Press
20 Best Corporate Event Venues in San Diego, CA
Teambuilding.com
September 2023
Set up a walking distance from the San Diego Convention Center, Sparks Gallery showcases and sells contemporary artwork by Southern California artists. The gallery focuses on impressionistic and surreal artwork and showcases curated, solo, and collaborative exhibitions. Event planners will also love the gallery’s spaces which are ideal for different event setups. The event space inside the historic Sterling Hardware Building features exposed red brick walls, high ceilings, and vintage wood floors. The 4,500-square-foot venue accommodates 100 seated guests and 350 attendees for a standing event. Since Sparks Gallery has a flexible vendor policy, you can use your vendors or the venue’s recommendations.
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Próxima inauguración de “Illustrating Spain in the US” en Sparks Gallery
El Latino (ellatinoonline.com)
July 2023
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Sonya Sparks Interviewed for Art World News Magazine
Art World News Magazine
May 2023
San Diego, CA-based Sparks Gallery, founded in 2013, has resumed gallery events which are more than just sipping wine and looking at new work. Owner Sonya Sparks says that returning to a pre-Covid schedule has been well-received by her clients.
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American Art Awards
American Art Awards
April 2023
The AMERICAN ART AWARDS board chooses only one gallery or museum or art center per state per year. Sparks Gallery was selected for 2023.
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Mentioned in The Knot: Roundup of the Best Bridal Shower Venues in San Diego
The Knot
February 2023
For a vintage San Diego experience inspired by the artists that abound in Southern California, look to Sparks Gallery in the Gaslamp Quarter. The tall ceilings and exposed brick compliment the art that adorns the walls of owner Sonya Sparks' establishment. This unique spot stands ready to host the most intricate shower.
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A Space That Can Tell a Story – Sparks Gallery
Go Solo
January 2023
Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in fine arts but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Sonya Sparks, Owner and Curator of Sparks Gallery, located in San Diego, CA, USA.
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The Buzz: Cross-Border Group Exhibition Explores Bi-Nationality at Sparks Gallery
Vanguard Culture
December 2022
This iteration of Paisanos brings together 17 two-dimensional artworks whose narratives are inspired by proximity to the border, as well as a life lived in continuous movement between two countries.
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Cross-Border art exhibit to be unveiled at Sparks Gallery
La Revista Nacional - Urban Binational Magazine
December 2022
"Paisanos, a project coordinated by the Instituto Municipal de Arte y Cultura de Tijuana, is dedicated to developing a formal discussion surrounding migration and movement, and has brought together a collection of two-dimensional artworks whose narratives are inspired by their creator’s proximity to the border and life between two countries."
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Artist Khalid Alkaaby Sees the Light
San Diego U-T
August 2022
“For me, this was like an awakening of how important it is that we connect to each other and to be kind,” Alkaaby says. “I thought that this is what we really need — that hope, and that’s what this exhibition is about. The journey of light.”
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A Convoluted Rollercoaster Ride: Sterling Hardware Building
The Gaslamp Quarter Historical Foundation
June 2022
"From the first sale in 1867 of Lot I on Block 083/96, from Alonzo Horton to Jacob Lehr for $150, this modest property has been a whirlwind of activity. To say that numerous and complicated title transfers are recorded would be an understatement...The Sparks Gallery, present day owners, now call this well-traveled building their home. The spacious gallery features original contemporary artwork, jewelry and vintage collectibles, and additionally serves as a venue for art shows and events."
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Paint It Snack: Local Artist Duke Windsor Creates Enticing Hamburger Still Lifes…
San Diego Magazine
June 2022
"Inspired by the Dutch masters whose paintings he used to walk by while working at the Timken and Mingei museums, Windsor uses acrylics and the classic technique of gold leaf gilding to create still lifes that are as accomplished as they are enticing."
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Duke Windsor’s Paintings of Juicy Burgers Inspire More Than Hunger
Cuisine Noir
April 2022
"Windsor believes art has no limitations and the burgers were a different type of still life food painting. He sees it as a “tongue and cheek” painting since burgers have changed from being simple and ordinary to upscale food."
