Very pleasant visit to catch the High Fructose magazine-sponsored show. We had a nice chat with the staff about both the art and their recent move. Note that the address listed (on Madison) is the old address - they are now in Belltown in a former warehouse building. read more

I really enjoyed my visit at this gallery for the showing of Ben Ashton. Accompanied by live DJ and wine, the gallery was well curated overall with its show pieces as well as what appeared to be its permanent collection in the backroom. The backroom connects to an outdoor garden/courtyard area which was absolutely gorgeous. read more

Roq La Rue Gallery - Art Galleries Near Me - Seattle, Washington

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Bought a framed print from them and it was not packaged properly and was damaged in transit. I sent them back the print to replace and they were supposed to pay for the replacement glass. They did neither and fortunately I was able to get a replacement print from the artist, but was out for the replacement glass. read more

Roq la Rue is the most solid spot in the Northwest to see and educate yourself on the lowbrow art-pop surrealist art movement. You can do your own research on "pop surrealism" and "lowbrow art" for background. I came across the art movement early at La Luz De Jesus, when they showed Matt Groening, and I'm in the art world. Roq is a great place to learn about, and view at openings, or anytime in the month, this very contemporary branch of art. It's art deeply associated with the West Coast, including Seattle's Fantagraphics comics and Portland's Grass Hut Gallery. read more

This is lowbrow art at its finest. Literally as good as it gets in Seattle. Also try LTD Gallery near the convention center. It's more focused on prints and pop culture, but it's a nice treat. Seattle is slowly offering more and more low brow art choices, and I'm really glad about that. Thank you to the patrons and artists involved in the scene - you all are really helping add culture to a fun city. read more

One of my favorite art galleries. I got a bronze snake and a mouse lamp from here and I love them. They have some beautiful paintings. I always stop by when I'm on Capitol Hill. Love the artists you choose to display. read more

Across the board, A TOTAL WIN! Yeah, this place is 5 stars alright, because where else in Seattle can you feel this cool at an art opening? I've met some quazi-celebrities at events here, but even better, I've felt like one. There's a little gifty type area that has books and swag, their art exhibits change up with a regular (first Friday usually) opening night that is super fun and the selection of artists they bring in are all amazing in such different ways. Like the others have said, Lowbrow is the theme but it's so much more than that too, so don't be surprised at the design element stars that pop up there as well as the surrealists, jap pop wonders and screen printing artists of note. Love it. Serious. Big. Love. read more

Roq La Rue excels at bringing international artists down for solo and group shows, the sort of Lowbrow artists you'd see in Juxtapose and Hi-Fructose, but hardly exclusive to that movement. The group works are wonderful, the artists incredibly talented, and the prices most reasonable considering the fame of the artists and the (admittedly, somewhat inflated) prices of work in surrounding galleries. This gallery is certainly my favorite in Seattle, and a point of pride for our city. read more

I don't know what else I can say that isn't already covered by most everyone else who has reviewed this awesome gallery. If you are a fan of Lowbrow art you need to come here, if you don't know what that is but enjoy interesting pieces you should come here and get properly educated. Awesome installations, super talented artists and fabulous pieces, and usually fairly decent/reasonable prices if you are wanting to buy something incredible that you see. Shows change nearly monthly -- so come by lots and see what is new. I love that this is just around the corner from me, and if/when it isn't just around the corner I love that it is part of my town. read more

Roq La Rue is such a cool gallery that it almost makes up for all the other galleries scattered around Seattle that seem to specialize in underwater whale pictures rendered in day-glow colors and blown-glass, Chihuly-masturbatory, fantasy vases. I mean, seriously, there are some bad galleries around town. But, fortunately, Roq La Rue is a good one. Because I was too busy partying and (unsuccessfully) hitting on girls in college to actually pay attention to art (even though I was an Art Major), I only became aware of the whole Pop-Surrealist movement a couple years ago. But, pretty much everything I've seen I've loved. And pretty much everything I've seen... I've seen here ...well, not counting the excellent Mark Ryden exhibit at the Frye. Just an awesome gallery. If I were to take away a star for anything, it would be the fact that I can't seem to keep their hours straight, and always try to stop by when they are closed. So, half the time, I just end up with my face pressed against the front windows, straining to look at the art and slowly fogging up the glass with my feverish breaths. But, I suppose that's my own problem. read more

I'm new to the art scene. What I can say is that this space is comfortable and easy. I saw Chris Crites here and there was some other funky retro art done up real nice. The local is perfect. Right off second on the beat of Belletown. Brown chicken brown cow! read more

I like hitting Roq La Rue on First Thursdays and/or on "normal" days when the crowd has thinned but the recently shown pieces are more likely than not to have sold already. Their openings are *events* for sure, largely because of the quality and creativity of the artists they get (uber hip pop art, or lowbrow, or whatever it's called these days)--lots of very surreal, darkly funny, extraordinarily crafted works in a variety of 2-D media. The creative powers and skills that these artists bring are flabbergasting. First Thursdays, this place fills up to the gills, mostly with hipsters who are chatting and drinking wine and listening to the DJ and not actually looking at the art, so brace yourself for that. The art is worth the crowd 9 times out of 9, but this is as much a place to be seen as it is to see art, and, well, yeah... The art shown here generally has four-digit price tags...'twill be interesting to see how this school of art ages over the years. read more

