November 17, 2006

Central Park

Park Life Store Opens

The one-stop shop satisifies many a random need (pack of gum and a Gatorade; a toothbrush and lighter fluid). Art and design, however, aren’t usually among them.

But at the newly opened Park Life in the Inner Richmond, a hybrid boutique and indie art gallery, owners Jameson Alexander and Derek Song redefine the corner store.

Sort through stacks of cotton tees with exclusive designs by local artists Brendan Monroe, Andrew Schoultz, and Tucker Nichols. Edgy housewares (like a white ceramic wall vase shaped like a gun) are big with subversive domestic types. For the person who has everything, a small-scale, assemble-it-yourself trebuchet more than fits the bill.

Before, after, or while you shop, check out the cozy gallery featuring original works by emerging artists from the Bay Area and beyond. The store kicks off its first exhibition, One and Oh, a showcase of young talents, tonight. So, if you’re in the neighborhood, stop by.

At your convenience, of course.

Park Life, 220 Clement Street, between Third and Fourth Avenues (415-386-7275 or parklifestore.com). Current exhibition 6-10 p.m., through December 20.