Steffan Schlarb and his husband, Brandon Romer, debuted Schlomer Haus Gallery in the Castro in October 2021. Their programming focuses on works from queer creatives. According to Schlarb, “Queer artists have a unique point of view that should be given a dedicated platform for viewers and collectors.” When I met him in early 2022, he was very candid about his experience opening Schlomer Haus Gallery and transparent in sharing details, including the logistics involved in running a gallery.
Schlarb’s candor further reinforced for me some of the best aspects of our local arts community: We show up for one another, we share resources, and, most important, we care about artists and art. The commitment to making art a part of people’s lives, both locally and globally, is apparent in all the work that artists, galleries, institutions, organizations, collectors, advisors and others do. Each one of us plays an important role in contributing to the art ecosystem. And if you are new to it or want to be new to it, don’t be intimidated — art is for everyone.