by Frank Sabatini Jr.

As contemporary artists build reputations that can increase the value of their works in a brushstroke, San Diegans have a treasure trove of galleries at their disposal. From oils and acrylics to photography and sculptures, the local offerings satiate a broad range of personal tastes, which at the very least can bestow pizzazz to those nagging bare walls. Following are a few choice picks.

Exclusive Collections
7007 Friars Road #683 + 437 Market St. • 800-599-7111 • ecgallery.com
With locations in Fashion Valley Mall and an expanded gallery downtown, Exclusive Collections is home to a bevy of local and global artists specializing in various mediums, including sculpture and glassworks. Among the acclaimed local artists it represents are Michael Flohr, famous for his city nightlife scenes, and Christopher M, who paints portraits of chefs from all over the world.

Noel-Baza Fine Art
2165 India St. • 619-876-4160 • noel-bazafineart.com
Original paintings and fine prints by major artists of the 20th century fill this quaint one-year-old gallery in Little Italy, where you’ll find trend-bending works by the likes of Rauschenberg, Warhol and Hockney. The airy, windowed space allows for copious natural light — not always the case in many galleries — and the saleable displays change every month or two. Beginning in January, the gallery will showcase about ten local artists nominated by established artists as part of the Visual Arts Network in San Diego.

Distinction Gallery and Artists
317 E. Grand Ave., Escondido • 760-781-5779 • distinctionart.com
A destination for cutting-edge works with a soft focus on pop realism resides in the heart of Escondido, where the 7,000-square-foot structure houses a display gallery and 14 artist studios. Wine and live music receptions are held the second Saturday of every month, revealing eye-catching concepts by new and established artists. Thousands of works are on display at any given time throughout the building. Starting February 14, look for a solo show by La Jolla-based photographer John Purlia, titled “Plastic Prophets of Vinyl Redemption.”

Madison Gallery
1020 Prospect St. #130 • 858-459-0836 • madisongalleries.com
Lorna York, a veteran art dealer from the East Coast, felt the need for a modern, Chelsea-like gallery when arriving to San Diego four years ago. The result is a sleek and expansive art house with an ocean-view balcony that plays up to the “grand salon parties” she holds every 30 to 60 days. The space represents works from more than 20 different artists from the U.S. and abroad, while also focusing on emerging artists from the sizzling Los Angeles art scene.