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Charlene Mosley: Painter Channels Her Unique American Journey Into a Solo Exhibition at Sparks Gallery
San Diego Union Tribune
March 2022
"It's about pollinators both in the literal and symbolic sense," Mosley says. "It's about focusing more on the things that are so little and we think are fragile, but that are so important to everything else."
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Artist Perry Vásquez offers his version of a Southern California ‘Oasis’
San Diego Union Tribune
October 2021
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5 Works Of Art To See In San Diego – KPBS
KPBS San Diego
May 2021
Sien Collective is a collaboration between artists Siobhán Arnold and Meagan Shein, and they've installed a beautiful, suspended sculptural work at Sparks Gallery downtown. The installation consists of approximately 200 hand-sewn translucent flowers made from discarded thin plastics. The pieces float overhead and are part fluffy cloud, part moon jelly, part fairy magic and part surreal pastoral dream.
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In ‘Glimmer’ series, artist Julia San Roman finds the light
San Diego Union Tribune
March 2021
"San Diego-based painter channels hope and catharsis in her ‘Glimmer’ series, currently at Sparks Gallery"
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Julia San Román feature in Modern Luxury San Diego Magazine
Modern Luxury San Diego
February 2021
"California artist Julia San Román will showcase her vibrant contemporary works in a solo exhibition at Sparks Gallery in downtown San Diego.
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Exhibited Artist, Derek Weiler, Discusses His Latest Body Of Work
HereIn Journal
February 2021
Interview conducted by Emily Knapp | Photo: Grant Knapp
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Duke Windsor in ArtMarket
ArtMarket
January 2021
ArtMarket interviews represented artist Duke Windsor in a feature of his golden alleyways series.
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“Segues” in Modern Luxury San Diego
Modern Luxury Magazine
December 2020
Modern Luxury highlights Jens Rossen's solo exhibition, "Segues".
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Meet Sonya Sparks
Shoutout Socal
November 2020
Shoutout Socal sits down with owner and curator of Sparks Gallery, Sonya Sparks, to learn more about her path starting a fine art gallery in Downtown San Diego.
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Pattern Play with Monty Montgomery
Polychromist
November 2020
Polychromist's Sarah Grossman captures the essence of Monty Montgomery's new mural in an editorial session at Sparks Gallery.
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Fine Art Connoisseur Features Contemporary California Sculpture
Fine Art Connoisseur
January 2020
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Interview with the Artists Representing Sparks Galley at KAABOO 2019
Art Guide San Diego
September 2019
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How artist Duke Windsor found creative riches in the streets of San Diego
San Diego Union Tribune
December 2019
In Windsor’s new solo show at the Sparks Gallery in the Gaslamp Quarter, the 59-year-old artist gives the streets we know the lightest dusting of magic. He gives us everyday San Diego scenes that glow with new possibility. The show is called “Radiance,” and by illuminating the ordinary, Windsor’s art shows us what is extraordinary about the artist.
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Nerdist Presents the Borderlands Museum of Mayhem
SDCC Unofficial Blog
July 2019
Nerdist is bringing the Borderlands Museum of Mayhem to SDCC 2019 at the Sparks Gallery in the Gaslamp Quarter. From 12:00PM to 8:00PM PT Friday and Saturday and 12:00PM to 5:00PM PT on Sunday, Borderlands fans can immerse themselves in never-before-seen Borderlands 3 artwork, fan art, and interactive experiences.
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San Diego artist is Abducting Reality
Pacific Magazine
February 2019
Works on display at Sparks Gallery exhibit from artist Alex Arshansky capture the eyes with colorful, figurative and abstract works. Arshansky recently opened his latest exhibit, Abducting Reality, at Sparks Gallery in downtown San Diego, which incorporates palmistry and conceptual randomness into his work. In the exhibit, Arshansky captures the eyes and minds of art lovers with colorful, figurative and abstract works...
