Help Create a Neighborhood Arts Center

Six years ago, Lisa Magruder and Arthur Koch opened FrameArt Studio on a quiet side street in San Francisco's Garden District. It was home to Lisa’s expert picture framing business and Arthur’s art and photography studio. But in no time, FrameArt became something more, fostering genuine camaraderie in the community through art classes for kids and adults, monthly gallery shows highlighting local artists and art-related events.

The COVID-19 pandemic hard-hit small businesses in San Francisco. Lisa and Arthur responded by operating from their home, offering online art classes, free pick-up and delivery of custom framing, and on-site photography and mural painting services. As Lisa says, “While we’ve gotten through the difficult time, it hasn’t been easy. We owe our survival to our loyal communities and their passion for what we do.”

Lisa and Arthur remained dedicated to promoting the arts and creating a gathering space in this underserved area of the city. This year, they took a leap of faith and reopened in a former convenience store at 153 Bacon St.

Creating a new gallery/studio space fresh out of the pandemic is no easy task, even with several small-business grants. Lisa says, “We have no doubt we can operate this space to its full potential. We ask our communities, friends, family, and anyone who supports small businesses to help us complete a unique art studio and gallery where we can serve our community in a way that hasn’t been done before. To build a space where we can encourage creativity and encourage an arts community of all ages. The way our world is now, children and adults need a creative outlet to heal and get beyond these times.”

With your help, FrameArt Studio can be fully operational by November 2022.

Your donations will directly help:

More importantly, you’ll help grow a deeper love for art in the Portola District.

Thank you!