Gallery 16

Gallery 16 stood for over three decades as a cornerstone of the San Francisco arts community, operating with a philosophy that prioritized the integrity of an artist's voice over commercial trends. Founded in 1993 by painter and publisher Griff Williams, the gallery cultivated a reputation for supporting emerging and mid-career artists without imposing rigid curatorial agendas. Williams intentionally fostered an environment where artists could experiment and even fail, viewing the gallery as a necessary incubator for creative growth rather than just a retail space. By championing long-term relationships with artists like Margaret Kilgallen, Rex Ray, and Mark Grotjahn, the space became a vital hub for rigorous ideas in a city rapidly shifting toward technology and development.