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New exhibit showcases work by artists with ties to Space 4 Art
San Diego Union-Tribune
October 2018
A new exhibit at Sparks Gallery downtown, titled “Convergence — Space 4 Art,” is showcasing the work of artists “who have lived, worked, and developed their careers at Space 4 Art” — artists like founders Bob Leathers and Cheryl Nickel, May Ling Martinez, Siobhan Arnold and Derek Weiler.
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Lexy’s Local: Artists Evgola and Optimus Volts take KAABOO
ALT 94.9 San Diego's Alternative
September 2018
We hit KAABOO this weekend, but not just for the music. Each year, KAABOO hosts an army of artists, local and otherwise in a space called The Palette. We had two artists that we knew we couldn't miss: Evgeniya Golik (Evgola) and Optimus Volts.
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As seen in new exhibit ‘Float,’ San Diego artist Richard Becker’s work has become more playful
San Diego Union-Tribune
August 2018
For the past few years, Richard Becker has been drawn to things that are light and bright. “It’s the first time I’m doing something non-classically anatomical,” he said of the whimsical children he creates out of stainless steel and calls “tots.” His new work will be the subject of a solo exhibition called “Float” at the Sparks Gallery in downtown.
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Nerdist House Takes Over SG For Comic Con
Nerdist.com
July 2018
Legendary Networks' Nerdist House takes over Sparks Gallery for this year's Comic Con. Nerdist House is open to the public and free of charge, and you do not need a Comic-Con badge to attend. Follow @nerdist on Twitter using #NerdistHouse
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Mini Exhibition at Sparks Gallery
San Diego Union-Tribune
June 2018
Don’t let their size fool you. The pieces of artwork on display at Sparks Gallery right now may be small — the show is dubbed a “mini exhibition” — but the creative force behind them is hardly tiny.
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Pulse: March Art Beat
Pacific San Diego
February 2018
Artist Alexander Arshansky takes the images from his subconscious and transfers them into paintings on canvas to create his "biomorphic cubism" style.
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Top Weekend Events: Beyond the Eyes
San Diego Union-Tribune
June 2018
San Diego artist Gloria Muriel has charmed both art lovers and everyday folk for years with her magical drawings, paintings and murals. Now, Sparks Gallery unveils the artist’s work in a new exhibition, “Beyond the Eyes,” showcasing Muriel’s signature style of imaginative and colorful characters.
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4 Young, Contemporary Art Galleries to Explore in San Diego
San Diego Tourism Authority
May 2018
Beaches and breweries aren’t the only sceneries well worth your time in San Diego. Recent years have seen startup galleries and spaces burst onto the scene dedicated to featuring this homegrown talent. Here are some of the best stops around town.
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Look ‘Beyond the Eyes’ at New Exhibition
Pacific San Diego
April 2018
Renowned San Diego artist Gloria Muriel has charmed both art lovers and everyday folk for years with her magical drawings, paintings and murals. Sparks Gallery unveils the artist’s work in a new exhibition, Beyond the Eyes, showcasing Muriel’s signature style of imaginative and colorful characters.
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6 Artists from San Diego to Know
Culture Trip
March 2018
While San Diego’s art scene may not have the clout of Los Angeles or San Francisco, the city is home to vibrant street art and an ever-growing number of galleries. As the city’s art community continues to grow, here are six local artists you should know about, including Monty Montgomery and Alexander Arshansky.
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‘Seeing is Believing” during Surrealist exhibition at Sparks Gallery
Pacific San Diego
January 2018
There’s no need for LSD or magic mushrooms to take a mind trip at the new Surrealism show 'Seeing is Believing'. Opening at Sparks Gallery on Jan. 6, the exhibition features 30+ paintings, photographs, sculptures and drawings sprung from the inner minds of 21 SoCal artists.
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A Lifetime of Creativity – Lenore Simon at Sparks Gallery
Widewalls
December 2017
A survey spanning one wondrous woman’s prolific artistic practice, the exhibition at Sparks Gallery will feature a diverse body of work including monoprint, assemblage, serigraph aquatint, drypoint, ink, mixed media, and more.
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Pulse: Art Beat
Pacific San Diego
November 2017
Artist Lenore Simon took on learning digital illustration in her 80s, and this exhibit will feature her earliest works alongside her latest foray into digital art.
