I was a member for a little over two years. I learned screen printing there and I'm genuinely grateful for that. There's a lot to like about Compound and I'm bummed that I got such a sour taste in my mouth right at the end. Pros: - Fantastic equipment covering a huge range of making and printing. REALLY nice setup for screen printing. Bummer that you can only do water based but it makes sense overall from a mess and fumes standpoint. - Open at all hours - which is nice - Matt and Lena are friendly and welcoming when you join and were generally friendly to be around Cons: - At $250 a month, I paid over $6,000 total even though times/eras would naturally happen and I'd not use it for 2-3 months. This really stings. Month after month it just felt like too much for what it actually was. - Often times, you end up having to wait a long time to get certified to use certain things. Was frustrating that something as simple as the conveyor drier needed a $50 course + waiting for many months when it could be taught in 5 min. - Communication is fairly slow on support tickets. When I was leaving I couldn't locate my flat pack storage area as I hadn't used it but wanted to make sure it was clear since my friend had missed clearing hers out entirely. The owners didn't know where it was either - Almost always empty. Great for working but not great for meeting people or feeling like part of a community. When I occasionally would talk to people , they would often say 'so odd that this place is always empty.' - The message board is pretty much only used for griping about cleanup vs. anything very inspirational or community oriented. Sour taste right at the end for me: I accidentally left a new thing of emulsion in the screen printing fridge. I emailed them, waited 5 days, then followed up, then waited another 5 days, messaged on Instagram, then biked over in person. I saw Lena in the gallery, tried to wave her down, and she ignored me and walked the other way. I asked the front desk if I could speak with her and was told she was busy, leave a note. I left a note. Never heard back. I eventually just ordered another one and moved on. It's not about the $30. That's obviously trivial. But it's just frickin harsh. I spent a lot of money at that place over two years, cleaned up, and was friendly and can't even get a basic response? I wasn't badgering them... I sent one email, waited, and followed up at a normal cadence. Even a 'sorry, we had to clean out the fridge!' Anything. The fridge was packed to the brim with old emulsion that no one bothered to clean up, if anything it would help to free up some space. My friend had a similar experience, she accidentally left something behind (I think in her flatpack area as well) and instead of a simple heads up email... they charged her extra months. She had to fight/plead to get that removed. How you treat people when they are suddenly no longer paying you $250 a month says a lot... The equipment is genuinely great and if you're going to use it constantly, I'd still say its worth it. It's a gem of a spot in many ways! But if not, I'd look into more focused + more affordable spaces elsewhere like ace makerspace or a slew of others that have popped up. And whatever you do, don't leave anything behind ! read more

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The Compound Gallery is a (hidden?) gem of the Bay Area. It's *free* to enter/browse and there are pieces here ranging from affordable to pricier. 1) I enjoyed David Fullarton's collection, "Everything's Getting Worse and I'm Not Helping," as well as browsing local artisans' pieces. The curation of this gallery feels cohesive. The pieces here are rich with meaning -- great conversation starters, so it's definitely an excellent place to bring a friend or two. 2) I wish I caught the name of the owner/director I met there yesterday -- he was so warm and a great host! It was my first time, and he took the time to briefly show me around the different areas of the gallery whilst entertaining my questions about the history of the gallery/its artists. He also shared upcoming events and exhibitions (artist talks, for instance), inviting me to stay connected! 3) Parking here is pretty great (I was at the gallery on the weekend). There's also a small park across the street -- great place to hang out and debrief after enjoying The Compound. I highly recommend The Compound Gallery -- I know I'll be back soon. read more

Artists beware!! The owners of this space are more concerned with taking your money rather than actually supporting artists. The lowest monthly fee is $250, and that's just to join the space (and access a teeny tiny cubby space to keep any personal belongings). If you actually want to use any of their equipment or facilities (which is the whole point of becoming a member) they charge you an additional $50 monthly fee ON TOP OF your membership fee. PLUS, there's a $50 fee to take any orientation class, which is mandatory before you're even allowed to touch the equipment. They even charge you to use their printers!! I'm surprised there's not a fee to use the restroom...You get locked into a minimum year lease, and then are micromanaged with how you use the space. With creative culture dying in the Bay in favor of Big Tech, what artists need now more than ever is an affordable and accessible space to create and build community, without a financial barrier. THIS PLACE IS NOT IT. read more

