News...

8.25.08
Click Here for the press release for "Where So Ever You May Go" New Works by Seth Armstrong opening on August 30th

8.9.08
The gallery is closed until the opening of Seth Armstrong's "Where So Ever You May Go" exhibition on August 30th. In the meanwhile we cannot recommend enough that you check out the "You Only Excist Because of Us: The Art of Imbeciles" show at Giant Robot SF. It features Rowan Morrison exhibiting artists Sean Boyles and Ako Castuera, plus the work of Rob Sato, King Joe To, and straight-from-Tokyo Ryohei Tanaka. The show opens on August 16th.

7.25.08
We are pleased to announce that we have recently been awarded a grant from the Alernative Exposure program at Southern Exposure! The Alternative Exposure program offers "direct support to individuals and groups working in the visual arts to create frameworks of support for other artists working and presenting work in our communities". See the list of all 18 recipients for 2008 here. Thanks to SoEx and the Andy Warhol Foundation.

All Known Metal Bands book signing/reading by Dan Nelson !!Free!! plus Metal DJ's

that happened on July10th. A good time was had by all.

6.28.08

HUGE massive Thanks to Kris Chau and Tim Gough for flying out to Oakland for the opening of Talk Story. Click on the image for some flickr photos of the opening reception. Hearts!

6.20.08
Coming June 27th: "Talk Story": Drawings by Kris Chau. Kris Chau is flying in all the way from Philly armed with a slew of beautiful new drawings. This will be our first show with an artist from outside the Bay Area and we are delighted!

(for a complete press listing click here)

4.18.08
Oh hell yeah - we just recieved our new inventory of the 2nd edition of the Rowan Morrison Found Paper Journals. We worked extra hard to hoard the very best vintage papers for this round of journals. The last group was gone before we knew what was going on, and this edition is limited to only 190 books, so stock up. Each journal is totally unique and has the Rowan Morrison Publishing stamp of authenticity. Big thanks to 1984 Printing.

click picture for more info

3.21.08
Today we celebrate the 2 year anniversary (or is it birthday?) of Rowan Morrison Gallery. We opened the first day of spring back in 2006 and today we are celebrating by taking the day off. We want to thank all of the artist we have worked with, all our publishing partners, all our customers here in Oakland and throughout the paypal world, our neighbors, our family, our friends, and everybody else.

2.27.08
You can get a good look at Chirstoper Russell's exhibition and reception over at this Bunnywax blog.
We recieved a little mention on the artslant website from Bay Area correspondent Andy Ritchie. We also have recently brought in a big order of Mel Kadel's Honey Pool book (now available online here). They're selling fast so come by and get your copy.

We are also pleased to announce a new publishing project with John Casey, whose art book of all new work will be available in the autumn.

2.17.08
The Mel Kadel serigraph, Power Like A Flower, is now available in the online shop and in the gallery flatfile. Mel's new book, Honey Pool, was available but sold out in one day. We'll update you as soon as those are available again. The print is a gorgeous 3-color screenprint (from Bloom Press), a signed and numbered edition of 100, available only at Rowan Morrison!
Click the image for more info or to purchase the print:

We also have some other great new items in the online store. The amazing and one-of-a-kind Bloom Screenprinted Journal, a really affordable Lucian Freud book, two new Little Otsu planners, and a Wayne Thiebaud children's book. Some old favorites are back in stockas well so get comfortable to look around.

1.24.08
"Woolgatherings: Aguafiestas" has gotten some press recently. Check out Timothy Buckwalter's write-up for the East Bay Monthly, then read Isabelle Ringer's writings on the subject for the Piedmont Post. Both writers we're cool enough to post the reviews on their own blogs since their papers don't publish an online edition. Mitsy's show is having a closing reception on Friday evening, February 1st. Be there and be square.
We also got a shop review on the Oakland Goods blog.

In other news, we are super happy to announce a new exclusive print edition for Rowan Morrison: "Power Like a Flower" by Mel Kadel. These should be available by the end of the winter and will only be sold through our online bookstore and in the gallery's print portfolio. More details coming soon.

We are also happy to have some new products in the online bookstore, like Rob Sato's insane print, new prints from Deth P. Sun, Organelles by Brendan Monroe, and Sleepless Nights graffiti zine.

