Garzoli Gallery

Glad to read it wasn’t just me!
Beautiful artwork worthy of a browse but in a most unwelcoming, unhelpful environment.
In business for over forty-​five years? Must have an understanding, forgiving clientele, indeed.

As the following reviewer found out, this guy and the eponymous gallery is considered by many to be one of the most pompous asses in the art community. I also went in with 2 friends, the gallery door wide open on a sunny Friday afternoon, and yes, the rotund buddha apparition is staring down at us from his inner sanctum loft on the mezzanine. No hello, or other typical greeting response to my «hello.»
He then offers, «gallery is closed!» «You’re kidding huh,» «Gallery is closed!» Oh, wonder why the door was wide open on a beautiful afternoon on this retail commercial strip… it was stupid of us to assume that around 4:00PM on a Friday afternoon with a wide open door (and no closed sign) that he would be open for business, but I have been known to make other rash judgments before.
So we get kicked out, he follows a few seconds later, lets out a WOMAN from inside, and closes the door. Guess he was open after all, just not for us…
I have known this arrogant, unpleasant, sad, unhappy, pretentious man for many years, however he did not seem to recognize me (though it has been years, I wasn’t even sure if it was who I thought it was). The caustic reputation has been earned over many years and he seems to be one of the master’s at self-​promotion and arrogance.
But now I shall never venture into this man’s gallery, and will tell every other serious collector and interested party what rude business practices are evidenced. With fine collector art around at numerous sources, with a whole host of reputable, fine, intelligent, courteous business people and dealers, WHY would anyone want to have even the slightest dealings with such an arrogant man?
I have a major art collection myself, having bought a few things from him years ago, and with the ability to make other purchases.
Interestingly too, my companion is a known San Francisco Interior Designer and our friend is a respected Marin Art and Antiques Restorer., both of whom could not believe this man’s Attitude (cap. A).
He just should not have a public business venue — or keep the door closed with a sign staying «Stay Away — I don’t want your business!» or at the least, «Open By Appointment Only.»
GARZOLI GALLERY, WHO IN THE HELL DO YOU THINK YOU ARE TO TREAT PEOPLE IN THIS MANNER?

I hate to be the FIRST person to rate an establishment and then have to give it a less-​than-​passing grade, but that’s what I have to do with Garzoli Gallery of San Rafael.
Just last week, I had dinner with my son and during our meal, I made a comment about the charcoal drawings on the wall of the restaurant where we dined. He told me that his restaurant’s business group is opening a new restaurant in a trendy town in Colorado and is currently looking for some original art to purchase for the restaurant.
For the past year or so in the front window of the Garzoli Gallery, I’ve seen a group of larger-​than-​life paintings of waiters doing their thing/​s in restaurants. I liked them the moment I saw them and our conversation reminded me of these paintings. I told him I would look into them, gather some information and forward it to him for review.
This morning, I was in San Rafael so I went to Garzoli Gallery and went inside to have a closer look at the paintings, perhaps take a photo or two to send to my son, and then inquire as to the price.
Well … I walked into the gallery and was immediately taken by a series of four stone statues, each about 4 feet in height, that looked a lot like Native Alaskan totems. I made a mental note to ask about them because I seriously thought about how good one would look in my garden.
Next, I walked to the paintings that brought me into the gallery to begin with. As I was walking around each canvas, I thought it was interesting that no one had come into the gallery to greet me. Even so, I felt like I was being watched.
As my eyes scanned the gallery, I looked up toward the second floor, where there is obviously an office, and was startled to see a person (whom I assumed was the proprietor) glaring down at me like an Oxfordian stone griffon. It was quite unsettling and instantly made me feel like a trespasser of sorts.
Even when our eyes met, I’m the one who had to break the silence as I explained what I was doing. Even my explanation elicited no response from this person. I thought that this person should at least come down the steps, cordially greet me and start a meaningful conversation, but it did not happen.
I decided to ask about the artist anyway and the name was mumbled. I asked for clarification on the spelling and it was given.
I asked where the artist was from and the proprietor said, «local.»
I asked about the stone totems and the reply was, «they’re not for sale.»
So much for meaningful conversation!
I left the store. No photos, no price quotes, no sale.