Dear John presents Spiraling Soirée, a solo exhibition by Oakland artist Taylor James Monét. Moving between expressionism, symbolism, and surreal storytelling, Monét’s portraits and dreamlike scenes trace spirals of memory, identity, and transformation—inviting viewers to sit with what hurts, honor what heals, and imagine what’s possible next. Opening on Halloween night, the reception sets an intimate mood with ambient lighting, conversation, and light bites as we celebrate an artist whose work turns personal narrative into collective reflection. The show runs through Sunday, December 7, offering time to revisit, linger, and discover new details with each pass.

Dear John is thrilled to present a solo exhibition by Bay Area illustrator and painter Nick Sirotich. Known for his bold palettes, surreal characters, and playful yet intricate narratives, Sirotich invites viewers into lively worlds where imagination and nostalgia collide. His work blends fine art and pop culture, conjuring a visual language that’s vibrant, witty, and layered with story. Join us on Friday, December 12 for an opening night filled with art, music, and conversation as we celebrate Sirotich’s fantastical vision. The show will remain on view through January 18, 2026, offering plenty of time to revisit and uncover new details within each piece.

Dear John is proud to present Unapologetically Tender, a solo exhibition by Bay Area artist Kai N. Tse. Known for blending vulnerability with sharp wit, Tse’s work uses surreal portraiture and raw text to explore love, loss, and the contradictions of being human. Playful yet piercing, each piece invites viewers to slow down, feel deeply, and reflect on their own stories. Join us for the opening reception on Friday, January 23rd, an intimate evening with the artist filled with conversation, community, and light refreshments. The show runs through March 6th, offering time to revisit and connect with these evocative works.

Dear John is honored to host Refracted Realities, a solo exhibition by multimedia artist David Polka. Known for his striking use of light, reflection, and layered textures, Polka’s work plays with perception—melding sharp lines, softness, and visual tension. His pieces invite you to pause, look twice, and consider how reality bends under our gaze. Join us for the opening reception on April 3, featuring an evening of art, conversation, and connection. The exhibition remains on view through May 13, giving visitors ample opportunity to return, re-see, and experience the unfolding interplay of light, form, and space.

This June, Dear John presents World Cup: June Show — a dynamic group exhibition bringing together more than 100 artists to reimagine the world’s most iconic trophies. From playful reinterpretations to bold conceptual statements, each piece explores the idea of triumph, legacy, and what we choose to celebrate. Expect paintings, sculpture, prints, and unexpected mediums that honor and disrupt the notion of a prize. Join us for the opening reception on Friday, June 12, a high-energy night of art, music, and conversation as we kick off this massive creative tournament. The show runs through July 19, with fresh discoveries on every visit.

Dear John is pleased to host Emotional Alchemy, a solo exhibition by Oakland-based artist May M. Lo. Working fluidly between painting and sculpture, Lo translates inner landscapes of fear, longing, and wonder into visual form. Her work resists fixed style—she lets mood, material, and emotional truth lead. May M. Lo Join us for the opening reception on July 24, where you can meet the artist, see new work up close, and immerse yourself in the emotional rhythms that inform her pieces. The show remains on view through August 30, giving visitors time to return, reflect, and connect more deeply with Lo’s layered, moving expressions.