Two words describe the art of Roq la Rue: Strange and beautiful. Roq La Rue isn't a gallery full of Bob Ross paintings destined for Mercer Island living rooms--it is world-renouned for its offerings of modern and pop surrealism art. We're talking peices you look at with 3-D glasses, paintings of three-eyed monkeys in victorian dress, tiki themed art, and portraits of scooter girls. I attend every opening I can. It's always a unique, fun experience, and DJ Vodka Twist adds just the right musical touch. Let's face it. Galleries in a town like Seattle, where most people do not purchase art, have their work cut out for them. Maintaning a steady clientelle, an interesting inventory, and a certain amount of buzz can be next to impossible. Roq La Rue defies the odds--and graces Seattle amazing art in the process. read more

I love this place. One time I went for an opening of this guy Mike Leavitt who makes these movable action figures of recognizeable people in pop cuture such as Britney Spears with a weird little baby in her belly (this was back when the thought of her pregnant was both frightening and unbelievable...oh wait, its still frightening and unbelievable) and the greatest american hero (you know, from the tv show). This place is a good time on an opening night and always has something interesting to look at. The artists are always present and approachable. One of Seattle's gems... read more

Being an artist myself and follower of the "LowBrow" Art movement, I had looked forward to visiting this gallery for a long time. While living in California, I always read about the gallery in Juxtapoz Magazine and visited their website monthly to see who was showing their art. First off, I should mention that the gallery has moved. Not to worry, it simply moved right next door to a much bigger (and better) space. They also have added a small book shop and a bar(!) which truly adds to the fun of their party-atmosphere monthly art openings. As mentioned before, Roq La Rue is a highly respected gallery in the Lowbrow (I prefer the term Pop-Surrealist) Art world and they deserve all of their accolades. The gallery manages to attract wonderful artists and they do a great job exhibiting art; they also throw great parties and I encourage you to check their website to get the full scoop (their website is a bit cheesy, skip the intro). If you plan on going to an art opening and downing some drinks (and you have a tiny baldder like mine) you might want to know that there is no public bathroom (or was it broken?) but there are plenty of ones to use in nearby restaurants. Parking in Belltown can be tricky so give yourself some extra time. read more

This awesome gallery has moved! Check out their new location in Seattle's historic Pioneer Square neighborhood. If you've never been to Roq La Rue then...shame on you. Now worries, in their new location, every first Thursday of the month is Seattle's largest art walk. This might be the perfect opportunity to grab a few friends for an art overdose. What's the art like? It's a mix, go to your local book shop and open up a Juxtapose magazine and you may find a handful of artists who's work was (or will be) featured in Roq La Rue Gallery. New address: 532 1st Ave S Seattle WA 98104 ( Near King St and 1st. ) read more

This pop surrealism gallery is one of my favorites at the Pioneer Square Art Walk each month. In fact, it's my favorite. It's run by Kirtsten Anderson, who has owned the gallery since its inception when it opened in 1998. That's old, but Kirsten is young. She's also one of the foremost experts on Pop Surrealism and has a wealth of knowledge and connections in the art world, where she's well respected for her knowledge and insight, having worked for High Fructose Magazine and others as a contributing editor. The gallery is nice. It's clean, lots of light, and the art is up close and accessible. If you're in the area it's well worth the visit, and it's surrounded by lots of eateries and other galleries to keep you entertained. read more

Even if I can't afford the works, I really do love the style. The space is conducive to thoughtful pondering. Topical selection of books is good for getting a little more depth. The blog is useful -- keeps you apprised of shows in other towns, new artists, etc. read more

I have been on a mission to find all of the Lowbrow friendly places in the city and had read about the Roq. Either out of ignorance, stupidity, or drunkenness, I didn't realize its location until I was practically under the gallery sign. But I managed to gain control of my faculties and stumbled into this little diamond-encrusted, jewel of a gallery after a heated showdown on the Batman pinball machine at Shorty's, about a block away. I was letting my smoking fingers cool down, and waltzed into the gallery thinking, "sooo this is Roq La Rue..." Travis Louie and Kris Kuksi were the featured artists, so I spent the next half hour transfixed by all the weird shit in there. I'm not much of a Travis Louie fan, But Kris' stratospherically high detailed work kept making me feel like leaning dangerously close to the pieces, in order to observe the micro going's-on in his work. The gallery itself is not a big place, but makes the most of the space and feels pretty big once you are inside looking at the art. Of course I was there on a Saturday afternoon at four, which I suspect is not art gallery rush hour. There's a cool little book area right after you walk in, and I was pleasantly surprised to find a 'thick-as-a-brick' copy of Robert William's Malicious Resplendence. There were even designer vinyl books on the shelves, which indicated that I had arrived at coolness central. read more

The coolest, funkiest gallery in town. They always have interesting artist and special openings are fun to check out.( HALLOWEEN!!!) Its not very big but hey its not the quantity but the quality! read more