And we'll close with a little shout-out to some of our favorite artists whom have recently launched or significantly updated their websites:
Jason Byers - Jacob Tillman - Rob Sato - Sean Boyles - the Eastsider

1.5.08
Happy New Year, everybody. We would like to take a quick moment to thank all the folks who made 2007 such a fun and successful year for us. That includes You, for taking the time to check the often non-updated RoMo news section. We finished the year with some strong sales of both artworks and art books, and, although still not making money, we lost a lot less cash than we ever expected for less than 2 years in operation. Not a single artist let us down with their exhibition, and we made lots of new friends and, as far I as know, no new enemies.
The Found Paper Journals sold out way ahead of schedule, and we have a 2nd edition in the works to be ready by the beginning of Spring. Thanks and congrats to everybody who got one of those. Thanks also to Al's Printing, 1984, and the EBD.
Ryohei's book is doing great, and we haven't even begun to seriously market it yet. Thanks a bunch to Kristine and Last Gasp of SF for their excellent distribution help and enthusiasm.
We also have done real well with all our art books, prints, and papergoods. We will be restocking with new items in the coming weeks and beefing-up the online bookstore, so stay tuned.

The RoMoLoCoGroupShow was a smashing success. The champagne was flowing, Lexa and Dan donated a keg, "This Mob" was in effect, the art was fantastic, the studio lights were -uh- illuminating, and a good time was had by all. Check some images on Narangkar's blog and also on Pete's Online Journal

2008 is starting off right with a new solo exhibition from San Jose superstar Mitsy Ávila Ovalles. She braved the storm of the year to get her work on the walls and it doesn't disappoint. Well have some photos for you soon, but the work is so detailed that I recommend you see for yourself. Free Mexican candy, if you dare. Big time closing reception coming February 1st.

Our (almost) entire 2008 exhibition schedule is up in the "exhibition" section of the website so check 'em out. We are really, really psyched on the line-up. We are currently researching artists for 2009 so get your act together and submit.

We are also pleased to present to you the very limited edition Ryohei Tanaka Killer Cuts & Killing Shapes Bandana. Screenprinted with Tanaka's personal pick of cuts, these are only available in Japan and at Rowan Morrison.

11.25.07
We are proud to present to you:

Killer Cuts & Killing Shapes
by Ryohei Tanaka

64 pages of the amazing bilaterally-symmetrical papercut artwork of Tokyo's Ryohei Tanaka. "I wish you find this special book cute, cool, pop, neat, rock, and fun." Hundreds of images. 100 % recycled paper. Only $8.00! Cool beans.

In other news, we are sold out of the Adam5100 2007 stencil edition. Sorry. Check in with Adam5100 on his website or at his solo exhibition at Rowan Morrison in about 5 months!

We are also proud of the recent press "Paint By Needle" by Ako Castuera and Narangkar Glover has gotten in the Piedmont Post, the East Bay Express, and the SF Chronicle's Datebook.

11.17.07
Due to us getting killed with paypal fees and overseas shipping issues recently, we are slightly raising our shipping / handling costs. Basically a buck more for each order. We still lose money on most orders so stop complaining. There is also a whole seperate shipping scale for international orders. You can check all our shipping policies and FAQs here.

11.14.07
Less than two weeks ago we unveiled a new, exclusive stencil edition from Bay Area art maniac Adam5100 and they sold very, very fast. In fact, we only have one left! So, literally, as you read this it is your last chance to own a piece of Adam5100 art for a rediculously affordable price. Seven hand-cut and hand-painted stencil seperations, one amazing work of art. Click the image to order:

10.29.07
So much good stuff! Ako Castuera and Narangkar Glover's amazing exhibition of textile art (Nara does embroidery/paintings and Ako does knitted illustrations and sculptures) opens this Friday with an Art Murmur opening reception all night. Ako will be bringing her latest graphic novel, Cactus Girl, and Rob "Burying Sandwiches" Sato will be in attendence. Ako is an artist for Cartoon Network's Metalacolypse, so you know it's gonna rule.

Artwork details from Paint By Needle exhibition (Nov 2- Dec 22)

Also debuting on Friday, November 2nd, will be the Rowan Morrison Found Paper Journal. All I can say is that this book came out more beautiful than we dared hope. You can write or draw in it, or you can just marvel at all the awesome paper.
128 (or so) pages of reuse paper, original embossed chipboard covers, rounded corners, durable binding, limited edition hand-numbered "library pocket" and screenprinted card, super affordable. We only have an initial run of 75 of these so don't be a lagger. No two journals are the same!

Plus, we got two new zines from Deth "the P. is for Prolific" Sun, plus a new set of 5 Deth postcards and even a new "Pinball" screenprint (only $10) in the gallery. That guy never stops painting.
We also now have a zine from Oakland artist Marci Washington and will soon have books from Chuck Close, Elmer Bischoff, and Richard Diebenkorn.

The website has also been updated with new links, press, and an entirely redone photo album area. Check it out.

