Frommer's San Francisco 2012 - Matthew Poole [157]
SHOPPING A TO Z
Antiques
Jackson Square, a historic district just north of the Financial District’s Embarcadero Center, is the place to go for the top names in fine furniture and fine art. More than a dozen dealers on the 2 blocks between Columbus and Sansome streets specialize in European furnishings from the 17th to the 19th centuries. Most shops here are open Monday through Friday from 9am to 5pm and Saturday from 11am to 4pm.
Bonhams & Butterfields This renowned auction house holds preview weekends for upcoming auctions of furnishings, silver, antiques, art, and jewelry. Call for auction schedules. 220 San Bruno Ave. (at 16th St.). 800/223-2854 or 415/861-7500. www.bonhams.com/us.
Therien & Co. For the best in Scandinavian, French, and eastern European antiques, head beyond SoMa’s design center to this boutique, where you can find the real thing or antique replicas, as well as made-to-order furniture from their neighboring custom furniture shop. 411 Vermont St. (at 17th St.). 415/956-8850.www.therien.com.
Just the Facts: Hours, Taxes & Shipping
Store hours are generally Monday through Saturday from 10am to 6pm and Sunday from noon to 5pm. Most department stores stay open later, as do shops around Fisherman’s Wharf, the most heavily visited area (by tourists).
Sales tax in San Francisco is 9.5%, which is added on at the register for all goods and services purchased. If you live out of state and buy an expensive item, you might want to have the store ship it home for you. You’ll have to pay for shipping, but you’ll escape paying the sales tax.
Most of the city’s shops can wrap your purchase and ship it anywhere in the world. If they can’t, you can send it yourself, either through UPS ( 800/742-5877), FedEx ( 800/463-3339), or the U.S. Postal Service.
Art
The San Francisco Bay Area Gallery Guide, a comprehensive, bimonthly publication listing the city’s current shows, is available free by mail. Send a self-addressed, stamped envelope to San Francisco Bay Area Gallery Guide, 1369 Fulton St., San Francisco, CA 94117 ( 415/921-1600); or pick one up at the San Francisco Visitor Information Center at 900 Market St. Most of the city’s major art galleries are clustered downtown in the Union Square area.
Catharine Clark Gallery Catharine Clark’s is a different kind of gallery experience. Although many galleries focus on established artists and out-of-this-world prices, Catharine’s exhibits works by up-and-coming contemporary as well as established artists (mainly from California). It nurtures beginning collectors by offering a purchasing plan that’s almost unheard of in the art business. You can buy a piece on layaway and take up to a year to pay for it—interest free! Prices here make art a realistic purchase for almost everyone for a change, but serious collectors also frequent the shows because Clark has such a keen eye for talent. Shows change every 6 weeks. Open Tuesday through Friday 10:30am to 5:30pm and Saturday 11am to 5:30pm. Closed Sunday and Monday. 150 Minna St. ground floor (btw. Third and New Montgomery sts.). 415/399-1439.www.cclarkgallery.com.
Fraenkel Gallery This photography gallery features works by contemporary American and European artists. Excellent shows change every 2 months. Open Tuesday through Friday 10:30am to 5:30pm and Saturday 11am to 5pm. Closed Sunday and Monday. 49 Geary St. (btw. Grant Ave. and Kearny St.), 4th floor. 415/981-2661.www.fraenkelgallery.com.
Hang Check out this amazingly affordable gallery for attractive pieces by yet-to-be-discovered Bay Area artists. The staff is friendly and helpful, and the gallery is designed to cater to new and seasoned collectors who appreciate original art at down-to-earth prices. 567 Sutter St. 415/434-4264.www.hangart.com.
Images of the North The highlight here is one of the most extensive collections of Canadian and Alaskan Inuit art in the United States. There’s also a small collection of Native American masks and jewelry. Open Tuesday through Saturday 11am to 5:30pm and by appointment. 2036 Union St. (at Buchanan