Thumbprint Gallery

I am reposting this because it is a real review that never should be filtered.
If I could give this gallery a zero I would. From an artist’s perspective they are the worst gallery in San Diego that I have worked with. Hmm, where to begin?
They didn’t mention my ‘solo show’ on social media, but they did to the person that was showing the same day as mine constantly. They also let some random visitor grab my painting off of the wall and pose with it as if it were a prop. And not to worry, they provided a picture of that as well. As if that wasn’t bad enough, one of the co-​owners wanted me to lower the price of my painting because this deranged woman claimed to be the subject of the painting.
They are a money-​hungry ‘gallery.’ A woman was interested in having her portrait done by me, according to the co-​owner, they would have to receive 50% commission because she found me through them. That’s some bullshit. Oh and yes, they run through a 50% commission rate on paintings AND prints. They also almost didn’t pay me for what I sold because they somehow missed an email I had sent them with my address so they could send me my check. I also didn’t like how the co-​owner talked badly about the gallery owners in San Diego, I found that childish and unprofessional.
As you can see, I have nothing but bad things to say about this gallery. From what I experienced, they are very unprofessional. Not sure how they won ‘Best Gallery’ in San Diego because there are plenty of other galleries here that treat the artists with respect and courtesy. I will not be associating myself with them ever again. Artists beware.

Been to a few shows here. Every time was great. Super nice people running it. Just grabbed myself a Tom Haubrick painting. You should too! I’ll be back for the next show. Always a good time. Support your local galleries and artists!

Thumbprint is a great venue for local artists. It’s a small gallery in La Jolla (they started in North Park) that brings in mostly solo shows of local talent.
Don’t let their modest size deceive you, these guys are ACTIVE in the San Diego arts community and this is a huge reason I love them so much. San Diego is FILLED with amazingly talented visual artists and toooooo many flee to cities with a bigger, more active art scene (see: San Francisco, Los Angeles).
I understand their move, but I truly believe that if we give our local talent venues/​events to display their work that our Arts and Culture scene can grow to satisfy the enormous potential it has.
They also throw a lot of one-​off and monthly/​bi-​monthly art events throughout the city that I love attending. Their themes are great and the art that it sparks are equally lovely. The art is also affordable!
PLEASE, PEOPLE. STOP BUYING CRAPPY GRAPHICS PRINTED ON CANVAS FROM TARGET AND BED BATH AND BEYOND. INVEST IN AN ORIGINAL PIECE THAT YOU LOVE FROM A LOCAL ARTIST. I know it takes a lot of time and effort to find one you’re willing to spend money on, but THAT IS THE FUN IN ART SHOPPING.
Plus, it’s a good excuse to get off the couch and away from that TV! ;) And Thumbprint is a solid starting point if you are looking for good local art.
Much love to Paul and Johnny. You guys are great, keep doing what you’re doing. It means a lot to this community and it is much appreciated!

I came here for a local SD artist — Christopher Konecki’s Art Show!
His Art was his Love letter to California. It was Amazingly Awesome!
Now onto the Gallery itself. Its in the heart of La Jolla, tucked away into a building where you would never expect a gallery to be. Now I know when you think Gallery, You may imagine a museum or a hall type of place– Not this place. Its about as small as a bedroom, and not a Master Bedroom. It was teeny tiny. But the art made up for what this venue lacked.
Id go back to this gallery anytime, if it was to support friends. I dont know think Id be scopin it out any other time.

Small little gallery with a huge punch!
Paul and Johnny are amazing for holding down the San Diego art scene by running this venue. They feature local and region artists, producing a full calendar of events, both on site and in other venues.
Each art show is a party but the main focus is the art. They take very good care of the work and their main goal is to showcase the art in the best possible light (figuratively and literally.) They make sure they study each piece so that they can approach each potential buyer with the knowledge needed to present the piece. I can speak from personal experience as I arrived at the gallery early to drop off my artwork, Johnny was training an intern. She had flash cards and she was quized on each piece. That is care and dedication that I appreciate as both a patron and an artist! A few weeks later, I was presented a check of my pieces that they were able to sell.
Both owners and curators are WONDERFUL people– amicable, down-​to-​earth, friendly. I’m definitely a fan of Thumbprint Gallery!

