Founded in 1958 by Jim Newman and Bob Alexander (who left within the first year) in San Francisco’s North Beach neighborhood, Dilexi Gallery played a critical role in the development of San Francisco’s emerging post-war art scene. Dilexi was able to exhibit the best of both established and underground Bay Area talent, as well as artists like Ed Moses, Craig Kauffman, and John Altoon from Southern California. The works presented in 'Dilexi Gallery: The Early Years' focus on artists and significant pieces that were exhibited at the gallery in the early years of 1958-1963. Within a few months of opening, Dilexi shows were regularly reviewed in the San Francisco newspapers, and soon grew to a national reputation through regular coverage by then San Francisco based, 'Artforum'. The impact on the careers of many of the artists who showed at Dilexi was immediate and lasting, elevating many of them to the national reputations that they enjoy today.
