About Us
Our
Story
Founded in 2022, Berkano Gallery is an up-and-coming art gallery in Seattle, Washington.
Once just a dream by a guy and his dog, Berkano began as an art consulting business forging connections between clients and artists. We have since transitioned into a commercial fine art gallery to continue fostering relationships between our patrons, artists and the larger Seattle community.
We believe in a different way to view, appreciate and sell art.
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Berkano is a (soon-to-be brick and mortar) place where all voices, perspectives and tastes have value. Except for the shitty racist, homophobic, mysogynistic or generally hateful ones. Those can fuck right off to hell.
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The artwork and artists we represent are meant to be appreciated by everyone. We don't believe someone has to have a certain amount of money in their bank account to feel welcome at Berkano. We also don't believe someone has to be "educated" in art to start collecting it. We love our art historians, tastemakers and critics, but we're just more interested in making connections between beautiful objects and beautiful people (and we think all of you are super fucking hot on the inside and out).
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While we believe that art should be for everybody, we also understand (and deeply appreciate) that not every style is for every person. There is no such thing as bad taste, and we're happy to work with clients to find something that takes their breath away, even if it isn't what's on the walls this month.
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Also, dogs. Bring them please.
Our Values
Inclusivity. Sustainability. Humanity.
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Inclusivity. Berkano welcomes artists and collaborators from all backgrounds and experiences, and especially strive to incorporate artists and artwork from underrepresented communities. Representation matters, everyone deserves to see themselves reflected in the world around them.
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Sustainability. By this we mean everything from using recycled/upcycled packing materials to reduce our environmental impact, to working with local small businesses in our community so we can all thrive together for years to come. We truly believe a rising tide raises all boats, which is great, as long as it's not from melting glaciers.
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Humanity. It's weird to have to outline this one but here we are. We believe in treating all of our artists, clients, visitors and collaborators with respect and dignity, especially in regard to their lived experiences. Honestly, we aren't even trying to pat ourselves on the back with this one, the lowest of all bars when it comes to human decency.
Our Mission
Art for the many, or for the few. Berkano acknowledges the cognitive dissonance surrounding the discourse in the art world. Art is universal, but exclusive. While we aim to provide our collectors with incredible and innovative new artwork, it is equally important to us that our space and programming be open, accessible and welcoming to all, regardless of economic status. With a community-driven and collaborative approach, Berkano aims to connect with other businesses, organizations and members of the community to create innovative programming that spills far beyond the proverbial walls of the gallery.
Art for Good
We truly believe that art has the power to do great things in this world, and we definitely want in on that action. That's why every time you purchase an artwork from Berkano Gallery, a portion of the gallery's proceeds will go to a nonprofit of your choice. And if you're not sure who to choose, we're happy to do it for you! Just know it will probably end up going somewhere very gay and local.
What's a Berkano?
The name Berkano is a reference to an old Nordic glyph (meaning "Birch"), which in turn bear associations of love, growth, rebirth and the feminine in cultural lore. Berkano is very much borne of these concepts, and celebrates them with everything we are.
Art defies geography, time, language and cultures. Berkano seeks to inject just a dash of old world magic into a contemporary backdrop.
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