draw on the theme of childhood joy — whether it is the anticipation of a first tea party or playing tag with friends on a summer evening. I let my imagination run wild and create a world where tinned fish are sparkly, slithery and spectacular instead of oily, smelly and grey. And I can’t make a fantastical beaded frog without wondering if the smallest kiss would transform him into a prince.
Jeff Downing
Jeff Downing, Saline, ceramics
Originally from New York, I moved to San Francisco at nineteen with just a suitcase and a guitar. My studies in painting and sculpture began at the Academy of Art College. My first ceramics class there was taught by Marin County artist Bill Albright. Further study of ceramic sculpture took place at San Francisco City College with artist Richard Moquin. I received both my Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Art at San Francisco State University, studying under Professors Joe Hawley, David Kuraoka, and Stephen De Staebler. My sculptural work has been shown worldwide, in Europe, Brazil, Mexico, and the United States. Public art sculptures of mine have received awards in New York City, Minnesota and New Jersey. For the past 24 years, I have served as a Professor of Art and Ceramics Area Head at San Francisco State University.
The affinity I have for dogs stems from a lifelong fascination with their expressiveness, intelligence and sensitivity. In studying the dog, I aim to develop a better understanding of the connection between our society and the natural world. The dog’s role in myths and personal reflections reminds us of the joy found in bonds with animals and nature. These loyal animals in our lives represent the comfort and wonder that bring us happiness.
My creative approach ensures that every piece is entirely original. It’s a result of a spontaneous method of working, one that I liken to improvisational music. Having been a composer and musician before devoting my talents to sculpture, I see many parallels between working with clay and jamming on a guitar. My process of shaping the clay, giving it a distinct form, is often sparked by spontaneous creative impulses that are informed by time, rhythm and movement. The surprising and unpremeditated results of this performative approach leave tangible evidence of a moment in time imprinted in the clay. Instead of giving my surfaces a naturalistic appearance, my work is highly articulated with color and patterns, imparting the sculptures with a sense of the emblematic. The gestures that emerge from this process further bolster this abstraction, enabling the figures to point beyond themselves and suggest broader concepts related to human thought and emotion.
Emily Dvorin
Emily Dvorin, Oo-La-La, zippers, thread, buttons, plastic embroidery canvas rope, yarn + cable ties
My early work was creating traditional basketry always with unusual materials. I studied with Carole Beadle for four years in the early 2000’s. Carole encouraged me to “find my voice and do my unique thing”. Story telling is a vital part of my work. I call myself a sculptural basket maker. I am a self-taught, award-winning fiber artist. I teach, mentor, speak and exhibit all around the country. My work focuses on transforming common recognizable materials into innovative, “trans ordinary” vessels that reflect abstract ideas of the world around us, including societal excess and throwaway consumerism. I manipulate, construct, alter, coil and weave to develop pieces that marry modern aesthetic with whimsy and joy.
I strive to change the definition of basketry by exploring contemporary interpretations of traditional craft using non-traditional ingredients.I look at the world differently. I believe anything can be basket material. Thus, as unorthodox mediums are reinterpreted as fibers, I can illustrate the concept that even unexpected objects, that we take for granted, can become works of art.
Bonnie Kuhr
Bonnie Kuhr, Flowering Maple, mixed media
My artistic journey includes a commissioned piece for the National Eagle Center in Minnesota along with a PBS special Things that Fly. From the Fiber Arts Network I received the International Excellence in Fibers Award in the sculptural category. I have had the opportunity to serve as a juror for the Mill Valley Art Festival. My educational background included four semesters of Fiber Sculpture study with acclaimed professor Carole Beadle. Working extensively in this field has led to receiving numerous awards and participation in invitational art shows.
The goal of my work as an artist is to convey a sense of synergism, connectedness and wonder through my presentation of nature. I also consider myself a sculptural artist finding transformation through dimensionality. Equally important is my desire to display beauty and promote happiness through my art while engaging the viewer. I draw inspiration by selecting topics and materials that speak to my commitment to the environment.
This new series is about the importance of flowers and pollinators that provide for the existence of life. In making the selection of materials, the overall concept is communicated through the aesthetics of my art. I use damaged and discarded vinyl records along with repurposed communications wire. These materials can take thousands of years to decompose in landfill. Using unconventional materials requires the creation of new techniques. I enjoy this challenge and find it rewarding when the underlying message is realized through my art. Along the way, I’ve come to understand that a unique medium can provide a new learning experience unveiling something extraordinary. I’m committed to creating art that has a lasting impression, expands the boundaries of creativity and simply brings joy.
