We are so excited about the unveiling of a new chapter in Rare Device history! Since Marine Malta bought and took over the store back in September of 2024, it has transformed with a new look and design, but still maintains the same heart and soul that we're known for. We still promise to introduce to you beautiful treasures made by people who value art and design, items that have a certain je ne sais quoi - we're just celebrating a new look!
It only seems fitting that our staff art show also reflects the many changes we've had in the past year. Renouveau brings a season of renewal, change, and adaptation. Another challenge we gave ourselves this year is the incorporation of reusable materials as a metaphor for reinvention.
Show Dates: September 19th - November 2nd
Opening Reception: Friday, September 19th, 6-8pm
Artist/Staff Bios
Cecilia Conforti (she/her)
Cecilia (Ceci) Conforti is a graphic designer and illustrator, native to the Bay Area. She joined the Rare Device team in March of this year and has loved every minute of it. When she’s not on the clock, she’s usually out buying $8 lattes, doodling, or discovering her new favorite places around the city.
"When I came out as a Lesbian/Queer three years ago, I was at a very low point in life and stuck in a place of fear—of the outside world, making connections, and wondering what was to come from my epiphany. This collection represents the symbols and experiences I have faced since then that have been a part of the journey into my most-authentic, renewed self."
Courtney Nguyen (she/her)
Courtney made the move from southern California to San Francisco almost four years ago and hasn’t looked back since. When she’s not at Rare Device, you can find her walking around the city, sun basking at Dolores Park, or being a homebody with her cat, Evie.
"For this year’s staff show theme, I was particularly inspired by the idea of reusing materials. Besides the frame, nothing new was purchased for my project. I took a visit to Scrap (please go support them if you can!) and borrowed from my origami paper collection to put together 'chanson des tulipes' for Renouveau."
Jenn Zipp (she/her)
Jenn was born and raised in Hawaii, but has called San Francisco her home for the past 25 years. This is her 7th staff show (whoa!) and is excited to be here for this new chapter for Rare Device.
"I liked the idea of reusing manmade materials (cardboard shipping boxes and kraft paper) and combining them with an element in nature that renews itself naturally (flowers). I also like using the imagery of butterflies as a symbol of change, renewal, evolution."
Marine Malta (she/her)
From the south of France, Marine Malta has lived in San Francisco for eight years. Obsessed with nail art, fashion, and design, she paints in watercolor and vibes to rap — all when she’s not chasing her two daughters.
"For Renouveau, I am painting childhood emotions in watercolor. The abstract pieces show joy, confusion, tenderness, and intensity, big feelings that pass quickly. The work is also about renewal: how childhood emotions stay with us and how we keep growing."
Veronica DeMatteis
Veronica is a creative jack of all trades from Yonkers, NY who has been living, laughing, and loving in SF for 6 years. She believes that anyone can be an artist and that making something, no matter your skill level, is always better than making nothing at all.
"Bad art is something I have been practicing a lot lately. Sometimes it can be really difficult to get in the right flow and make something you are truly proud of. Perfectionism can get the best of all of us, so for this year’s show I really wanted to let my bad art shine! Reusing scraps from past 'failed' projects and weaving them into something new was really fun and a great way to get back in a creative flow."