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Art of the Holidays
SD City Beat
December 2017
Speaking of multi-disciplinary artists, Lenore Simon: Quest, which opens on Saturday at Sparks Gallery (530 Sixth Ave., Downtown) from 6 to 9 p.m. (RSVP is recommended at sparksgallery.com), is a decades-long survey of Simon’s works, which range from monoprints and mixed media, to assemblage and, most recently, digital illustration.
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Meet Sonya Sparks of Sparks Gallery in Gaslamp
SD Voyager
December 2017
I think success (in a traditional business sense) is a profitable business that has long-term prospects for growth, prosperity and community impact. On a personal level, success for me is helping to fulfill the needs of my family and participate in the community, as well as having goals and being able to reach them, while providing an experience and value to those who have interest in what I do.
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Lenore Simon art exhibition at Sparks Gallery on Widewalls
Widewalls
December 2017
A San Diego-based artist and printmaker, Lenore Simon has been working tirelessly across seven decades, creating art characterized by constant experimentation and a deft use of techniques and materials.
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Artists of KAABOO: Gloria Muriel & Alex Banach
Art Guide San Diego
September 2017
Gloria Muriel (a.k.a. Glow) and Alex Banach create works that are at once beautiful and mysterious, with undertones of the spiritual and mystical...This year for KAABOO they will have an installation, made with acrylic paint on wood panels and diamond structure, near the entrance to the Sunset Cliffs Main Stage.
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Art Beat: October Gallery and Exhibit Openings
Pacific San Diego Magazine
September 2017
Heavily influenced by biology, this original collection uses abstract ideas of sculpture, traditional forms of jewelry and the human body to create pieces intended to function as separate organisms living with their human hosts.
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Meet the Next Artist of Rabbitville: Lee Sie
Gaslamp Quarter Blog
June 2017
Lee Sie is a photographer who was born in Utrecht Netherland, grew up in Northern California, and now resides here in sunny San Diego. Lee heard about the “Rabbitville” public art program through Sparks Gallery- 530 Sixth Ave, which has a lot of his work exhibited and available for collectors.
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Iceland Meets San Diego In Leah Pantea’s Abstractions
Luxe Daily
September 2017
Gallery Selections artist Leah Pantea was recently the subject of a profile in Luxe Daily. See the dream-like works featured in this profile at Sparks Gallery as part of the Gallery Selections exhibition through 10/29, or any time on our website.
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Symbiosis Exhibition Gratitude List
Alexandra Hart Blog
October 2017
Reflecting on the incredible lead-up to our amazing opening night spectacle at Sparks Gallery, I am overwhelmed with gratitude for everyone who participated in every way! There’s no such thing as a “solo show,” really. So many people are involved in putting an exhibition event together, and this one was self-consciously symbiotic and collaborative!
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ARTISTS + GALLERIES Panel Discussion
The Studio Door: YouTube
August 2017
Sparks Gallery staff members Emily Knapp and Jessica Amaya joined Gallery Directors Alexander Salazar (Alexander Salazar Fine Art), Patric Stillman (The Studio Door) and Lynn Susholtz (Art Produce) in a panel discussion regarding the process of building relationships between artists and galleries. Watch the full talk on The Studio Door's YouTube from the link below.
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Big Things to Come From Miniature Artwork
Pacific Magazine
August 2017
Have a love for art but think you can’t afford it? Fascinated by all things tiny? Then this is the place to check out. A group exhibition at Sparks Gallery in downtown, titled Minis, not only has art that is unique and miniature (with every piece sized at 10-inches by 10-inches or smaller), but the price tags are wallet friendly too (at $200 or less).
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Neighborhood Guide: Gaslamp Quarter
San Diego Magazine
October 2017
Located in a former hardware building, this industrial-style gallery highlights contemporary pieces by Southern California artists. "Gallery Selections"showing works picked by the Sparks staff through October 29th including Alexander Arshansky's Cubist-inspired pieces.