Stephanie Mohan
Stephanie Mohan, Flying with Mom, photograph
I have a vivid memory of my father, a very serious man, standing in a small room lit by a single red bulb. It was one of the rare times I saw him genuinely excited. He dropped a piece of photo paper into a tray of chemicals and we watched as an image emerged. That moment stuck with me and it ultimately led me to pursue photography as a career.
I earned my Bachelor of Arts in Photojournalism from San Francisco State University in 1996. Instead of joining a publication, I opened a small portrait studio right in downtown Fairfax, where I’ve been since 2000.
When I photograph someone, I’m always waiting for that split second when they let go-when the posing fades and something real emerges. Maybe it’s a big laugh or an unguarded smile. That’s when their true personality shines through. It’s those unscripted, joyful moments I aim to capture because they can’t be faked and they’re the ones worth remembering.
I became a Fairfax Artist in Residence in 2016. In this role, I created the Fairfax Photo Club and organized the annual Fairfax Art Walk. I work with an organization called Pro Bono Photo, which I donate my time covering Bay Area protests and social justice actions. I love using my camera to give back to the community.
Yusuf Ssali
Yusuf Ssali,Seasons Back Home, mixed media
Yusuf Ssali was born in Kampala, Uganda, and migrated to the United States in 2017. He earned an MFA in Industrial Fine Arts and Design at Makerere University, Kampala. He has exhibited widely throughout Africa, Europe and the United States. His paintings and mixed media works are inspired by the riches of African culture. His work includes abstraction, images of women, animals, landscape, and more recently, urban cityscapes around the Bay Area.
Aside from the riches of Africa, Ssali’s work addresses the challenges the continent faces in the current day. In his abstract paintings Ssali concentrates on the balance between intentionality and spontaneity, incorporating patterns and found objects that literally leap off the canvas in brilliant color. Intentions behind his work include his desire to communicate the connections of love, hope, joy and beauty, of human healing and spiritual growth.
Ssali is Executive Director of Kisa Foundation USA which sponsors Namungoona Children’s Art Center providing free art instruction and practice for Ugandan children.
Curator: Susan Press
The thrill of curating exhibits began for me twelve years ago at the Marinwood Community Center in San Rafael where I continue to curate and install bi-annual themed art shows. I have been serving as the Juror of Selection for frequent shows at the Falkirk Cultural Center in San Rafael. What pleasure it is curating shows here in the Art Works Downtown Galleries. I earned my Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in ceramics and printmaking from the San Francisco Art Institute. Graduate work at San Francisco State University opened the world of teaching for me. Teaching art and guiding students to develop and celebrate their artistic skills provided the excellent background leading to the curation of art shows.
I am currently a member of both the Clay and Glass Association in Palo Alto and the Arts and Crafts Cooperative in Berkeley. My ceramic sculptures have been shown in many galleries throughout the United States. I was honored to receive Artist of the Year award at Marin County Fair fine art division in 2019.
Instagram: @SusanPress11
The Art of Giving: Small Works Exhibit
Call for Entries.org
Apply by: October 16, 2025
Theme:
Art Works Downtown invites artists to share their gift of creativity in The Small Works Exhibit, an annual offering of quality fine art to holiday shoppers and the art-loving public. This dynamic showcase will feature over 80 unique artworks in the award-winning Gallery 1337.
Jurors:
Tara Esperanza and Andrea Guskin, Artist Curators, Mercury 20 Gallery
Artwork Requirements (abbreviated):
You must live in the SF Bay Area, within 100 miles of San Rafael, California.
Size limit: artwork must be smaller than 18”x18”x18”; including frame and all materials.
Open to all visual arts media.
Original artwork only. No giclées or reproductions. Editions are acceptable if they are original.
Artwork must be for sale.
Apply through Call For Entries.org. AWD will not accept hardcopy, email, or disk submissions.
Application fee:
$40 for up to 3 entries. Discount provided to AWD Artist Members. Join today!
Exhibit Schedule (abbreviated):
October 16: entries due via CallForEntry.org
October 23–24: notification by email
November 15–16: 10am–4pm: deliver artwork
December 12 and January 9, 5–8pm: receptions
January 29–31, 12–5:30 pm: retrieve artwork