So far, things seem to be working out OK...

But don't take our word for it! Here's what other people are saying about START SOMA:

• Emerging Artists
• Emerging Collectors
• Miscellaneous Quotes

Emerging Artists

It is because of curators like John Doffing and START SOMA that I made the move from the Bay State to the Bay Area. Doffing constantly finds ways to reinvent the art venue: a true original who is making a valuable contribution to the scene, for both artists and collectors alike.
Alexis Mackenzie
artist

San Francisco seems to be brewing a new movement in art; it's somewhere between classical virtuosity and the graphic novel, with a street-art attitude and a little bit of conceptualism for good measure - and John Doffing of START SOMA has his finger on it's pulse.
Jakob Bokulich
artist

Big up to John D. & START SOMA for putting me on a project as proper as Room 402 in the Hotel Des Arts. Always coming through with locations and angles for new artists, the bar has been raised and the envelope pushed wide open. Hats off.
Bryan Dawson
artist

START SOMA, under the direction of John Doffing, has been a pleasure to work and show with. Constantly evolving, no two shows are ever the same, and unfailingly intriguing. A non-snooty approach to the traditional gallery scene, the organization offers both artists and patrons the opportunity for involvement with the local community via local non-profit organizations. No matter its next incarnation, START SOMA offers wonderful art, good people, and great parties!
Kelly Tunstall
painter

In my experience, John Doffing and START SOMA consistently provide artists with venues and events that provide exposure to new audiences and collectors. The ArtSFest 2005 exhibit showcased art from an exceptionally wide range of styles and mediums in a beautiful venue peppered with collectors, press, artists, musicians, performers and art lovers.
Scatha G. Allison
installation artist, painter, designer
Gestalt Collective

Emerging artists of all types in San Francisco owe a great debt to John Doffing and START SOMA. The free exposure and encouragement he's given them (and me) is truly invaluable. And the parties are fun too.
Josh Feldman
artist

John Doffing trouve les moyens de diffuser nos créations en investissant des lieux inédit comme l'Hotel des Arts ou l'espace internet via son site web http://www.STARTsoma.com Il est ouvert, brillant et accessible; c'est suffisament rare pour être souligné.
Punkadelik
painter

Thanks to the encouragement, support, and ART SALES facilitated by START SOMA, I have been able to quit my day job and paint full time. That pretty much says it all, doesn't it?
David DeRosa
painter

John Doffing is an art enthusiast and clever promoter with a knack for bringing eclectic people and art together in a big way.
Vulcan
artist

If you believe in balancing the equation then you will love START SOMA. This gallery sheds light on talented San Francisco artists that were being overlooked. If you are an artist or collector, keep an eye out for future START SOMA shows.
APEX
artist

I commend START SOMA and John Doffing for breathing new life into an art scene that is too young to be set in its ways. They prove that you can bring something different to the table and still move the people. Keep giving the people what they never knew they wanted!
Terrance Hughes
painter

START SOMA events have a palpable energy. As a DJ, it is exciting to fan the flames of that excitement. I have met a lot of interesting people at all of their events. It is an Elysium for any true art lover or people watcher. The fact that I have been able to see most of my favorite artists under the same roof is amazing to me. This is truly a critical point in the history of modern contemporary/urban/outsider art, and START SOMA is definitely on the leading edge.
DJ Soulside

I want to thank John Doffing and everyone at START SOMA who helped to organize the ATM ART SHOW . We kicked off a new product line of reproductions of my paintings cast in resin; we sold several new pieces and generated a lot of interest in my work. I also met some wonderful people. It was great to meet so many other artists. Keep up the good work John!
Warner Williams
artist

START SOMA is providing THE venue for emerging artists in San Francisco and bringing life into the gallery scene. We need more - keep it coming!
Preston Thomas
artist

START SOMA is all about ENERGY. The work is vibrant and fresh. The events atypical, experimental and just plain fun. Imagination is on the loose in this great new addition to the SF art world!
Ann Simms
photographer

John Doffing and START SOMA have worked hard to expose so much amazing talent from around the Bay Area and beyond. John has also opened the door for many people to become first time art buyers - by showcasing incredible works which urban culture can relate to, and by keeping the art affordable. And his opening parties always have the best DJs!
kramer
dj / producer

