julie lives here.

I wanted to start sharing some of the people I’ve been fortunate to get to know. I met Eden, the owner of Secession Art and Design, through my friend Silvi. Eden is devoted to showcasing and promoting local artists in her wonderful gallery on the edge of the Mission and Bernal Heights. Eden recently spent some time with me, curating my photos (25!!) for display in her latest showcase, and she’s delightfully warm and positive to be around.

The opening night party will be on April 16, from 6:30-9:30pm.

I asked Eden to share some of her story and her gallery with me and you.

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How did you come to start Secession Art & Design? What is your vision for this space?

I remember that night, and I remember that I almost didn’t go to the art opening at Levy Art & Architecture. That night was the changing point in my life. I was standing in a group of people, a little shy, and Ross (the owner of Levy) was talking about putting 3361 Mission up for rent on Craig’s List. After 5 years of running a green architecture firm in the hood he was ready for a new location. Ross knew I was involved in the art & design community when he asked if maybe I would like to rent the storefront. I looked at him with no hesitation for my current job, lack of money, or idea how to run a business and said yes. I started Secession on a $5,000 teaching loan, and determination. I worked my full time teaching job for the first year of Secession, and was able to dedicate my life to the independent community in year two & three.

My vision for the space is to keep growing organically, and involve artists/ designers that believe in the independent economy and community. I hope to install a projection screen this year, and start to do film screenings. I try not to have a specific idea, but just be inspired and open to all possibilities.

I’m curious about the name: Secession. What does this mean to you/ why did you choose it?

The gallery is named after the Viennese Secession Art movement of the early twentieth century. The Secessionists were a group of artist and designers that focused on craftsmanship, quality, and anti-industrialization.

This movement included not only fine art, but clothing, jewelry, furniture and architecture.

My husband and I went on an adventure to Vienna, Prague, and Venice in 2002. What struck me the most was in Vienna. Most of the people in the Secession movement died of Spanish Influenza before they reached 30. The group is immortalized through photos in museums that look like they were taken in the present. A hipster group that created an incredible amount of work in a short period of time. When I decided to open the gallery I named it Secession Art & Design. I wanted recreate a movement with current design, and claim a name inspired by a time in my life and art that makes me happy!

What was your prior experience to opening your gallery. How did your past help you with your present activities, and what have you learned along the way?

I graduated from San Francisco State with a Creative Writing degree. After college I got a job as a preschool teacher, and went back to school for a permit as an early childhood director. I worked in the classroom (A Child’s Garden & Eureka Learning Center) for 10 years. The children in my program were 2 ½- 5 years old. My favorite part of my job was documenting their experience through writing and photography. It was amazing to hear their ideas, thoughts, and how they viewed the world. I remember doing a lot of writing during the war protest. Kids know more than we give them credit for.

In 2004 I started a jewelry line called Twelve Designs: Modern Vintage to supplement my teaching career. The real reason: Paragraph Boutique asked me to do a trunk show at their store and I agreed before I knew what I would do. I took a bead class, went to the flea market and bought vintage crystal, amber, and Italian glass beads and reconstructed them into twelve necklaces for the sale. This led to vending at local trunk shows, street fairs, and I had a case at an urban vintage store called The Drug Store. During this time I traveled to Europe and around the US in search of vintage jewelry and beads.

In 2007 Secession Art & Design opened! My past helped shape why and how I run my business. I call it the “early childhood approach to retail.”

I embrace everyday, every show, and try to keep it real at the gallery. Artists, designers, co-workers, and clients are family. We are having a shared experience, and lucky for us, it includes all that the gallery has to offer.

Many of us dream of starting our own businesses and creating our own destinies by being self-employed. What advice, wisdom, lessons learned can you share?

Business ownership is in my blood. My grandparents owned a stationary and gift store in South Philadelphia. My mom is a full time artist, and my dad has an independent dermatology practice. My mom worked while my dad went to medical school on scholarship. I learned from them to take life by the horns and go for it! Even if it means taking a chance on a location in between a Smoke n’ Talk and old school barber shop in Bernal Heights.

Artists and designers are always scared to quit their day jobs, and not have the security of benefits and a pay check. I can see a huge difference from the time I quit my teaching job, and have been working full time as curator and owner of Secession. Pure dedication has resulted in an amazing reputation, collection, and team of people who want my store to survive in the midst of a recession. Sales have also doubled since the time I have put all my energy in. I have had to make a lot of sacrifices to guarantee the rent and all the underbelly expenses get paid. It is expensive to run a business. My last trip was in July to Miami with a frequent flyer ticket, and a hotel room paid by my husband’s employer. I used to get sad about the change in life-style, but now I just embrace it. When I do get to go adventure, eat out, or buy clothing it is really special.

What would you like to see the future hold for you and Secession?

I want to keep growing the business and spreading the philosophy of community, independence, and quality art & design. My team: Colleen Mauer, Heather Robinson, New Skool, and all the others involved have pushed me, believed in me, and helped me promote. My dream is to have Secession sustain itself, and allow more time for myself to be creative again. The future is this year in my eyes, and I still have the passion in this industry to keep being spontaneous.