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KAABOO Del Mar 2017 on Widewalls
Widewalls
September 2017
Nearly 100 installations by national and global artists will be in place ahead of KAABOO Del Mar, while many more will be creating during the festival itself, making this event one of Southern California’s largest contemporary art fairs. The pop-up exhibitions will be curated by numerous participating galleries, including Sparks Gallery (San Diego).
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Pulse: Gallery Exhibition Preview August
Pacific San Diego Magazine
August 2017
Gallery Selections 2017 / A Group Show: Take a look at selections from gallery staff members who each chose three artists and their artwork to feature in different media, resulting in more than 30 pieces from a diverse group of regional artists.
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Summer Art Show Preview: Minis
San Diego City Beat
May 2017
No, it’s not an exhibition of those silly British clown cars. It is, however, one of the more fun annual shows of the year. The premise is simple enough: Dozens of artists create works that are no larger than 10 inches by 10 inches and sell them for less than $200. Artists include CityBeat faves such as Peter J. Geise, Hill&Stump and Monty Montgomery.
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Allied Forces
San Diego City Beat
May 2017
For more than 70 years, the Allied Craftsmen of San Diego organization have been known for members who have dedicated their lives to crafting beautiful and awe-inspiring pieces out of wood, metal, glass, textiles and more. Still, while the group itself defines its membership requisite as “any serious craft,” these members aren’t dabblers.
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View into the Craft – Artist Talk at Sparks Gallery
Art Guide San Diego
April 2017
"The artist talk at Sparks Gallery on April 13th, featured three artists Michelle Kurtis Cole, Michael Carini and Brady Willmott, who are all part of the current group show “Edge Of The Ocean”. The group also got an unscheduled bonus in hearing artist Alex Arshansky talk about his new work for the group show."
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Gaslamp Getaway
Gaslamp Quarter Association
March 2017
"Sparks was our favorite, with it's dark highly polished wood floors, contrasting perfectly with exposed weathered brick walls to soar some twenty feet to the exposed rafters of the roof."
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Open House San Diego: A free architectural ‘mystery tour’
San Diego Union Tribune
March 2017
"The San Diego Architectural Foundation is putting 47 places on view in and around downtown in its first full-fledged 'Open House' tour program, becoming only the third U.S. city to do so, after New York and Chicago." Sparks Gallery is among the "10 places not to miss" alongside Gas Lamp neighbors Roesling Nakamura Terada Architects and the San Diego Chinese Historical Museum.
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Li Huai’s You Fascinate Me to be shown at Sparks Gallery
San Diego Community News
March 2017
La Jolla’s renowned resident artist Li Huai will celebrate a solo show titled “You Fascinate Me!” at San Diego’s Sparks Gallery on Saturday, March 11. “You Fascinate Me!” is thematically sectioned in three parts, “All That Grandeur,” “All That Romance” and “All That Radiance.” Huai noted that the exhibit exemplifies, in part, her love for travel.
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UCSD Artist Set to ‘Fascinate’ Downtown San Diego
UC San Diego News
March 2017
With a goal of engaging the greater San Diego community in her work—not unlike the university’s own efforts to reach beyond campus—Li Huai is opening a solo exhibition titled “You Fascinate Me” March 11 at the Sparks Gallery in the Gaslamp Quarter in Downtown San Diego. "Every artist has a voice, and I want to take this opportunity to really express myself and make myself available to local artists and viewers," shared Huai.
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Pulse: Artist Talk on Southern California Sculpture
Pacific San Diego
March 2017
Sparks Gallery's closing reception and artist talk for our inaugural show of 2017, Southern California Sculpture, was a recommended March event in Pacific San Diego Magazine's "Pulse" cultural round-up. Richard Becker's "The Tot" was featured.
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Pulse: What to See in March / April
Art Ltd
March 2017
Sparks Gallery exhibition "Edge of the Ocean" is featured in Art Ltd's Pulse section as an exhibition to see this spring. See featured work "Sirens" by Stefanie Bales alongside 35 other artistic interpretations of the San Diego coast through May 21st.