Oh yeah, new gallery hours: Wednesday through Saturday 11am - 6pm.

10.17.07
New books in the gallery and also in our online art bookstore:

Downy Bird Art Kingdom - featuring 21 artists

Michael Sieben's The Songs of Yesterday $elling the Cars of Tomorrow
Limited edition zine with screenprinted cover - signed and numbered by Sieben!

10.04.07
The super-deluxe Rowan Morrison Euro-Sketchbooks are here! 3 sizes, 3 colors, 144 archival pages, true linen spines with lay-flat smyth sewn binding, binderboard covers each with an original, 2-color screenprint. Totally limited, completely acid-free, entirely affordable, and 100% awesome. These sketchbooks are manufactured in Europe and printed right here at Rowan Morrison. Get drawing!

In other news, Pete & David Choe's film project, 23 Short Films, is now available to view online at www.scion.com/broadband - just click the Easy10 link at the top. If you would like to own an exclusive copy of the film on DVD (with bonus artist bios and interview), we have a few copies available at the gallery for only $5.

09.29.07
New and exciting products in the gallery and online bookstore now: a new Deth P. Sun limited edition screenprint for only ten bucks, Rough Cookie by Mel Kadel (see a review here), Pretty Deece collabo-zine with Travis Millard, Mel Kadel, Michael Sieben, Mike Aho, and BGM, we also got 4 prints from Dan Nelson (plus a super-limited portfolio of the entire set of 24 prints plus a CD), and the latest issue of ANP Quarterly (it's free while supplies last). Free stickers (and not just RoMo stickers) with every online order!

Also, check out the October issue of San Francisco magazine for a whole lot of Oakland featuring Rowan Morrison. The "Art" portion of the article can be read online here.

09.07.07
Up now in the gallery: New Paintings by Constanza Blondet. Read Timothy Buckwalter's Review in this month's issue of The East Bay Monthly.

We also have stickers!

08.27.07
Out now: the Junk Pirate Postcard set. 5 color postcards and a clear, resealable baggie for only $3.00. Limited edition only available here, at junkpirate.com, and better papergoods merchants throughout the globe.

08.22.07
Coming this Saturday, August 25th: This Is Not Mount Tamalpais, Either: the grand closing reception for Brain Caraway's solo art exhibition. The reception is from 4-7pm in the gallery and will continue into the backyard with some grilling, some sounds by Vis Viva, and maybe some skating. Show some love for Mr. Brian "Mills-MFA-2009" Caraway!

07.30.07
The online store has been updated with new books from Travis Millard and the Artists Guide to Making Money, plus prints from Deth P. Sun and a postcard set from Deth as well.
The artist's Art Murmur First Friday reception is coming up this Friday, August 3rd. Although artist Brian Caraway is traveling the East Coast at this time, he will still be attending the reception. How can he be in two places at once? Stop by and find out. Check out a complete set of photos of the show installation, artwork, and opening reception on our myspace blog.
Pete's collaborative film with David Choe, 23 Short Films, premiers on Thursday, August 2nd at Sandbox Studio in NYC as part of Scion's Easy 10 film series. Pete will be there. If you would like to attend the event RSVP at this link.

06.29.07
We are proud to announce the total redesign of our online bookstore! You can now search products by catagory, or check our alphabetical list of all items in our inventory (even books only available in the store)! There's a FAQ, a bunch of new books, and a place to check for new items self-published right here at Rowan Morrison. Buy some books!
Oh yeah, Pete turns 30 today.

06.20.07
Good news... no more locking your bike to some huge tree or whatever because the good folks from the City of Oakland Transportation Division have installed two bike racks in front of our spot. Lock 'em down.

05.31.07
Carl Auge is written up in The Chronicle, 96 Hours "Don't Miss" pg. G-21.

05.30.07
Due to the recent increase in postage rates, we are slightly increasing our shipping and handling costs for online book and print orders. It's now $5.50 for priority mail (with tracking) shipping for orders under $50 and $10 for priority mail boxes for orders over $50 ($15 for orders over $100). If you have any questions or you want to arrange for other shipping or pick-up options, just send us an email.

05.14.07
Now in the gallery until June 24th: Carl Auge
The East Bay Express' Kelly Vance wrote about it here
And The East Bay Monthly's Timothy Buckwalter wrote about it here

05.01.07
We are in the May San Francisco edition of Lucky Magazine! We are listed as one of the "gorgeously well-edited shops" in the "boutique-gallery hybrid" category.