Many galleries seem to have rigidly defined themselves and concept of good art (BORING). The outcome is predictable and bland. Just sticking to the same old thing leads to stagnation. Innovative artists find the doors closed. John Doffing and START SOMA keep all the doors open for new artists...truly creative individuals now have an outlet. START SOMA is beautifully unique. It is an exciting exploration of possibilities for all involved (FUN). Keep on pushing the limits! Keep on burning boundaries, opening doors and igniting the potential in artists! Who knows what they'll do next? We need creative people to keep the cultural climate fresh. It has been great for me and I look forward to future events.
Eric Adrian Helsley
artist

START SOMA's most recent SFLNC fundraiser was a big success that brought culture and art to an empty warehouse space that was transformed by the individual artists for the art show. START SOMA is a unique gallery experience that allows the public to meet the artists while looking at their work in a down to earth setting.
Chris Oatey
artist

START SOMA was the only gallery in San Francisco willing to take a chance on Underfoot : a small political new media show. In addition, the advice and help that John Doffing gave us was invaluable. It made all the difference between the show being a disaster and the success which is was. It is wonderful to know someone with such a commitment to the arts and to his community. It restores a little of my faith in the state of the arts in America.
Sasha Harris-Cronin
Underfoot Art Show, June 2004

I couldn't believe how open the people at START SOMA were to letting us do whatever we needed to do to realize our vision in their splendid space. Especially because the decor of the gallery is a work of art itself, I initially felt reserved about disturbing anything. They were so supportive, though, that my hesitation quickly melted into creative fluidity. John Doffing urged us to feel completely at home, trusted us enough to give us free reign and full artistic control. His Mi Casa es Su Casa attitude represents community building at its best: he facilitates that trust and respect, and we as the artists, participants, guests, friends...live up to that standard.
Casondra Sobieralski
Underfoot Art Show, June 2004

Working with START SOMA gave me a chance to show my work alongside internationally known artists. As I'm still at my humble beginning as an artist, this was encouraging to me. I showed in START SOMA's very first opening - which ranked by attendance far beyond any art show I'd yet participated in. The line was literally around the corner, and I had to go fish my friends from the sea of visitors clamoring to see the vast array of artwork within. A year-and-a-half and several dozen art shows later, START SOMA remains a fabulous resource for emerging artists to get noticed by the public eye.
Taraka Goodman-Robinson
artist

START SOMA is an art catalyst. Every opportunity to perform there has lead to another opportunity to express yet another side of being a multi-disciplinary artist. Everybody multi-tasks, artists are just a part of that. The intensity of the evening has resulted in project after project coming to fruition in multiple venues. This means exposure, which means connection, which means sales and the viability of living off your art. Live bands in the gallery setting ignite the domino effect of creativity. Color, concepts and shapes in the paintings bring a new dimension to the milieu of intangibles, like notes and the singing of neo-soul. The place itself is an oasis from the urban sprawl that surrounds us; you might forget where you are and think you're on a movie set. On so many levels the facets of START SOMA fit together in a hi-fi, low key, futuristic, funkified Fantasia.
aSza
recording artist & poet

John Doffing's START SOMA brings brilliance and amazing talent together to create an all new vibe in San Francisco - an explosion of culture that leaves the community begging for more.
Muffin Hyche
artist

John Doffing at START SOMA has created one the most exciting gallery scenes in the recent years. Doffing is a true visionary for fusing the art, fashion, and design worlds to enrich our current Bay Area culture and beyond.
Rick Lee
furniture designer

START SOMA's galleries are exactly what the emerging artists of the Bay area needed! John Doffing has such passion for what he does, and he puts the excitement into what used to be a stuffy event. I'm looking forward to the next show!
Paris Renfroe
furniture designer

START SOMA is a wonderful space that supports many emerging and mid career artists. What I like about them is that their art openings fuse the hipster scene with art collectors. It's definitely worth checking out!
Isis Rodriguez
painter

The best of both worlds - amazing. START SOMA has a vision that merges the selling of affordable art and a gallery environment in a beautiful way. Providing excitement and raw energy for both emerging artists and art collectors just getting started and those already established. The START galleries are keeping art for all and having fun at it!
sfaustina
artist

START SOMA has been a big support to many artists in the SF Bay Area for some time now. Galleries like START SOMA are needed here and not many exist - keep doing your thing and I will see you at the next opening!
SETS
rapper

John Doffing is an amazing fellow. He is the most capable presenter and promoter of art I know. He is driven by passion, which is a rare quality in us humans. John is also an artist - his art is being a ringleader. A showman. A connector. And an unmatched undergound art impresario. START SOMA is truly inspiring...
Ray Torres
artist

