An Inspired Chat with James Bacchi of Palm Springs, California

James Bacchi shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.

James, a huge thanks to you for investing the time to share your wisdom with those who are seeking it. We think it’s so important for us to share stories with our neighbors, friends and community because knowledge multiples when we share with each other. Let’s jump in: What’s more important to you—intelligence, energy, or integrity?
Hands down, “integrity” is most important to me. I believe it is the foundation of any successful business. Without it, well…

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
2025 marks James Bacchi’;s 40th Anniversary in the Art Business. Beginning as an Art Events Promoter for New York City nightclubs’ in the mid 1980’s, led to the opening of ON THE WALL GALLERY in New York’s East Village with art dealer Jana Jagendorf, later transitioning to JAGENDORF-BACCHI in SoHo. An Associate position at ArtVue Corporate Art Consultants followed.

In 1993, Bacchi moved to San Francisco. After a Directorship at Eleanore Austerer Gallery and Martin Lawrence Gallery. He co-founded ArtHaus Gallery with Art Consultant Annette Schutz. Together, their award winning, San Francisco Legacy Business enjoyed twenty-five years.

In 2021, Bacchi launched JAMES BACCHI CONTEMPORARY in Palm Springs at the iconic The Shops at Thirteen Forty Five.
His micro gallery specializes in his unique brand of representing contemporary works in various media by noteworthy New York and California Artists. The space also serves as an incubator for collaborative projects and Bacchi continues to offer art consulting services to collectors, corporations and art institutions.

“At the moment”, says Bacchi – “I’m collaborating with two very special people on two very exciting projects. With Krista Coupar, Art Collector and Founder of Coupar Consulting, we developed WINDOW SHOWS at her new offices in San Francisco. These quarterly exhibitions, installed in the windows of the building, have featured works by Bay Area Artists Jhina Alvarado. Matthew Frederick and Donna McGinnis. It’s our take on public art.”

Together with Singer, Songwriter and Author, Susaye Greene, the duo are launching META CONTEMPORAY – a Digital Art Gallery and Event Space in the Metaverse. Their inaugural show, TRANSFORMATIONS, is a digital photographic experience incorporating each other’s work. “META CONTEMPORARY has a benefit auction feature that will be an integral component for each exhibition and event”, says Bacchi. “Navigating our way through this unchartered territory is exhilerating!”

Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. What breaks the bonds between people—and what restores them?
To be fair, let me start off by saying I’m a Taurus. I believe what breaks bonds between people is when trust and loyalty are compromised. What restores the bonds? I’ll get back to you on that.

Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Giving up is not part of my nature. A dear colleague of mine once said, “If it’s not working, change it.” I believe that advice is the key.

Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? Is the public version of you the real you?
Oh yes. I’ve never understood why people find it necessary to sugarcoat. For reals!

Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. Are you tap dancing to work? Have you been that level of excited at any point in your career? If so, please tell us about those days. 
Although I still regret not have taken tap, there have been so many exciting moments in my career. If pressed, here are my top eleven.
1. Opening night of ON THE WALL in the East Village.
2. Meeting and representing artists Adam Kurtzman and Astrid.
3. The honor when ArtHaus was added to the San Francisco Legacy Business Registry.
4. Visiting Stevie Wonder at his recording studio to discuss a project.
5. First visit to The Venice Biennale.
6. When Karyn Mannix showed 16 of my photographs at RED DOT Miami.
7. My first 50K sale.
8. Launching JAMES BACCHI CONTEMPORARY in Palm Springs.
9. My first SOLD OUT show, MCM MONSTERS, by Eric Rewitzer.
10. Collaborating with Supreme/Extreme Susaye Greene on META CONTEMPORARY.
11. Marrying my husband Scott in 2015 at the opening of Art For AIDS in San Francisco.

Contact Info:

Suggest a Story: BoldJourney is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems,
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
Highlighter Series
What do the first 90 minutes of your day look like?

Coffee? Workouts? Hitting the snooze button 14 times? Everyone has their morning ritual and we

Highlighter Series
What have been the defining wounds of your life—and how have you healed them?

Our deepest wounds often shape us as much as our greatest joys. The pain we

Highlighter Series
Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?

Culture, economic circumstances, family traditions, local customs and more can often influence us more than