Juliana “Jules” Dhond stands at the entrance of her new Lamorinda Atelier gallery in Orinda’s Theatre Square, welcoming visitors into the warm, approachable art space she created to spark connection, conversation and community.
After spending more than 20 years immersed in the global art world – working with collectors, visiting studios and building long-term relationships with artists – Juliana “Jules” Dhond felt it was time to bring that experience closer to home.
The result is Lamorinda Atelier, a new contemporary art gallery that opened this fall in Orinda’s Theatre Square, offering what she describes as a warm and approachable space for creativity and community.
“Opening Lamorinda Atelier felt like a natural evolution of my two decades in the art world,” she said. “After years of buying and selling art around the globe, I wanted to create a space that reflects not just my experience, but my belief that art should be shared, discussed and experienced together.”
Dhond moved from San Francisco to Orinda in 2014, a transition that helped shape her appreciation for small-town connection.
When she began searching for a location for her gallery, Theatre Square immediately stood out – both for its energy and its sense of community.
“It’s vibrant and welcoming,” she said. “Theatre Square already has this feeling of people coming together. I wanted Lamorinda Atelier to be part of that – a place where creativity and conversation flow naturally.”
A mission rooted in connection
At its core, Lamorinda Atelier strives to demystify contemporary art. Jules believes the art world can sometimes feel inaccessible, especially for people who don’t see themselves as collectors or insiders.
Her vision is to change that.
“Our mission is rooted in connection – connecting people to art, artists to audiences and neighbors to one another,” said Dhond. “Contemporary art should feel approachable, not intimidating. I want this place to spark curiosity and make art an accessible and joyful part of everyday life.”
The gallery features a curated mix of original paintings, sculpture, works on paper and custom fine-art prints. It also offers rare secondary-market pieces … the kinds of works often found only in major metropolitan galleries.
“The range is diverse and thoughtfully selected,” she said. “We want seasoned collectors to feel inspired, and we want people encountering contemporary art for the first time to feel just as welcome.”
Lamorinda Atelier currently represents eight artists, with work by local, regional and international creators (none from Orinda at the moment). Although Dhond anticipates eventually expanding that roster, she says her emphasis right now is on establishing trust and building the space into a cultural hub for the community.
“The gallery is meant to grow and evolve,” she said. “I’m always open to discovering new voices, but taking on new artists is not my priority at the moment.”
An enduring love of the human side of art
Jules describes her relationship with art as lifelong.
“I’ve spent my whole life immersed in the art world, and what has always fascinated me is the story behind each piece,” she said. “Watching trends come and go has been interesting, but the constant is my love for the human side of art – the people who bring it to life.”
That perspective shaped the design of Lamorinda Atelier.
“It’s not just a gallery, but a place where stories, conversations and relationships matter just as much as the art on the walls,” she said.
Though she doesn’t identify as an artist, she believes creativity is universal. “I am not an artist myself,” she said. “And yet … aren’t we all artists in one way or another? I think we are.”
A cultural heartbeat for Orinda
Dhond sees galleries as essential contributors to community culture, especially in a town like Orinda.
“A contemporary gallery can act as a cultural heartbeat,” she said. “Galleries bring new ideas, diverse perspectives and creative energy into everyday life. In a community as warm and engaged as Orinda, a gallery can also be a connector.”
That belief informs the gallery’s growing list of events and programs. Lamorinda Atelier already hosts exhibition receptions, wine tastings, mixers, live drawing sessions, artist’s private viewings, open mic nights and author talks. And Dhond also plans off-site visits to Bay Area museums and galleries.
“The goal is to make art an active, social and participatory part of life in Orinda,” she said. “I want people to feel like they can walk in, ask questions, linger and learn.”
Over the next few years, she hopes to expand collaborations and partnerships while developing a robust calendar of exhibitions.
“I see it becoming a true creative hub,” she said, “a place known not only for exceptional art but also for lively programming and meaningful community engagement.”
Supporting local art – and a local business owner
Dhond encourages residents to stop by, attend events or simply bring a friend to explore the space.
She’s also particularly fond of studio visits, which she describes as “a great pleasure and joy.” Many artists work from small or improvised spaces. “Often, the ‘studio’ is the kitchen table,” she said. “Being invited into those spaces is something I really treasure.”
“Even conversations about art help support the artists and the community,” she added. “Collecting work – whether originals or fine-art prints – directly supports both the gallery and the creators we represent.”
She is a proud member of the Orinda Chamber of Commerce and hopes the gallery becomes a fixture not just in Theatre Square, but in the larger Lamorinda arts scene.
She also expressed deep appreciation for her neighboring businesses.
“The theater itself, the barber shop, the new café, the Vietnamese spot, Saffron – they have welcomed me with love,” she said. “I’m thrilled to open our doors in Theater Square.”
As for her personal mantra, “Just keep swimming,” she said.
Lamorinda Atelier is open 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Wednesday through Sunday and is closed Mondays and Tuesdays.
“I can’t wait to welcome neighbors, spark conversations and celebrate creativity together,” she said. “Lamorinda Atelier is for everyone.