04.30.07
If you are interested in reading our thoughts on some of the Art Books that we carry, Pete has a new blog: http://www.rowanmorrison.com/blog
Narangkar also has been writing in her blog since January, and you can get to it here

03.17.07
New in store items (available now) include independently published group art book Resurrection (designed by Jon Santos), Article Journal issue #1, and Moonshiners by John Copeland.


detail from Travis Millard and
Michael Sieben's Hitten Switches book

And coming next weeked is the big studio sale. We're opening up the front room of our adjacent art studio at 332 40th st. on Saturday and Sunday and selling all of our hoarded art supply treasures garage-sale-style. Click this link for more info. Come early if you want the good stuff. We'll be serving free lemonade from fresh-picked Summerisle lemons grown right above the skatepond in the back. Delicious.


Summerisle lemons of Oakland.

03.02.07
Julia Shirar's show is up and we'll be celebrating the good times tonight. We are still working out the details of her in-the-studio live portrait work, and we will post the details when they are finalized. Julia's work was recently featured in the SF Chronicle's Datebook section! The show runs until April 22nd.
Ezra's Optimus Primetime print will still be available online and in the gallery while supplies last.
We just got a shipment of new books and zines from Travis Millard. Each is limited to edition of 100 or 200 and all are signed by the artists. Check the online shop for details.

02.17.06
We have updated the website to include a LINKS section. Link up, linkers. You can always get back to the Info page by clicking the Rowan Morrison logo in the upper left corner.
There are some fantastic new photos of Ezra's art and the gallery by Ren Dodge on his photo site.

01.31.06
Optimus Primetime, a limited edition screenprint by Ezra Li Eismont, is now available in the online store.
We are also very pleased to announce that our first selff-published book is now available in store throughout the nation. A full list is available at junkpirate.com.
Remeber to check in with the weekly updates on our blog.

Optimus Primtetime: Ezra Li Eismont

12.26.06
Two new, exclusive prints are now available online from Samantha Lautman. They are etchings done on BART cards, and we think it is an amazing blend of Samantha's ephemera work from CCAC and her prints of found object work that exhibited at Mama Buzz. There are only 10 or 13 of each edition, so act fast or act depressed for missing out.
We also are very pleased to announce that we are now accepting Visa and Mastercard at the gallery bookstore.


One of Samantha Lautman's BART card prints

Some press for the recent Junk Pirate show can be found here, and a blog with photos of the opening is over here.

We are also keeping a nearly weekly blog of news and opinions over on our myspace page.

11.22.06
Lots of holiday goodness coming at you. We have a whole bunch of new books and gifts in store now with more on the way. So many that we have added an entirely new "Paper Goods" area to our online shop.
Speaking of shoping, there are only two Adam5100 prints left in stock, so don't delay. That's right, only two left.
Sean Boyles' Superpaintin' show got a write-up in the November 17th issue of 96hours in the SF Chronicle. Sean is also showing completely different work for a few more weeks at Santa Clara University in San Jose.
We got our decals for our door and transome window from the good folks at Hamilton Signs on Broadway. They also just installed a giant rabbit on our building. Awesome!


The giant rabbit of 40th St.

And, finally, Narangkar and Pete were recently interviewed for issue #4 of Swee(t)art magazine. It also features a Best of Junk Pirate article and will be available at better SF and East Bay galleries in December.

9.28.06
The first exclusive limited edition Rowan Morrison print is here, now! Adam5100 created and hand stenciled each signed print with loving care. This edition is limited to thirty, so order yours online (or stop by the gallery) now or regret it for the rest of your life.


Adam5100 print detail

8.3.06
Jen Siska's show is up and rocking our world. "Dear To Me" is the Critic's Choice for August in the East Bay Monthly, and Kelly Vance has some choice words online for the East Bay Express. We'll be cooking s'mores over a fire after the opening, so we hope you can make it.

7.20.06
Michele Ramirez has a woodcut piece in "Chicano Encounters" at the DeYoung Museum. We are so proud of you, Michele!

6.1.06
Michele Ramirez and Rowan Morrison have a write-up in this month's East Bay Monthly - Go grab one, or click here for the website!!!

5.13.06
We are very pleased to announce the launch of our online bookstore. Give it a look!

5.10.06
I attended a meeting for ArtVote.org
Help get Oakland back on track with The Arts!

3.29.06
Huge thanks to all who came out to our opening party. What a warm welcome! Click here for pics.

3.20.06
Our gallery is finally ready! Everything's been done on a shoe-string budget and we are grateful to all of our friends that helped us get the space looking good. Here's a photo blog of the renovation and face lift. I just added some new photos.

2.26.06
We are excited to be the latest member of Oakland Art Murmur First Fridays. Check out their website for more info and press on this collaboration between Oakland galleries.