START SOMA has a great name - there is no finish line, one can build and build creating layers of great reputation. TEN is a particularly exciting event for me to participate in. I have been so close to artists, their work, doing shows etc., and for the first time I can share the same walls. The amount of humanity put into curating shows like this has not left the experience in a void. I truly hope that each person can enjoy the work as much as I have.
Nicole Kathryn de Carion
emerging artist

John Doffing and START SOMA were really great to work with. John really went the extra mile to make my piece work exactly how I needed it to work in a difficult to hang space. The opening was exceptionally well publicized, the highest attendance of any show I've ever been in, and the caliber of other artists' work involved was great.
Gennifer M. Hirano, asianprincess
visual and performance artist

At START SOMA you will discover unrestricted art, familiar and nervy with a willingness to manifest and divulge works of unpretentious frankness to stark discretion. San Francisco finally has an art space willing to unveil emerging artists bluntly, beautifully and effortlessly.
Justine McGonagle
assemblage

I was an artist in START SOMA's magical first show. Over a hundred artists. Over a thousand works of art. The eclectic chaos and visual cacophony was BEAUTIFUL, and I felt blessed to be part of such a wonderful event. So much art! And somehow, it all fit together. Since that time, I have found the people at START SOMA to be nothing less than inspirational and magnetic. They have repeatedly opened the doors of their gallery to my theater group for rehearsals at no charge. As they have for countless charitable groups and non-profit arts organizations. And I have experienced first-hand the support they provide to emerging artists. John Doffing will drop EVERYTHING to sit down with an artist who walks in off the street, to talk about art while reviewing their portfolio. This may not seem like a big deal, but it is probably as significant as the financial support they have provided to countless young artists over the course of their first year. START SOMA is doing something truly magical.
Jenny Hagen
painter | actress | puppeteer | singer

There are two types of Artists in the world; Those who are Artists so they can tell people that they are Artists and those who are Artists because that's all that matters to them. I hail from the latter. John Doffing and START SOMA know the difference.
David DeRosa
painter

START SOMA brings together people of all realms, of all backgrounds and most importantly, of all walks of art. They represent the identity of what art is truly about - creative expression! Above all they are good people that ROCK!
Allan Manzano
graphic agitator

START SOMA has gotten a lot of recognition for their support of emerging artists in San Francisco. Painters. Sculptors. Photographers. New Media artists. But what most people don't immediately realize is that they have been exceptionally supportive of emerging FASHION DESIGNERS as well. My company, Jacinta Designs , has worked with START SOMA on multiple fashion shows. Held in conjunction with several of their art openings and charitable fundraisers, START SOMA has showcased the designs of literally dozens of young fashion designers. These shows have raised money for some great local non-profits, and their commitment to emerging ARTISTS (including designers!) is unprecedented. John Doffing's personal commitment to creating something new and exciting is inspiring, and I am proud to be a part of the adventure!
Jacinta Law
Jacinta Management & Productions

John Doffing's vision and promotion of START SOMA is a great community service and fantastic opportunity for local artists. To share a gallery experience with my peers is a treasured experience -- I look forward to participating in the future success of the two new galleries -- I am pumped to create some new art!
Ward Moore
concept artist

John Doffing and START SOMA have lifted the curtain on our own "illustrious wizards of art". Bring it on home to San Francisco!
Robert J. Allison
painter

GADZOOKS!! John Doffing has the right idea with the START SOMA Gallery! Doffing, an entrepreneur and passionate collector with a great eye for new art, likes to bring artists and collectors together - presenting incredible work to the public, usually in very unconventional ways. Working with him as an artist in residence at the gallery and as an exhibiting artist in the summer show was fun, positive, and successful. START SOMA does incredible PR and definitely has its finger on the pulse of the city, creating an environment that the up & coming want to be a part of. Doffing's concept and business model for his galleries might just have the zest to bring back San Francisco's frazzled art scene from a difficult economy to a new paradigm - somewhere in between the elite gallery scene and a great party!
Diane Mazur
artist in residence

It was fun and interesting to participate in the PROPAGANDA show as there was such a wide range of points of view as well as media and scale. A timely show if there ever was one!
Whitney Vosburgh
painter