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Inspired by Animals and Nature
Uptown News
February 2017
Uptown News profiles Monica Hui Hekman whose work "Manta Ray" and book "Animals on Land: Portraits & Poetry" are featured as part of our "Edge of the Ocean" exhibition through May 21st. “I find great joy in creating with my hands and connecting people through my art” the 33-year-old City Heights resident said.
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Collect an Ocean of Talent
Fine Art Connoisseur
February 2017
"Featuring the works of nearly 40 accomplished artists, “Edge of the Ocean” is a large group exhibition at San Diego’s Sparks Gallery that’s a must-see. Along with some photography, the show largely features realist paintings of maritime subjects and seascapes. More specifically, show curators asked artists to create works inspired by the San Diego coastline."
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Best of San Diego Downtown: Silver Winner for Best Art Gallery
San Diego Downtown News
February 2017
Sparks Gallery was recently awarded Silver in Downtown San Diego News' Best of Downtown News poll. This is the second year in a row Sparks Gallery has been recognized by the tens of thousands of readers of this essential community guide. We're thankful for the continued support of the downtown community.
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Art Fix: The Sparks Gallery Presents Sculptors of Southern California
Check/In San Diego: A Lifestyle Guide by the Sofia Hotel
February 2017
The Gas Lamp's historic Sofia Hotel in downtown San Diego's West End has been charming visitors to "America's Finest City" since 1927. We're grateful for the recent feature in this world class destination's carefully curated lifestyle guide, Check In, recommending our Southern California Sculpture show. "It’s always worth visiting the Sparks Gallery on a San Diego visit, as it focuses on promoting the works of artists from the city and Southern California in general."
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February Pulse: Art Beat
Pacific San Diego
January 2017
"Sirens" by Stefanie Bales, a part of Sparks Gallery's Edge of the Ocean exhibition, was featured in Pacific San Diego Magazine's "February Pulse: Art Beat" in promotion of our opening reception on February 19th.
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National Sculpture Society kicks off exhibition at Sparks Gallery
Pacific San Diego
January 2017
The oldest organization of sculptors in the country (clocking in at over 120 years), the prestigious National Sculpture Society selected 23 top artists from Southern California for the Sparks Gallery show, Southern California Sculpture: A Group Show.
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Exhibition brings national sculpture artists to downtown gallery
Pacific San Diego
January 2017
From the figurative to conceptual, and the classically elegant to the downright playful, Southern CA Sculpture, A Group Show has a piece for every type of art lover. At Sparks Gallery in downtown San Diego through March 5, the show is the inaugural exhibition of the National Sculpture Society’s Southern California division.
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Good Morning San Diego: Sparks Gallery / ART SD 16
KUSI
November 2016
Good Morning San Diego joined owner Sonya Sparks and artist Alexander Arshansky at Sparks Gallery's Art SD '16 booth for a behind the scenes look at Arshansky's artistic practice and a preview of the gallery's festival booth.
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San Diego Cultural Explorers: Physique
San Diego Cultural Explorers
August 2016
The San Diego Cultural Explorers share cultural activities and events in San Diego, creating a unique network to promote their businesses. The Explorers joined Sparks Gallery for the opening reception of "Physique" and created a video recap of their experience in the gallery.
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Capturing the Physique – A Live Demonstration by Anna Stump at Sparks Gallery
Art Guide San Diego
October 2016
On October 14th, Anna Stump, an accomplished San Diego based artist and educator, gave a live drawing and painting demonstration at Sparks Gallery, which I had the good fortune to attend. I got there a little early and was able to peruse the current Physique exhibition, where Anna is represented, and the reason for the demonstration with live models. I was near the back of the gallery when I heard the music start.
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Exhibit ‘celebrates the elegance of nature in the animal kingdom’
SD Uptown News
November 2016
Uptown residents Greg Bada, Stephanie Clair, Monica Hui Hekman, Amy Paul and Kelly Paige Standard will be among 32 area artists featured in “Animalia/A Group Show,” opening Nov. 12 at Sparks Gallery.