Really disappointing. They have a bunch of fines, fees and hidden micromanaging requirements. Ask for a written list before you start. It's run like a corporation and the owners take very little feedback and are not responsive and play favorites. They know the facilities are great and no one will complain. Wonder how much money they make per month off of the fines and fees for members getting "approved" on everything. For example, they fine you $100 for losing the laminated parking thingie. Additionally, you need to pay a fee to get approved on equipment but they dont have a regular schedule of these approval workshops nor do they take requests. The space itself is so amazing, but the owners are rigid, condescending, and bitter. Not sure where the bitterness comes from but it's not cool. They need to realize that members are paying lots of money with good intention and excitement at being a part of an artistic community. It's their job to answer questions & help their members. Hard to believe that they understand what it is to be artist. Artists need structure and flexibility. read more

Beautiful artists' space, with so much potential. Owners really care about the space and its various resources. Clean and organized. a real hidden gem. Only unfortunately large downside is that owners are too strict, micro-managing, & a little resentful. It really effects how one feels while making art there. I hope they can learn to treat their community (who they do have a lot of power over), with trust and openness. We all want to support the space and feel creative and unfettered. We also respect them and the work they do. An artist's space is meant to be a little messy. make sure to ask them about all their rules & hidden fees before you sign up. read more

Amazing gallery space with great local artist representation. It's a real gem of the east bay and I hope they stay around for many years to come. read more

Why would anyone give an art gallery anything less than five stars? The people who work here are lovely, and the art is inspired and inspiring. Come for quirky collections of multimedia art, paintings, sculptures, drawings, and zines. There's also a fun store where you can buy all sorts of fun art and "Hi Fructose" magazines. They are open on Sundays and offer tours if you sign up in advance. Worth the trip to this part of Oakland. read more

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A small but mighty gallery! Great mixed of multi media arts in a really cool layout. Had a great conversation with the owner and bought some awesome screen prints. The owner gave me the back story of the artist as well. Don't sleep on this gem! read more

Its clear enough that Art is a "seed" for our future. Supporting the arts is way to help society find itself and at very least it helps all of us become better people. There should be a place for people to express their ideas and make their ideas a catalyst to the human essence. When I go to the Compound Gallery, its as if I am able to see the light, as if a silent dictation of visual and tactile merge into one. Support the arts, and seed our future. read more

This wonderfully compact gallery is tucked off the main drag (San Pablo Ave.) in No. Oakland. The current exhibit features the very engaging work of David Fullarton whose art is up until June 9th--closing evening includes a chat with the artist. Aside from the main exhibit are works of other artists both on display and on sale. Beyond the gallery rooms would appear to be artists' work areas that one can peek into through an open door way from the exhibition area. This is a fantastic place to visit, if one is tooling about the East Bay. read more

I wanted to go here for the Plaid Friday open reception but couldn't make it. The following day I made it here and was glad I had made the effort. If you're looking for a unique gift or something to spice up your home collection this is a fantastic spot. Not only that but you're also supporting your local artists and craftsman. Some of the merchandise includes: mallets(!), women's wear, ceramics, paintings, tree ornaments, terrariums, etc. Prices range from $7-300. Even the artwork in the artist gallery is affordable. If you really like their stuff you can sign up for their art in a box program. $30 or $50 a month and you'll receive a new piece of art. Not bad if you have the money. They had free popcorn in a machine but it was all eaten up. I believe if you buy more than $50 you get a spin on their raffle board. Although I missed out on the reception I still found some great gifts. These things are flying like hot cakes. read more

This gallery is unlike any other gallery. It's a cross between an indie art gallery & artist studio spaces. The parties are often bizarre!! Like this Fri there's an apple/orange eating contest. In the past chickens have run around the gallery wearing pants. There's also an experimental art music series. disclaimer: I show my work here. In terms of artist-gallery relationships, they're my soulmate! I'm in love with this place. read more

Wonderful place and welcoming. Always new artists and works to see, workshops and events. A hidden gem in the Oakland-emeryville border.