As START SOMA's first artist in residence, I feel that I am part of something truly astounding. I have been provided with an environment to experiment and create, to take chances in my art, and try new things. John Doffing has assembled an eclectic and talented collective of emerging artists, and his support of this community has been exceptional. John has created a program to support the creation of great art through space, resources, and an inspiring energy that has allowed me to fearlessly forge new ground in my arts, exploring mediums and concepts I had yet to pursue.
anami
collage + mixed media | vocalist | performance artist

START SOMA and its director John Doffing are doing what really needs to be done in San Francisco. That is to bring the art to people and people to art and to allow seeing, showing and collecting art to be dynamic, exciting and encouraged. START SOMA successfully avoids the dreaded "white cube" syndrome which is the death of the enjoyment of art, and replaces it with people, artists, and lots of lively art within reach of professional and working people - people who may otherwise have found the rest of the downtown gallery scene to be elitist, inflated and boring.
John Sheridan
painter

START SOMA has hit on the perfect concept at the perfect time - "Emerging Artists. Original Art. Affordable." START SOMA and John Doffing have fostered an atmosphere where the artist rules and is free to create. The bevy of emerging artists START SOMA has gathered is truly mind blowing - there's no fluff, just amazing talent.
Drew Wiedemann
photographer

Art can be life, but at what price? START SOMA pierces through the artworld ether to inject affordable art into the lives of real people. By showcasing emerging artists, the gallery offers sustenance to new talent. I would say its popping with potential.
Margot Knight
photographer

START SOMA is the new home of the latest and greatest that San Francisco has to offer. Keep a close eye on START SOMA, because it's projects like these that help change the way we see art.
Mateo
image creator

I want people to enjoy art the way they enjoy music festivals, raves and rock shows. That is the atmosphere I try to create with my art and at my shows. START SOMA is trying to do the same thing, bring art to life, give it a sort of shock treatment. As they say birds of a feather flock together, and we were a perfect fit. This ain't your mama's art show!
Curt Eichelberger
painter

The last thing I want to have to deal with as an artist is the stuffy and intimidating gallery scene. START SOMA strips away the pretense of the traditional art gallery leaving the substance of great fu!?ing art that is accessible to both first-time buyers and long-time collectors.
Brian Barneclo
painter

When gallery owners allow their passion for art, tempered with the eye of professionalism, to guide their decisions, good things are bound to happen. START SOMA is a step in the right direction towards recognizing Urban Art as a valid contemporary art movement.
Logan Hicks
painter

START SOMA is providing emerging artists with a venue for showing and selling work that could serve as a vital link in an artist's career and an opportunity for getting the work seen. I'm excited to be a part of this vital, alive new space which offers exposure, support and juice to emerging artists and emerging collectors.
Jennifer Delilah
painter

START SOMA has got the right idea and just in the nick of time. San Francisco has needed a place like this to showcase the incredible talent of outsider, alternative and underground artists. START SOMA takes the pretense out of the gallery scene and creates a very relaxed environment. This is a refreshing change that reflects the need for everyone to have access to interesting affordable art.
Craig LaRotonda
painting + assemblage

START SOMA's mission is to create and promote accessible, affordable art, and I think that's great. I'm pleased to have the opportunity to show my work alongside an eclectic mix of talented artists. Plus, I hear they're putting a hot tub on the roof of the gallery. How cool is that?
DAVe
street artist

START SOMA has created an open environment for expression, and a realistic platform to actually SELL artwork by connecting emerging artists and collectors. Walking a fine line between traditional galleries and the recent resurgence of art-based parties in San Francisco, START SOMA brings together outstanding emerging artists and provides a new venue for exposure. This concept comes from a true love of the art that is being represented, and I am very happy to be a part of their inaugural show.
Jimmy Love
painter

A streak of brilliance and an outlet for vision, START SOMA brings art to an affordable place without cheapening it, and I am pleased to be a part of their first shows.
Sandro Tchikovani
painter

START SOMA is an antidote to the stuffy gallery setting! Art is a part of our lives, to be experienced in personal as well as social settings. It is appropriate to have a venue where the formality is dropped and art can be appreciated for its own sake.
Andres Amador
light sculpture. mixed media

START SOMA cuts through the bullshit and gets right to the heart of the matter. No wine & cheese pretense here. START SOMA connects artist and audience with a pair of live jumper cables, sparking that much needed life back into an art scene that is in danger of dying on the table.
Christian Greuel
transdisciplinary artist

