Agora Galleries

Agora Galleries

Not far from Seaport Village is the Manchester Grand Hyatt. Okay, that’s easy enough to locate. But it’s inside the hotel on the lobby level that you’ll find a San Diego gem—Agora Galleries. In the gallery are one-of-a-kind pieces and a wide selection of exquisite art. I promise you’ll find something that speaks to you. There are sculptures, oil and acrylic paintings, pottery, blown glass, antiques and, my personal favorite, estate jewelry. The gallery has original and limited-edition pieces from international artists as well as our beloved local artists. If you happen to be here on vacation, stop in and feast your eyes—Agora Galleries packs, insures, and ships worldwide—and brings a little San Diego, off the beaten path, home.

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[Updated] In the lobby level of Downtown San Diego’s Manchester Grand Hyatt stands Agora Galleries, a fine art and antique store filled with statement pieces and art of various styles, from traditional to contemporary. The business has been owned and operated by Susan Kreitzer for the past two and a half years, and she fills her gallery with beautiful, distinct pieces of local and international art that can’t be found anywhere else. "I go unusual," Kreitzer says. "I like pieces that are unique."

Her penchant for one-of-a-kind work is perhaps best displayed through how diverse her gallery is. Though local artists like San Diego’s Dawn Hough Sebaugh are featured prominently in Agora, Kreitzer has filled the space with artists from all over the world. "We have artists from Australia, Canada, Seattle, Salt Lake City as well as Russia, to name a few. Approximately 80% of the artists are published or show their artwork in museums, mostly in Europe," she shares. Agora Galleries has an eclectic feel because of the wide variety of items showcased, old and new. Among the treasures are original paintings, bronze sculptures, hand blown glass, inlay marble accent tables, pedestals, European chandeliers, as well as distinct estate jewelry.

While the unique statement pieces at Agora Galleries are certainly a draw, even more impressive is the personal relationship Kreitzer develops with every one of her artists. Not only has she met every artist showcased in her gallery, she has developed a strong rapport with most of them. "We have painters, sculptors and glassmakers who use a variety of materials," Kreitzer affirms. "Some of the mediums include sand, seashells, epoxy, burlap, plaster, oil glaze and aluminum to create a wealth of beauty for any home or office."

Proud of her artists and the remarkable work they produce, Kreitzer knows the story behind every artist in her gallery. "From Australia, we have Robert Hagan who has been painting for over 40 years and uses oil paint with an impressionist style," Kreitzer says, pointing to a beautiful classic painting of woman standing in a field of flowers, then his Western art depicting cowboys wading through a stream on top of their horses. Hagan’s rich colors and brilliant use of light are captured in his work. Kreitzer once asked Hagan how he knew when a painting was complete, and he informed her "When each part of the painting is speaking to the other."

Moving towards a row of paintings with a gloss and hues of rich color, Kreitzer notes that the artist is Craig Kindel, a San Diego local. "Craig paints in reverse on sheets of cast acrylic with a style that is abstract as well as surreal. He makes complex techniques in painting look simple."

Resting her hand on a bronze lion with a textured mane, Kreitzer discusses the mastermind behind the sculpture by Tracey Gaan, a visually-impaired sculptor from Seattle who donates her profits to various charities, including the Humane Society. "Tracey only makes 35 of each bronze and then destroys the mold." Her sculptures are thick, textured in style and vary in rich colored patinas.

It’s this personal touch—Kreitzer’s knowledge and relationship with her artists—that makes Agora Galleries such an amazing place to visit. She has her finger pressed firmly on the pulse of the current art world, and Agora Galleries can help you find exactly what you’re looking for. In addition to paintings and sculptures, Agora Galleries also has a fine collection of antiques from auctions and estate sales which include a French mantle clock over 100 years old by Auguste Lemaire, or inlay furniture built with impeccable craftsmanship—and just like Agora’s art, each antique has its own story. "There is an enormous crystal chandelier with 24 arms that came out of the Czech Republic in the 60s" Kreitzer explains, gesturing overhead to an enormous hanging chandelier covered in a cascade of brilliant leaded crystals.

As of July, Agora Galleries has officially added estate fine jewelry to their repertoire. The collection includes hundreds of unique rings, pendants and bracelets made of gold or platinum, embellished with diamonds and various gemstones. With an inventory that is constantly evolving—filled with one-of-a-kind paintings, jewelry, decor and sculptures—and a dedication to finding her clients the perfect piece for their home or office,

Kreitzer’s Agora Galleries is a unique foray into the art world and a great place to grow your collection. Parking is a breeze, located a stone’s throw away from Seaport Village. Customers can park behind the Hyatt in Seaport Village or in the Manchester Grand Hyatt parking garage.

Only the top rated packing and shipping companies are used by Agora Galleries so customers can feel confident their items will arrive safely. All items are insured, and any customer who mentions this article will receive complimentary shipping on all purchases shipped within the United States.

Agora Galleries offers a personalized experience right here in San Diego with great customer service from people who care and are dedicated to making your shopping experience memorable. They are open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Appointments before or after hours can be made by contacting Agora Galleries at (619) 876-3977, or visit their website at agoragalleries.com. You can also see Agora’s gallery dog on Instagram @agora_galleries; she enjoys her naps and getting attention from her fans.