Just stumbled into this place today and I feel like I have found a beautiful space of creativity that I will come back to again and again. The people running the gallery and creating work there were very engaging and great to talk to. They were having an open studios and an exhibit on printing. The work they had for sale was very fairly priced and it would be a great place to find some art for decorating your home or apt. I would've bought a print but the one I wanted was already sold :( next time... Looking forward to their next opening this Saturday. read more

We love this place and always look forward to our next visit. The people working there are always kind and welcoming, the art is superb -- and there is a great variety of it, and it's an excellent place to buy gifts for others or oneself. Not to mention... Art In A Box is great! We decided to subscribe, and we are so happy with our pieces, which come in lovely wrapped boxes each month. read more

They are far more concerned with making money than about giving artists a space to create work or contributing to the community. They are totally phony and the prices aren't inclusive to artists at all. 0/5 stars read more

I came here for the first time last night and really enjoyed myself. A good variety of art and nice. I bought a cool t-shirt and was surprised at how affordable it was...for a gallery that is. Neat artwork painted onto the walls. The people who worked there were friendly. They had a nice spread for the opening. The bathroom has an aquarium for the toilet tank. That was cool. I'm looking forward to coming to more events. It looks like they have a good eye for unique artists. read more

What a great place, not only to see top notch art shows that aren't up just to make money but because someone really loved the work, but also to see artists in there natural environment. It's great to wander the studios and see work in progress. Also the Ye Olde Art Machine is not to be missed. Where else can you get art for a dollar? read more

Very fun small studio with eclectic pieces that rotate frequently. Stop by whenever you need your mind opened and your heart warmed. Many different styles, something for everyone, reasonable prices. Staff are friendly and helpful, space is neat and well-arranged. read more

I totally love the Compound Gallery in Emeryville! I was compelled to write this review after trying to stop by recently (they're closed for the holidays til Feb. 1) and realizing how much I've missed stopping by here. They have awesome, affordable art exhibits and some really great artist studio spaces. I have purchased a few pieces here and have attended a few events and workshops. I am always excited to go back, both to talk to the fun and quirky gallery owners and to see what great art they have up. I also subscribed to their "Art in A Box" membership program (monthly art) for a while. They were spot on in choosing pieces I loved, but I wound up canceling because I've run out of wall space! It's a really cool idea though, and would make a GREAT and super original gift, too. read more

My wife has a studio here and every time I visit I'm impressed by the new installations, creative interiors, comfortable atmosphere, and friendly people. A great neighborhood art warehouse with fun events and a really cool overall aesthetic. Go see it! read more

Yes, there may be a lot of good places to see art in the area but this place is the best when it comes to a place where you can make art. Imagine that art class you took in college..remember all the great friends you made in that class?...now, imagine a version of that class...but this class keeps going on year after year. It's a place where you can meet artists, bounce ideas, get inspired, make real life-long friends. The place is full of positive vibes. read more

Lots of different kind of art work. The price is very reasonable. I just love to visit this place whenever i have free time

I attended an art opening for Alyssa Goss on Friday night. It was a pleasant surprise to discover this new gallery, store and studio. Alyssa's work was beautiful and the store had a really well-curated selection of locally made crafty gift items including an excellent casserole tote for $45. I'm planning to come here for my Christmas shopping this year and hope to make it to other art openings. read more

Great place, interesting art, not expensive. Great for finding off the wall gifts. Love the stuff I have gotten there!

This place is AWESOM! I don't know much about art but the guy, I think Matt, showed me around. In addition to the art in the front they had a lot of studios with working artists in them. It was rad to see people making art and to be able to talk to them. And even though I only had a dollar on me I still walked away with an awesome piece of art from their art vending machine. read more