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Local artist is part of Sparks Gallery’s new animal exhibit
Del Mar Times
November 2016
Encinitas painter Heather Lenefsky is one of 32 San Diego artists whose work will be on display as the Sparks Gallery presents “Animalia/A Group Show,” beginning Saturday, Nov, 12.
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Animalia mostrará obras de la artista mexicana, Gloria Muriel
San Diego Union-Tribune
November 2016
A profile on Sparks Gallery represented artist Gloria Muriel on the occasion of the opening of Animalia: A Group Show featuring works by 32 Southern California artists, including Muriel.
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In her new gallery, artist finds her own narrative
San Diego Union-Tribune
November 2016
A Q&A with Sparks Gallery Owner and Curator Sonya Sparks on her life-long passion for the arts, why she loves calling Kensington home, and the vibrancy of the Southern California art scene.
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Artists Present Impressive Bodies of Work at Sparks Gallery
Pacific San Diego
September 2016
“Physique,” a group show at Sparks Gallery in the Gaslamp Quarter, pulls us out of our visual apathy and brings a mindful clarity to our most prized personal possession. The exhibition is an impressive review of the human body, in isolation and within varied environments.
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Animalia
SoCal Life Magazine
October 2016
Sparks Gallery, a local fine art gallery and event space, will open their latest exhibition entitled “Animalia / A Group Show”. The exhibition will feature 32 local San Diego artists, each presenting a work of art depicting animals, both real and imaginary. The works on view include oil paintings, watercolor, iron and marble works, photography, archival prints and more.
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Readers Poll: San Diego’s Best Art and Culture
City Beat
October 2016
Sparks Gallery was selected by readers of San Diego City Beat as one of the city's top art galleries. Click through for more info on the city's best art, events, comedy, museums and more.
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Sparks Gallery to Inject Art into the Gaslamp
San Diego City Beat
February 2015
"I consider the gallery itself as a big personal art project," Sparks says. "I wanted to start a business, but I just felt like I wanted to support the arts community, too. It's meaningful to me, and I think this could be a great thing to happen to the community."
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Sparks Gallery Reopening
Urbanist
February 2015
Sparks Gallery has been a fixture in the downtown art scene since 2013. Due for some major renovations to the Sterling Hardware Building, Sparks closed for construction. On March 1st, the gallery is reopening in its shiny new digs with an exhibit featuring 60 San Diego artists and the unveiling of the two-story high mural “fractals series,” by Monty Montgomery.
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Sparks Gallery: Art Family Style
SD Visual Arts
March 2015
How often have you gone into a gallery with large white walls and although you have been impressed by the art, you have had trouble envisioning it in your own home. My first impression of the Sparks Gallery, now that it has been renovated, was that of an inviting home setting.
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Sparks Gallery in Gaslamp Features Two Jewish Artists
San Diego Jewish World
March 2015
The Sparks Gallery located at 530 Sixth Avenue in the historic Sterling Hardware building in San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter is currently showing sculptures by Jewish artists Steven Florman and Ilanit Shalev.
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Sparks of Inspiration: New San Diego Local Art Gallery
Adorations Botanical Artistry
April 2015
The Sparks Gallery is home for contemporary artwork from artists living in San Diego and encourages patronage of local artists, while supporting San Diego's growth as a strong art community. Located in the historic Sterling Hardware Building on Sixth Avenue between Island and Market in the Gaslamp Quarter, the historic focus of the building aims to pair old San Diego with new contemporary visions.
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Francine Ribeau Events: Sparks Gallery Featured Venue
Francine Ribeau Events
April 2015
I had the opportunity to visit a new San Diego Venue located in the historic Gaslamp District yesterday. I had no idea what an amazing venue I was about to set my eyes on. My measly six photos below can’t do it justice, so please visit the gallery when you have the opportunity.
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SOHO Gives Awards for Preserving San Diego
San Diego Union-Tribune
May 2015
Sparks Art Gallery – Adaptive reuse award. Built by noted local contractor Moritz Trepte in 1924, the building was developed by W.E. Kier and occupied by Sterling Hardware and also used as a secondhand store and paint store. In the 1980s it was converted for an architectural office, then a hair salon, imports rugs gallery and other commercial uses.
