San Leandro Cuts the Ribbon on Linen Life Event Space

Darrell Robinson has plenty of experience with taking a big empty space and filling it up with art, music, people, even cars — and doing it all with love and style. 

Friends, city officials and members of the business community helped cut the ribbon on Robinson's last week. But the gallery has been hosting everything from kids' art shows to photo shoots of snazzy cars since late January. 

“It’s so encouraging," said Robinson, listing off dozens of events that have taken place at the gallery. "It’s only our fourth month.”

The new Linen Life Gallery, located across from City Hall on East 14th Street, is the third iteration of the idea. Robinson started the first Linen Life in an Emeryville warehouse in 2002, then moved to another building near Emeryville City Hall before coming to San Leandro. 

Robinson said he decided to move his business after moving himself to the Bay O Vista neighborhood in 2007.

"After I saw this city and met with city planners, I couldn’t believe how clean it was and how nice the city planners were.”

He soon got to work finding a building and working through the permit process. After upgrading the building to accommodate wheelchairs and, yes, cars (Robinson's a lover of fine automobiles and hopes to continue to show them in the gallery), Linen Life Gallery opened January 25. 

"I’m just so happy. The concept has completely bridged from Emeryville to this place," Robinson said.

He and his crew of event planners, artists and community members —including his daughter — are hosting two public gatherings at the gallery each week.

On Wednesday evenings from 6 p.m. - 10 p.m., people can mix and mingle, while sipping wine and perusing a collection of paintings at the Art and Business Salon. And on Sunday evenings, local jazz musicians set up in the spacious main lounge, serenading whoever cares to drop in on what Robinson's calling the Candlelight Café. 

The rest of the week, the gallery is available for rent for meetings, art shows, benefits, weddings and other special events. There's a large kitchen, two covered outdoor patios, a bar, and several smaller, casual meeting rooms.

Robinson said rental prices run from as low as $100 for a meeting to up to $5,000 for a wedding, depending on the details of the event.

On Saturday, the Black History 101 Mobile Museum is making a stop at Linen Life Gallery. The museum is a traveling collection of African American memorabilia, from slavery to hip hop.

Also at the event, called a , Public Enemy's Professor Griff will be giving a lecture about Malcolm X, and there will be music, and food from Mo' Bites halal style catering. 

The event takes place from 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. General admission is $30; V.I.P. (special menu) is $60.

Linen Life Gallery is located at 770 E. 14th St. To inquire about events call 510-301-9872 or email LinenLifeGallery@yahoo.com.