Yes Johnny is an AMAZING DJ… I get that one hundred fold since his spins used to get my «mojo shakin’» at Mosaic Wine Bar on Friday nights. :) I would hire him for that in a minute for any gig I host but that is a different review.
So now, come over here, un-​crimp your little sister’s jeans consider popping a squat, while stroking your «Moses» like beard, do please hear me out before you jump on your Fixie and ride off. Johnny KNOWS art and while I love poking fun at the hipstar culture that has overtaken my neighborhood, all I have to say is: wow, the young artists who display their work here are honestly VERY, VERY talented. If I had unlimited disposable income and a huge house with empty walls, I would just buy my art from the artists I see displayed here at this gallery.
I don’t want to meddle but this artwork is so good that it is worthy of a nod from those who are «long in the tooth» and «well endowed» in the wallet from La Jolla, Del Mar and Rancho Santa Fe. I really think that there needs to be a fusion if you will of the art crowd in San Diego, oil based overly dramatic landscapes are cool when you are 70 but this art at this gallery bends your mind in a different way.
Anyhow, wonderful gallery with a talented owner. Step in for a spell and go have lunch in the neighborhood.

What a great place for local art. It’s small, it’s humble, but it’s quality. What more can you ask for?
Plus, they always have great events with local artists. It’s rare to find a space with people so dedicated to GOOD local art.

As an applied artist, i’ve been involved extensively in the art scene both in san diego and los angeles for most of my life… i am very much impressed with johnny tran and his team at thumbprint gallery… this is an experimental gallery, not scared of trying new things. thumbprint gallery has offered a tremendous amount of support to artists both on and off the grid and despite the size of the space which at times is limited due to the crowd it draws, i would definitely say this is a gallery to watch and attend as they will be doing even greater things in the future, artist/​curator– guy lombardo

Its small, but it packs a lot of heat!
Been here a few times, and yes, the artists are great, and excellent vibes.
Last night I went to the Crow/​Pose2 show… it was FANTASTIC! Shows you how much you can do in such a small place. The art was not just on the canvas, but spread itself around the walls, and bled onto the floors. IMO, these two artists are the premier street artists in SD, even though Maxx Moses (Pose2) isn’t from SD, he is a legend in his own rights starting off in Brooklyn back in the day. Both of these artists not only are innovators and an influence in street art, but also they give a TON back to the community.
Thanks Thumbprint for housing these two artists at your gallery!
P. S. Thumbprint keeps their art prices at modest fees, so art collecting doesn’t have to be only for the rich.
Much LUV

It’s small, but that’s what makes it perfect. They focus on art and the artist and the people. It’s not about the money… it’s not about being fancy… it’s just a couple of guys who opened a gallery and doing what they love to do. How genuine is that?

Thumprint gallery is an innovative and unique gallery.
The artists shown here are the real vibe of the San diego art scene. The shows are very creative and inspirational. Especially enjoy STANZA the poetry event they hold on the first Sunday of the month. A small place with big city style, don’t miss it!

If you haven’t been here before you’re missing out. Huge space that features emerging as well as established artists. Also features local music and poetry. Its within the 8Teen center which is changing names to Queen Bees. Come by, have some fun and get cultured! SUPPORT LOCAL ART!!!

4 stars for always booking quality artists.
–1 star for having to close the only ventilation in the place when the band went on.
Pro Tip: You have to walk into 8teen to get to it in the back. There’s beer and alcohol sales and coffee stand within 8teen. If it’s an opening show there’s most likely food for sale too. There’s no built in sound system so if there’s someone performing it’s going to be their responsibility for how they sound!

Great gallery space, interesting themed group shows. Not a bar; so the primary focus is the art. I love attending shows here.