There's something to be said for preciousness, especially when it comes to art. Although we think projects such as these should continue into infinity, Low Gallery closed its doors earlier this month after a year of solo and group exhibitions by local and national up-and-coming artists. Born out of John Trippe's love and excitement for artists and their work, Low's limited-run engagement makes it a had-to-be-there event, which is refreshing in this age of museum blockbusters. Its effect on the San Francisco art scene will be felt for years to come.

Bay Guardian: Why did you open a gallery?

John Trippe: I wanted to start a gallery for a long time. I love art, and running a gallery seemed like a logical step since I was already devoting a lot of time to promoting local art on Fecal Face (www.fecalface.com).

BG: What's one of the exhibition highlights from the past year?

JT: I think the most interesting thing we did was to host the five-week-long "Daily Dose," which featured a new show every day the gallery was open. One day we'd have 20 people painting on the walls, and then the next we'd have a performance where a caveman was being preached to by Jesus. It was a lot of fun and was a good way to make the gallery more exciting.

BG: What do you think the SF art scene needs more of?

JT: I love places like Hayes Valley Market! I like how the artists in their shows try a bunch of new things. Sometimes the work isn't very refined, but that's what I like about it. It's liberating.

Trippe's new project is Umbrella (www.umbrellamarket.com), a joint effort with Jeremy Fish, Matt Irving, and Bob Kronbauer.

(Katie Kurtz)

E-mail Katie Kurtz at katiejkurtz@gmail.com.