John Doffing has an eye for art. He also has a great track record proving his talent for teaming up artists with their supporters, and with START SOMA, he has finally entered his element. It's a great idea to make fine arts seem more approachable to the general public. This is exactly what SF's art community needs to really BE a community, and to mend the damage done during the .com crash. Art is a vital reflection of our culture. It's about time we get back to the point of what art should be about - BY the people, and FOR the people, rather than a sterile, disassociated concept reserved only for the wealthy.
Candace Blankenship
Photographer / Image Alchemist / Heart Art Specialist

The START SOMA events I've been to were hopping with interesting people and littered with good, eclectic art. The energy is always unpretentious...
MariNaomi
painter

I appreciate being involved in START SOMA's first ATM ART SHOW . It was unique to have an opening with so many artists showing and making art in a club environment. I'm excited to see START SOMA's future shows!
Emet Sosna
artist

START SOMA allows me to act out all of my developmental problems in a creative way.
David Choe
artist

START SOMA is a fantastic way to get your art out there and seen by the community. As someone new to the SF arts scene, I found it inspiring to share a piece of what I have been creating. In return, I received more feedback and encouragement on my work than I had seen in years. This drives young artists....giving them the opportunity to reach out, which fuels the creation.
erica
imagemaker

After meeting with the folks at START SOMA, I was left with a very positive feeling on both the right and the left side of my brain. The business end was definitely well thought-out, and the creativity is flowing freely. I'm happy to be a part of the launch of the gallery.
MARS
street artist

Great art, great people and a great idea. Why hasn't someone done it this way before? WHO CARES - it's here now and START SOMA nails it. Whether you're an artist or a collector, this is where you want to be.
Janus Kober
painter

START SOMA and Creator John Doffing bring a well needed purity to the San Francisco art scene - and the world for that matter! Bringing works based on outstanding innovation and quality, instead of names and superficiality. His artists are assembled for talent, skill, and innovation. START SOMA is not concerned with Names and Popularity. I have been given a second wind on all levels thanks to START SOMA. Thanks John!
Eric Adrian Helsley
Creator | Painter | Musician

I always have fun at the START SOMA openings and the art is often better than what is in fancy art museums - at a price that everyone can afford! Why wouldn't you go?
Eric Hiss
photographer

START SOMA shows are a great mix of the Mission scene and a space for new artists to show off their wares. I was happy to be a part of it - and to check out new and fresh art myself!
Jim Corbett
furniture designer

Emerging Collectors

What to say about START SOMA? Excellent art, amazing crowds, awesome openings - definitely a fantastic experience! To be honest, I came for a good time with some friends who had been raving about their openings - and I left with some phenomenal art from a talented emerging artist, whom I had the immense pleasure of not only meeting, but sharing some common views about art and life in general. I cannot wait to see his latest work at an upcoming show.
Skip Phillips

START SOMA is John Doffing's actualization of a dream. His dream is to foster the creative and philanthropic talents and energies that are so intrinsically and uniquely San Francisco. Our reality is enriched by the artistic genius that emerges and the good deeds that can be done through his amazing fundraising efforts. START SOMA is not just a gallery - it is a talent factory where worlds collide and magic is born. Where else in the city can you find in one gritty Mission space a room full of brilliant new art - along with graffiti artists, Silicon Valley CEOs, politicians, movie stars, models, DJs, debutantes and free sports drinks compliments of rapper Nelly?
Nicole DiDonato

START SOMA and John Doffing have fostered a community of people who now just donšt know about emerging art in San Francisco, but genuinely care for it as well. START SOMA screening last week of Quality of Life bore this out entirely. I was so impressed with both the film makeršs story telling achievement and the standing-room-only turnout of a diversified, receptive and thoroughly engaged audience. Thanks for including me in this and other recent events. As both a spectator and collector, I look forward to more invitations and opportunities to be a part of the vision for a braver and newer world of emerging art!
Robert Ross

START SOMA has been the driving force in San Francisco for getting emerging artists and emerging collectors together. They have been a fantastic resource in helping me find and purchase several pieces for my burgeoning collection. I have been introducing my friends to their shows, and their praise for START SOMA has been just as laudatory.
Sean Caplice

START SOMA is all about access. It is access to new art for collectors, and access to actual buyers for working artists. I will always enjoy the paintings by Sandro that I bought at START SOMA. They scream "LOVE" in paint as fresh as it was the day it was sprayed. I look forward to the new galleries - how exciting for San Francisco!
Laura Kusumoto

