Starfish Arts and Underpainting Collective Opened Exhibits
Two new creative spaces have launched in Berkeley, offering gallery and workshop opportunities to local residents.
Updated on Sept. 29, 2026 in Painting
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Starfish Arts and the Underpainting Collective have officially opened their inaugural exhibits in Berkeley. These new venues aim to provide specialized spaces for makers and painters across the city.
Why it matters
The addition of these spaces highlights a growing demand for community-focused arts environments in Berkeley. By providing dedicated venues for creation, both organizations seek to increase access to artistic practice.
The inaugural exhibit at the Underpainting Collective features the work of artist Sandra Lo, who is in her 70s. Her portfolio includes 800 paintings completed over a 20-year period.
The players
Natasha Distiller
She is a co-founder of Starfish Arts, a space established to foster community.
Karen Roze
She co-founded Starfish Arts alongside Natasha Distiller.
Sandra Lo
She is a featured artist in her 70s whose extensive painting work is showcased at the Underpainting Collective.
Lama Tashi Norbu
He is an artist scheduled to hold an upcoming residency at the Siren Gallery in Berkeley.
The details
Starfish Arts, located on San Pablo Avenue, combines a gallery with a clothing boutique and makers' space to serve a queer-friendly community. Meanwhile, the Shattuck Avenue-based Underpainting Collective focuses on making traditional painting techniques more accessible to the public.
Timeline
January 2026: Underpainting Collective opened its studio space.
October 1, 2026: Starfish Arts launched its first exhibit.
October 3, 2026: Underpainting Collective held its first exhibit opening.
November 2026: Lama Tashi Norbu will begin a residency at Siren Gallery.
December 2026: Starfish Arts will host a holiday craft fair.
Culture Shift
These openings reflect the ongoing revitalization of local art districts in Berkeley. By providing physical spaces for interaction and production, these venues align with broader shifts toward community-supported creative hubs.
Residents can visit the new galleries on San Pablo and Shattuck Avenues to view current exhibits or participate in workshops. The upcoming holiday craft fair also provides a new local destination for seasonal shopping.
The takeaway
These new Berkeley venues provide residents with greater opportunities to engage with local artists and traditional painting methods. Interested visitors should check exhibit schedules to participate in upcoming gallery events and seasonal craft markets.
What happens next
Starfish Arts will host a recurring holiday craft fair known as the Goblin Market throughout every weekend in December 2026.
Further reading
Learn more about local creative trends in the Painting section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Berkeleyside.
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