Vessel Gallery

A longtime fixture of Art Murmur on First Fridays, Vessel Gallery is a contemporary arts destination for thought-provoking work by emerging and established artists.

The curator, Lonnie Lee, has been a key part of building up the Oakland arts scene and has a verve for abstract sculpture, as well as paintings and jewelry, created here locally and beyond. She seeks out Oakland and international artists who have a distinct visual language and a mastery of materials.  

Meet Lonnie:

What were you doing before opening your gallery?
Before opening our first location in Berkeley, I brought with me an award winning decade-long career in design: graphic, marketing, exhibit, and interior design. All the while, raising two creative independent thinkers, aka Oaklanders, and two puppies.

What led you to open it?
My love for art, and my understanding that a vast talent of career artists working and living in the Bay Area needed more opportunities to show their work, in a warm, welcoming, local setting.

Why did you choose to open in Oakland?
Oakland is a reflection of a beautiful urban city, with a beating heart, and undeniable soul. There are very few cities like Oakland that feel as creative, as genuine, as diverse, as sunny in spirit, as political, as open and yet challenged. 
Oakland is loud. Oakland is quiet. Oakland is grey. Oakland is green. It is where we chose to stay and raise our 4th generation Oaklander kids. It is home. Oakland is strong in its presence – it can illicit love, pain, joy, suffering, anger. It is alive.

How long have you lived in the community?
38 years

What are you top 3 spots in the neighborhood?
Cafe Umami – terrific in taste, presentation, and vegan breakfast and lunch!
Wyld Brothers coffee shop – awesome matcha latte!
Ace Garden store – best selection of plants, wonderful helpful staff!

Who would you most like to visit the gallery?
Ayesha and Steph Curry and family – I would love to act as an art consultant for them, as well as Ali Wong, Randall Park, and Ronnie Chieng.

What music might we hear in the gallery?
Mulate Astatke – specifically the album To Know Without Knowing.

Your favorite quote:
“We’re so powerful when we come together – we protect each other, we become the light in the abyss. And when we shine together, my god – there’s no stopping us.” – Janaya Future Khan