The START SOMA gallery is by far one of the best around for showing REAL underground underappreciated talented artists. START SOMA diverges from other galleries that only show graffiti style art, bringing a richer variety of up-and-coming artists that can't be labeled one thing or another. I've never been to a START SOMA art show where the content didn't intrigue me in some way. I will continue to buy art from START SOMA because I know their artist base and know that without a doubt they are making some of the freshest most important work of our time.
David Sutherland

What makes START SOMA successful is John Doffing's passion for art and art collectors and bringing them together. John's energy is inspiring and genuinely delightful.
Bobby Pin

I am really impressed with the quality of work that START SOMA shows from a very wide range of emerging artists. I love seeing a gallery like this foster great local talent and make it available to collectors who may be just starting out themselves. I actually walked into a START SOMA opening off the street and ended up taking home a large and fantastic piece of art from an artist I'd never seen or heard of before, but who obviously has a load of talent. I look forward to seeing more discoveries of theirs in the future.
Celeste Schaefer

START SOMA was able to help me find several pieces that have filled a void in my collection of San Francisco artists. I really appreciated the professional manner in which they handled my transactions and went out of their way to meet my needs.
Ben Galvin

I have started a collection of art that I can appreciate through the years. I intend to purchase one piece a year that catches my eye. At START SOMA I found a piece by an emerging artist that I found quite interesting. I recommend START SOMA's art shows as a great way to enjoy art and learn the value of beginning one's own personal collection. The event was entertaining and well attended.
Thomas J. Barrett

The art opening for START SOMA provided a low pressure and FUN setting for one of my first purchases of art. Being able to talk directly with the artists was a great way to make my selection.
Chris McQueen

Never before have I encountered such an unpretentious and welcoming art gallery that actually sells great works of art at reasonable prices. START SOMA is a refreshing change for those of us who are weary of art galleries for fear of snobby curators and outrageous pricing.
Courtney Bucks

Amazing. I walked into START SOMA expecting a few miscellaneous pieces and a great party. What I saw was amazing art, I met amazing talent and yes, I enjoyed a great opening. When I first entered the gallery, I noticed a HUGE installation piece by MISK behind the DJ. It now graces a wall in my living room!
Frank Del Fiugo

John Doffing's infectious enthusiasm removes the layer of pretense typically found in most galleries. He works to shorten the distance between admirer and collector, and in the process succeeds in helping transform aspiring artists into working artists.
Leslie Harpold

The idea of making great original art available to the masses is long overdue. Was amazed at the diversity of talent displayed at START SOMA. I have since bought a few pieces and expect to commission one of the artists I met. Great work START SOMA!
Dennis Ives

START SOMA is successfully solving a hundred-year-old problem of contemporary art: those who most love it, cannot afford it. Collectors and art lovers who are sick and tired of galleries pretentiously peddling their overpriced 'fine art' should visit START SOMA for a blast of fresh air - and some GREAT affordable art from emerging artists!
Yury Frolov

START SOMA was a pleasure to buy art from. They were extremely easy to deal with - friendly, warm and honest. The piece I purchased now has a happy place in my living room. Thanks START SOMA
Dan Rollman

START SOMA shows go beyond the traditional gallery experience to combine art with music, fashion, and food to create a more fully engaging event that complements and enhances the art on display. Not just great art, but a great party as well!
Jamie Hill

Miscellaneous Quotes

Hotel des Arts is the city's most recent, and radical, experiment in artistic infiltration. Over the past year, half of the 51 rooms have been given to an artist to do with as he or she pleases. Some have taken six weeks, brushing in elaborate scenes fit for a Victorian parlor. Others have bombed the walls in 24 hours, as if the cops were waiting around the corner. The only quality the artists have in common is the confidence of John Doffing, an Internet entrepreneur whose enthusiasm as a collector has led him to curate shows in spaces ranging from abandoned SoMa lofts to the basement at City Hall and whose zeal has compelled all the artists at Hotel des Arts to contribute their work in exchange for exposure. Of which there's a lot...
San Francisco Magazine

Pretension holds no reign at the Hotel des Arts, which is cheap enough for backpackers and budget travelers, yet hip enough to attract the likes of the infamous Mobb Deep and the Arcade Fire when they roll through town...
BPM Magazine

