New Photo Gallery in Oceanside
I recently had the pleasure of visiting the Oceanside Underground Photo Gallery, a new photographic gallery located near downtown 
Oceanside. It sits tucked in the lower lot behind OPT (Oceanside Photo & Telescope) at 918 Mission Ave., Suite B, and if you didn’t know it was there, it would be easy to miss.
The gallery has only been open about nine months, and they’re anxious to get the word out about their presence in Oceanside’s growing art scene. I brought a couple of 
photographers with me so that I could get their perspectives, and since one was my husband, I could consider him part of ”my entourage” and have him take some pictures while I interviewed the gallery’s guide for the day.
Photographer Peter A. Nagainis greeted us when we arrived. He showed us around, answering questions, and explaining that the gallery showcases seven local photographers, including himself:
- Susan Coppock
- Jack Iskin
- N. David King
- Peter A. Nagainis
- Katherine Sanchez
- Jennifer J. Saracino
- Michael Vander Vorst
My entourage agreed that speaking with the photographer about his process was the highlight of our visit. Although there is an employee in charge during the week, the photographers take turns serving as gallery guides on the weekends, so I’d encourage you to visit then. 
- Katherine Sachez was the featured artist on our visit, giving her the largest wall space. This changes on the first Saturday each month (this coming Saturday, in fact), when a new photographer in the group is chosen for this honor. An Artists’ Reception will be held on Saturday evening, and you’re invited to join them for wine and cheese, and to visit with the the photographers and their friends and fans.
Nagainis created one of my favorite photographs in the exhibit, Oceanside Pier, produced by stitching together about ten different images. He explained, “I like to make images that catch the eye and promote the distinctive flavor and sights of the locale…in this case the North County and the activity on the pier during the warm summer months.” I love this photo mostly because of the time I’ve spent on this beach, but the photographic merits could make it anyone’s favorite.
One of the things that this gallery does effectively is to exhibit many of the photos on black chain-link fences. This provides a good deal of display space, while giving this small gallery the essence of an open artist’s loft.
Another photo that both my husband and I were drawn to is Grace in the Raging Storm by Susan Coppock. This photo of the photo doesn’t do it justice, so you’ll have to visit the gallery if you want to get the full impact of this image.
I encourage you to do so. The gallery is open Tuesday - Saturday 10 a.m. - 6 p.m., and Sunday 12 p.m. - 5 p.m. Admission is free. Monthly Artists’ Receptions are held on the first Saturday of each month, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. The gallery doesn’t yet have a website, so if you want further information, you should give them a call at (760) 722-3348.
Additional Information:
Oceanside has a new Art Venue!, Oceanside Magazine
Picture-perfect:? Try the basement gallery, SignOnSanDiego.com
Portions of proceeds from art sale earmarked for military charities, NCTimes.com
Veteran photographer seeks ‘ooh factor,’ NCTimes.com
North County Photographic Society
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1 opinion for New Photo Gallery in Oceanside
The San Diego Beat » Desertscapes: Capturing Light and Shadow
Jun 14, 2007 at 9:52 am
[...] may remember Nagainis from the tour I took of the gallery a couple of months ago, when I showed you his panoramic view of the Oceanside Pier. He is now [...]
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