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Best of San Diego 2015
San Diego Magazine
December 2015
GASLAMP REVAMP: Sparks Gallery It housed Sterling Hardware (circa 1924) and later a vaudeville theater with swinging trapeze artists. And now, after a multi-million dollar renovation by Patrick Henry High School and USD grad Sonya Sparks and her family, it’s a gorgeous bi-level art gallery with exposed brick, skylights, and original wood floors—a stunning stage for local and international artists.
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The Art of Buying Art
Art Pin
November 2015
With so much art on the market, how do you discern which pieces are worthy of your hard earned money? "My advice would be to buy pieces that maintain an allure in one's mind even after the initial viewing. It may be because of an experience shared by both the collector and the artist, or perhaps an emotional draw."
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Besides the Weather: What Makes San Diego Great
Urbanist
November 2015
It's no secret San Diego has the best weather. Each month we ask one of our favorite San Diegans: What else makes this city great? "I love finding little pockets of history in our young town, which is why we chose the Sterling Hardware Building as the location for Sparks Gallery. It was a hardware store for decades, built in 1924. Before that, in the same location, there was a glass maker and carriage works, a small hotel, and a vaudeville theater with trapeze artists."
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Urbanist’s Guide to Last-Minute Gifting in San Diego
Urbanist
December 2015
For the art lover: Gaslamp’s Sparks Gallery always shows distinctive work by local artists. Currently, it just so happens to be hosting a small works exhibition comprised of 10×10-inch paintings. Going for $200 apiece after taxes, each individual selection makes for a wonderful artsy gift. Featured artists include Eric Wixon, Hill&Stump, Alexander Arshansky and more.
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’16 Words
San Diego City Beat
December 2015
How can San Diegans resolve to support the local arts community in 2016? "Have a local artist commission a piece of artwork for you for a special memory." Sonya Sparks, Sparks Gallery
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Pulse: January Art Beat
Pacific San Diego
December 2015
Sparks Gallery's current group show comes to a close with exhibiting artists putting on live demonstrations of the techniques and styles used in creating their dream-inspired works.
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San Diego’s Hip, Undiscovered Arts Scene
JetSet Extra
May 2014
Sparks Gallery was included in a round up of the undiscovered gems of the local San Diego art scene. We're pleased to be included alongside our neighbors in the Gas Lamp, Michael J. Wolf Fine Arts, and many local luminaries of the artistic community.
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New Art-Venue Alert: Sparks Gallery
San Diego City Beat
May 2013
A Gaslamp Quarter building that once housed a theater full of dancing girls and a lady trapeze artist in the late 1800s and early 1900s now holds the city's newest art space, Sparks Gallery. "We looked for two years for a space," says gallery owner and curator Sonya Sparks, 31, who purchased the gallery with her family. "We wanted to have a building that had San Diego history in it."
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New Contemporaries + Sparks Gallery
Urbanist
June 2013
In partnership with the San Diego Visual Arts Network’s San Diego Art Prize, New Contemporaries VI is an exhibition of this year’s “Emerging Artist” nominees, nominated by the SD Art Prize committee and last year’s prize recipients.
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San Diego Art Prize
The Talk of San Diego Radio Show
June 2013
The Talk of San Diego Show was at the San Diego Rep Theater at Horton Plaza on Friday. Show host Susanna Peredo chatted with Patricia Frischer, San Diego Visual Arts Network Coordinator about the Sparks Gallery show featuring emerging artists from the San Diego Art Prize.
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The New Downtown
San Diego Magazine
July 2013
Sonya Sparks is turning the historic Sterling Hardware Building into a gallery for established and emerging artists. And judging by the pre-renovations show for the San Diego Art Prize, the city’s art scene is taking notice.
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Best of San Diego 2013
San Diego Magazine
August 2013
Local gal Sonya Sparks’ family acquired an old brick building and plans to renovate it into a contemporary art gallery. Based on the preview we got this summer with a showing of SD Art Prize artists, we’re excited for the full opening later this year.
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