The Hotel Des Arts in San Francisco is packed full of customized rooms from floor to ceiling by some of the world's most promising young artists...
Josh Spear

Right around the corner from San Francisco’s couture shopping mecca Union Square lies Hotel des Arts, a boutique hotel that specializes in showcasing emerging and underground artists from around the world...
Mesh Magazine

The Hotel Des Arts is well on its way to becoming a significant contemporary urban art collection...
Art Business

San Francisco is known for trendy artists, and the hippest place to catch their work is the Hotel des Arts...
AOL

The Hotel Des Arts' roster of top notch underground and emerging artist created rooms is totally impressive--and the sky is the limit here...
Josh Spear

...then there are those who refuse to be intimidated. They know their rights and are willing to stand and fight for them, even if it is on principle alone. One such man is John Doffing, curator of the much lauded Painted Rooms in San Francisco’s Hotel des Arts...
Elemental Magazine

START SOMA - the coolest art crew around...
NiteVibe

The Hotel Des Arts promises the opportunity to sleep in the middle of floor to ceiling art at an affordable price...
Hotel Chatter

...gallery owner John Doffing's iconoclastic START SOMA gallery has hosted dozens of art shows over the past two years...
BPM Magazine

Over the past 18 months, the iconoclastic START SOMA gallery has consistently delivered San Francisco's most interesting and eclectic art shows...
SF STATION

...it's organizations like START SOMA that work behind the scenes (often with very little or no credit) to give emerging artists larger and larger platforms to work from. Things don't happen without many people involved, and we need organizations like START SOMA and people like John Doffing, the organization's founder and CEO, to help open up new doors and create new opportunities for artists.
Wooster Collective

John Doffing and START SOMA have opened many venues to art rich, visibility poor creators, that otherwise would not have been able to reach the art community and patrons that they need. He is a prince to many and serves the underrepresented community of art to the fullest. Extremely innovative and motivated, he has taken the reigns of showmanship and found the bright new faces and presented them to the San Francisco art village without hesitation and as a result become the go to person for visibility in the contemporary art scene in San Francisco.
Ron Turner
Last Gasp Press

We were looking to tap into the creative spirit of San Francisco to help us bring our brand to life. John Doffing, START SOMA, and the artists more than delivered. The art they created spoke to people on a deep level and visually excited them. Not only did we raise more than $7000 for local charities, but the brand was brought to life in a unique and culturally dynamic way.
Tom Herbst
Sun Microsystems

START SOMA under John Doffing's leadership has brought art to life. They have helped transform the Hotel des Arts into a place where you are submerged into the artwork. Art isn't just something you view on the wall as an observer; instead it surrounds you and your everyday life becomes art.
Richard Singer
Hotel des Arts

START SOMA and John Doffing have been tremendously supportive of our organization, the Collaborative Arts Insurgency. We are a band of poets, artists and musicians who host a Street Arts Workshop every week outdoors, and START SOMA's generosity began by hosting our event in their Mission gallery itself when it rained. Since then John has helped us put on a fund-raiser in his gallery, created an opportunity for us to perform at the SF Design Center as part of his floor at ArtSFest (fusing contemporary performance and visual arts, also a goal of our organization) and we are discussing future events with START SOMA, including our CD release party. We have certainly benefited from John's involvement in our efforts...
Miguel Pereira
Collaborative Arts Insurgency

After we created the Entertainment Commission the biggest challenge was to energize daring (read 'crazy') entrepreneurs to take advantage of the new found freedoms of _expression this city commission made possible.  John and START SOMA are on the bleeding edge (that's one step on to the razor's edge!), making  NEW ART real, accessible, affordable, tangible and  integrating it with NEW CULTURE, music & fun.   He's making cultural guideposts for us so that we can all bob our heads at each other as we scream past the rest of the planet and re-Image the world...
Terrance Alan
Chairman of the San Francisco Late Night Coalition
Founding President of the San Francisco Entertainment Commission.

