TendeSF: Art Gallery and Artpothecary
"I believe in broken things. In held things. In used things. In queer things. In the divine ridiculousness of objects that outlived someone's love and still wait to be chosen again."
A sanctuary where art meets healing, where found objects transform into personal sculptures, and where stories find their physical form.
About TendeSF
TendeSF is a small but mighty, community-focused artpothecary, gallery, workshop and creative salon, located in San Francisco's Tenderloin district. Our mission is to serve as a vibrant cultural beacon, celebrating and nurturing local art, poetry, and community through inclusive, innovative, and engaging experiences. We prioritize uplifting Black and LGBTQ+ affirming voices and futures. TendeSF's vision is to create a sustainable, community-supported space that intersects art, social justice, and education, contributing to the cultural enrichment and economic vitality of the Tenderloin. We decided to start TendeSF to address the need for a dedicated space that champions local talent, while create a bridge between Tenderloin residents and businesses through art exchanges. We start because promoting racial and social justice engagement, enriches the neighborhood.
Founded by Marvin K. White, our space celebrates the beauty in the broken, the value in the discarded, and the potential in the overlooked. We are more than an art gallery—we're an artpothecary where objects are transformed, stories are honored, and healing happens through artistic expression.
Our Philosophy
At TendeSF, we believe that every object carries energy and stories. Our mission is to honor these narratives by transforming found items into meaningful art pieces that resonate with their new keepers.
Our Approach
Through collaborative creation, thoughtful curation, and artistic transformation, we build connections between objects, artists, and collectors. Each piece that leaves our gallery carries intention, history, and new purpose.
Our Community
We foster a space where art enthusiasts, collectors, writers, and the curious can gather to explore the intersection of art, healing, and storytelling. Through workshops, exhibitions, and commissions, we build a community dedicated to honoring the stories objects tell.
How It Works
As both an art gallery and artpothecary, we blend the traditional role of exhibiting art with the healing practice of artistic transformation. Like an apothecary prescribes remedies for physical healing, our artpothecary prescribes creative processes for spiritual and emotional upliftment.
Through our unique approach, we transform ordinary objects into extraordinary art pieces that carry intention, story, and healing energy. Each creation becomes both a work of art and a vessel for personal transformation.
Discover
Browse our collection of found objects or bring your own meaningful item that you'd like transformed into art.
Each object has a story waiting to be told through artistic transformation.
Collaborate
Engage in conversation about your vision, write about your connection to the object, and select elements for your piece.
The collaborative process ensures your final piece resonates with personal meaning.
Transform
We build your custom sculpture, personalized jar, or artistic creation that honors the object's history and your vision.
The final piece bridges past and present, creating a new chapter in the object's story.
Our Services
Explore our range of artistic offerings, from gallery exhibitions to personalized commissions.
Gallery and Exhibits
Experience rotating exhibitions featuring found object art, sculptures, and collaborative pieces that tell stories of transformation.
Come See Us
Found Objects
Browse our curated collection of unique found objects available for purchase or commission into custom art pieces.
Find Sacred Meaning
Custom Sculpture Commissions
Commission a one-of-a-kind sculpture that transforms your meaningful object into an artistic expression of its story.
Let's Make Art Together
Personalized Jars
Create a custom memory jar that encapsulates your story through carefully selected objects, text, and artistic elements.
Book an Appointment
Personalized Candles
Design a custom candle that incorporates meaningful elements, scents, and intentions to illuminate your space and story.
Ready for a 7-Day Journey
Writing Workshops
Participate in guided writing sessions that explore the stories of objects and help translate narratives into artistic expressions.
Book an AppointmentFeatured Works
Explore some of our most compelling transformations and artistic creations.
Harry Williams, Jones and Ellis Street Project
A photographic exploration of humanity in San Francisco's Tenderloin
In 2023, Harry Williams began photographing the corner of Jones and Ellis Street in San Francisco's Tenderloin neighborhood. At the time, the city was still trying to rebuild after the pandemic, but issues like homelessness and drugs were especially severe in the Tenderloin. However, his goal wasn't to capture the familiar images of struggle and hardship—he wanted to focus on the humanity witnessed every day on those streets.
Meet Our Founder
Marvin K. White
Marvin K. White is a multifaceted artist, minister, and community builder who has dedicated his life to exploring the intersection of art, spirituality, and social justice. As the founder of TendeSF, he brings over four decades of experience in transforming overlooked objects and stories into powerful artistic expressions.
Background
A published author of four collections of poetry, White's work has been deeply influenced by his experiences as a Black, queer artist and minister in San Francisco. His unique perspective combines the sacred with the artistic, seeing beauty and potential in objects others might discard.
Vision
Through TendeSF, Marvin creates a space where art becomes a medium for healing, storytelling, and community building. His approach to found object art is deeply rooted in the belief that every discarded item carries a story waiting to be honored and transformed.
Book an Appointment, Visit Us, Email Us or Subscribe to Newsletter
Schedule a consultation, visit our gallery, send us a message, or stay connected with our newsletter.
Visit & Contact Information
We'd love to hear from you. Reach out with questions about our services, gallery hours, or to discuss your artistic vision.
Visit Us
778 Geary Street
San Francisco, CA 94109
Gallery Hours
Saturday and Monday: 12pm - 6pm
Evenings: By appointment only
Call Us
(415) 851-4731
Email Us
info@tendesf.com
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