Catherine Simon recently opened the Garvey|Simon Gallery in downtown San Anselmo. I’ve gotten to know her via my volunteer work with the San Anselmo Arts Commission and just because she’s a pretty rad lady. The following is an interview with Simon:
What do you do?
That is a loaded question. I own and run an art business and gallery with my sister—Garvey|Simon in downtown San Anselmo—and I coach women through MILK (Mothers I Love Knowing) in health and creativity. And of course, currently also raising and enjoying my four radical kids.
Where do you live?
Sleepy Hollow FTW!
How long have you lived in Marin?
15 years.
Where can we find you when not at work?
On the trails… running, biking, hiking…peeing (truth!).
At the MarinMoca in Novato, checking out one of their latest exhibitions.
Eating brunch at Miracle Mile Cafe in San Rafael with the kiddos.
If you had to convince someone how awesome Marin was, where would you take
them?
A pre-dawn trail run to watch the sunrise on top of the mountain.
Super-delicious tacos at Mas Masa.
Sunset paddle out at Stinson Beach.
Late night music at The Sweetwater in Mill Valley.
What is one thing Marin is missing?
Diversity—in all the ways. Shout out to Paul Austin and Tenisha Tate at PlayMarin! And Critical Friends for being a catalyst for change.
What’s one bit of advice you’d share with your fellow Marinites?
Take your life, but not yourself, seriously. Remember to soak up this incredible place we live… take in the sunrise, look at the moon… be good to people, laugh and treat everyone as your equal.
If you could invite anyone to a special dinner, who would they be?
Joan Brown, Judy Chicago, Andrew Huberman, Tig Notaro, David Goggins, Jason Bateman, Will Ferrell, Gabor Mate, Dave Chappelle, Ram Dass.
What is some advice you wish you knew 20 years ago?
Follow your gut; don’t be afraid to say no… the world is conspiring in your favor!
What is something that in 20 years from now will seem cringeworthy?
Fucking YouTube channels of people reacting to other videos, or at least that Preston guy playing Minecraft… God, I hope so anyway.
Big question. What is one thing you’d do to change the world?
Incentivize communal living.
Visit Garvey|Simon Gallery in San Anselmo and follow along at @garveysimon on Instagram.
Nish Nadaraja was on the founding team at Yelp, serves on the San Anselmo Arts Commission and attempts to play pickleball at Fairfax’s Cañon Club.
