SunnyCo Studio Gallery

Vibe: Collaborative & Historic | Photography-Forward | Quietly Radical

SunnyCo Studio Gallery is a dedicated art and photography space located on the quieter, northern edge of North Beach, directly across from Sweetie’s Art Bar. Founded in 2018 by long-time collaborators Dennis Hearne and Magué Calanche, the gallery serves as a community hub that documents the “eclectic personality” of San Francisco. It is more than just a gallery; it is a repository of local memory, focusing on the musicians, poets, and architectural heritage that define the city’s aspirations.

The roots of SunnyCo Studio Gallery date back to 1994, when Hearne and Calanche began their creative partnership. After years of contributing to the Bay Area art scene—with Calanche exhibiting at the de Young Museum and Hearne publishing his seminal photography—they launched this permanent space to “support the arts in whatever way they best can.” By maintaining their studio at 480 Francisco Street, they have created a northern anchor for the North Beach arts community, preserving the neighborhood’s bohemian identity through a modern, curated lens.

• A Photography Legacy: The gallery often features the deep archives of Dennis Hearne, a San Francisco photographer who has spent decades visually recording the city’s political and musical movements. His black-and-white portraits of “Old San Francisco” provide a grounding historical perspective for the venue.

• Multidisciplinary Exhibits: While photography is a core focus, the studio also showcases the diverse work of Magué Calanche, whose portfolio spans representational oil paintings, watercolors, and drawings. Their joint vision ensures a balance between raw documentary and expressive fine art.

• First Friday Art & Poetry: As a participant in the North Beach First Fridays, SunnyCo often hosts “heartfelt and lively” poetry readings. Past events have featured distinguished Latino poets and panels from independent presses like El Martillo Press, creating a space where visual art and spoken word intersect.

• Community Connection: Positioned away from the main bustle of Grant Avenue, SunnyCo offers a more intimate, conversational environment. Visitors often stop by to meet the artists, who are frequently on-site to discuss the stories behind the images and the history of the neighborhood.