START SOMA and John Doffing have done something that every artist bitches about: they finally created a space for emerging artists to launch into the artworld (and beyond). But he doesn't stop there. His events always support one (or more!) of our vital community groups, often with a global focus. Thanks to his support, our first feature film got funds and attention that other productions would die for. If just 1% of the business world followed John's lead, the art world would be remade...and we'd have a hell of a lot more cool parties too. Thank you START SOMA and thank you John Doffing.
Brant Smith
filmmaker / producer
Quality of Life

John Doffing is doing some gangsta art shit - keep it up!
Kevin Epps
filmmaker / director
Straight Outta Hunters Point

The iconoclastic START SOMA art gallery - the folks who repeatedly shook up San Francisco's tired art scene this past year...
SF STATION

START SOMA art shows are unconventional, to say the least. At each show since the gallery's inception in March 2003, studio, loft and gallery walls display a surplus of art that is clearly priced; an informed sales team mingles, introducing artists to fans, answering questions, and generally making the buying process accessible. The exhibits are billed as "events," with local and well-known DJs spinning records, full bars set up and lots of socializing. This inviting atmosphere is practical and exciting for both the artist and the collector. Some highbrow galleries have criticized this approach, but the results speak for themselves - at START SOMA shows, artists actually sell their art and new collectors are born.
Karma Magazine

roving upstart S.F. gallery START SOMA...
San Francisco Examiner

the scrappy new gallery START SOMA...
San Francisco Chronicle

START SOMA , a concept art gallery established on an event-style foundation, is flourishing. In an otherwise stuffy and suffering art world, founder John Doffing's goals are refreshingly simple: to promote emerging artists and sell their art affordably to collectors.
Karma Magazine

Unlike other galleries that straight-facedly insist a $15,000 painting was created by an "emerging" artist, START SOMA keeps most of its prices low and its atmosphere fun.
San Francisco Guardian

Art collecting for the beginner or conservative spender just got a bit more welcoming. START SOMA in San Francisco has been showcasing emerging artists and making artwork accessible and affordable.
Karma Magazine

Thus far, Doffing's grand art experiment seems to be working. The gallery's first two opening night receptions were huge successes. Orders came in faster than Doffing and his staff could keep up with and the events drew 1,000-plus crowds, everyone from older, more traditional suit and tie-clad art collectors to the young and downright funky.
San Francisco Examiner

All artists need a start, as do art collectors short on funds. Now both have START SOMA...which offers affordable original art by emerging artists.
San Francisco Chronicle
review of the <OUTSIDE> opening

START SOMA provides "first-time collectors on a budget a virtually unheard of opportunity to walk away from a show with an original piece of artwork."
San Francisco Examiner
review of the PROPAGANDA opening

In a bad economy, funding for art ventures is first to go. START SOMA deserves high praise for opening its doors and showcasing affordable artwork by some of the best underground artists around.
flavorpill
review of the <OUTSIDE> opening

START SOMA "is the culmination of volunteer effort and the vision of high-tech entrepreneur John Doffing, CEO of Start Inc. Doffing has been an art patron for years, and launched the space in hopes of cultivating young talent and revitalizing a neighborhood abandoned by dot-coms. So far, the response has been positive."
SF Weekly

One might say that the very creation of START SOMA was itself a bit of middle-finger to S.F.'s tired art scene, a scene literally bookended by the snooty downtown galleries on one end and the funky, but sometimes too hip for their own good Mission District spaces on the other.
San Francisco Examiner

Naked, graffiti-painted models, the latest fashions, and spray-painted canvases: Sounds like "Urban Couture," the reopening celebration for START SOMA, a two-month-old art gallery.
SF Weekly
review of the EAST | WEST opening

Thanks START SOMA for showing some of my favorite artists!
Susan Farrell
Art Crimes curator
www.graffiti.org

John Doffing & START SOMA have provided an invaluable opportunity for our community of artists. John’s willingness to open his space again and again (at his own cost) to our community has provided dozens of artists a place to meditate, practice their performances, learn more about themselves and their art form, and connect with other members of the community. I’m not sure what we would have done without the ongoing generosity John offers us in using his space. We are blessed to have him supporting our (and so many other) community of artists. Our sincerest thanks!
Isa “GlitterGirl” Isaacs
Founder, Temple of Poi

The one thing that can be said about the gallery is that it takes a hard sell approach, pulling out all the stops, while most other galleries in town hardly lift a finger to "earn" their cut on the artwork. John Doffing, the gallery owner is one of those sell-ice-to-Eskimos-type-salesmen. (START SOMA) could be a good gallery for artists to show at. After all, those sit back relax have a beer art openings don't always pay the rent.
online review of the <OUTSIDE> opening

John Doffing could sell a Catholic school girl into the next 50 Cent video - for his first gig there were more attendees at the opening than at all the clubs on 6th street combined.
online review of the <OUTSIDE> opening