I had very much wanted to see the Nicoletta Ceccoli and KuKula show at Roq La Rue back in 2007. How unfortunate for me that I do not now and did not then live in Seattle, and how sad for me that I will miss Signorina Ceccoli when she returns to gli Stati Uniti* and Roq la Rue this July! But these are my own personal travails, so never you mind. I did finally get to Roq la Rue while on holiday in Seattle with my sweetheart, though it did take three tries. The fates were so very against us (installation being installed! illness being illed! one of the days the gallery was closed!) but we persevered, the fourth time was the charm, and we finally poked our curious noses inside. The gallery itself is nice and spacious, with some interestingly ecletic architectural details in the walls and doorways, though the afternoon sun and its reflections make the back wall hard to see. The manager was unobtrusive, which I appreciate in a space like this. There's a small collection of books for sale that I did not have time to browse, more's the pity, but I did glimpse the Camille Rose Garcia book my sweetheart bought me last year, and that was enough for a small frisson of joy. It just makes me really happy that there is a dedicated space for Pop Surrealism/New Contemporary/Lowbrow Art. Sneak a peek, i miei pochi critici di arte!* *Italian translation services provided by babelfish, and made possible by viewers like you. read more

RAD RAD RAD. We walked quite a ways to to this gallery & were sad to find it closed for an installation! We were peaking in the windows and the owner came up to open the door and actually allowed us in to check out the art. We got our own peak into the workings of a gallery. Loved it.... highly recommend stopping by here, amazing artists & pieces flow through this place. read more

I like the wall that's curved at the bottom. When we went there for the opening for http://www.boingboing.net/2008/09/11/victor-castillo-and.html , the DJ was playing good pleasant music and the only beer they were serving was Manny's... a buck (tip) a Manny's. and we got to look at some cool art... Too bad one of the artists weren't there but met the other. I like that! cool! read more

I've loved this gallery for about a decade (has it been that long?) 2nd Friday openings are always fantastic and great music. read more

I discovered this gallery about a year ago when Mark Ryden had a show at the Frye gallery. I love his paintings and I found out that Roq La Rue shows lots of art by other similar artists. They have great monthly art shows here and it's always a fun crowd and great art. I get inspired everytime I visit and then I can't wait to get home and paint. When you go, sign up on their mailing list and then you'll always know when the next art show is going to be happening. read more

Great place to browse art and even buy some. The owner is always personable and does not push purchases, while kindly describing the pieces. I love going here. to be honest I have been there over a hundred times easy and only purchased two pieces. they do have the most fascinating stuff. I highly recommend. read more

This is a great little gallery! As a disclaimer, I'm sort of biased - my first tattoo was based on a painting by Camille Rose Garcia and she's a huge figure in the pop surrealism/lowbrow/nobrow art scene. So yeah, you could say I have an appreciation for that style of work. And since Roq La Rue showcases lowbrow art, it's quite obvious that I have an appreciation for them. I love their installations, I love their artists, I love that they bring artists into the gallery for chats on occasion (I got to meet CRG, which was kind of amazing). I'm not at a point in my life where I can invest in artwork but if I was I'd spend my cash here on the unique, beautiful, reasonably-priced pieces. read more

Odd, surrealist, humorous, eccentric, badass art.

Such a cool gallery. The space is nice and light, Chris Beren's artwork was being showcased (brilliant, I might add) and the receptionist was nice, but didn't make me feel like I needed to explain myself being there or talk to her. read more

Another great gallery that's inviting to everyone and has a good eye for local art. It's a nice comfortable space in a good location for mixing an evening of dinner, drinks and local art. read more

I am always stunned and impressed by the wicked art work that is displayed upon these walls. The quality of the work displayed is true craftsmanship, the nature of the art is usually unearthly and surreal, and the themes are remarkable. The pieces might not appeal to everyone but to those who appreciate the dark and twisted side of an imagination, this place is a place you must visit. Often. read more

One of my FAVORITE galleries in the Northwest. Great artist, and highly involved in pop culture. Their hi-fructose show is my favorite.

I love this place. They let you look around without bothering you or pressuring you to buy something. read more

Roq La Rue Gallery - Art on the wall, you can get real close up to look. - Art Galleries Near Me - Seattle, Washington

Great space and amazing owner. Kirsten is always so helpful and easy to talk too. She helped me pick up my first and only(currently) Stella Im Hultberg print even though I missed the opening. I have been a big fan of this space, and always try to support the openings when they have a new exhibit opening. Whom ever is curating is doing an amazing job. Glad these artists have an outlet here in Seattle. read more

My favorite quirky art gallery in Seattle! Surreal, gothic pop is the flavor here, so don't expect sedate portraits and landscapes here. I discovered the fantasic Yumiko Kayukawa here and am continually amused and surprised by the work. The opening nights for new exhibits are always cool and fun. Terrific little selection of art books and magazines too. One of my favorite places to bring out of town guests for a "flavor of unique Seattle art world." read more

I enjoy this little art gallery because they feature pop surrealism and lowbrow art . My love affair with this type of art began with Camille Rose Garcia and Todd Schorr. This place is right up my alley. read more