Sparks Gallery

About the Space

In the 1880s, as San Diego began to flourish, the "Stingaree" district was a place of wild reputation, where visitors were "stung" by the area’s vices as surely as by the stingrays in the nearby bay. Just across the street, lawman Wyatt Earp frequented the Tivoli Bar, watching the city grow into its own. By 1924, our historic building rose to meet a need: utility. For nearly a century, our walls housed the Sterling Hardware Company, providing physical tools and materials, serving as a mainstay for the families and businesses that built San Diego from the ground up. As the current stewards of this historic space, we recognize that while the city has been built, our need for meaningful connection has only grown. In a world often blurred by a digital fog, the tools we need today are no longer industrial… they are experiential. We have reimagined this space not just as a landmark, but as a cultural nexus. Our mission is to bridge the gap between the historic roots of the venue and today’s need for true connection. We believe in the transformative power of art to provoke thought and enrich lives. By fostering genuine interaction in our venue, we provide a breath of fresh air for the spirit. Through curated exhibitions and artistic activations, we offer a platform where Southern California’s most innovative voices can be heard and celebrated. We continue this building’s legacy of service by focusing on community through human connection. We work with compassionate collectors and event planners who believe, as we do, that art and stories have the power to bring people together. Our daily promise is that when you leave Sparks Gallery, you will feel more connected, more inspired, and more alive than when you walked in. The space is a beautiful historic space located in San Diego's Gaslamp Quarter. Housed within the Sterling Hardware Building, the 4500 sq ft interior has high ceilings, exposed red brick walls, and vintage wood floors. F&B is available at an additional cost through our culinary partner vendor. Please inquire for artistic activations to take your event to the next level. Please note there are video and sound recording devices on the premises. We look forward to hosting your next creative event! The large storefront windows allow natural light to flow into the space and produce warm tones throughout. The artwork on view is available to be licensed for commercial usage, as well as private. The 500 sq ft urban patio outside showcases a large geometric mural by Monty Montgomery. The price listed is for photo shoots and video shoots. Please inquire about pricing for events, weddings, art shows, and bespoke event packages. We look forward to hosting your next creative project. Check out our informational video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p9-X4oZ22PM&t=8s Price listed is for the hourly rental cost of the venue only. Please note there are video and sound recording devices on the premises.