About Us
The Aegis Gallery of Fine Arts was established in September 1993. Aegis was the name of the shield of Athena, goddess of war and protectorate of the arts. We are a cooperative group of artists that share in the staffing, management, and membership of the gallery.
All of our artists are local and participate in a wide variety of media: watercolors, oil, pastels, paper, ceramics, prints, photography, jewelry, glass, sculpture and more. Please take a look!
From Earthquake Aftermath to Community Hub: The 30+ year story of Aegis Gallery of Fine Art
n 1995, Aegis Gallery of Fine Art was formally established at 14531 Big Basin Way as a cooperative of artists dedicated to supporting local creative voices. Yet the gallery's origins trace back to an unexpected tragedy: the earthquake of 1989 that damaged El Gatito, a Los Gatos gallery, beyond habitation. Rather than accept that loss, founder Pat Puder and collaborators from the Mountain Art Guild saw an opportunity. They organized a temporary art show in an empty brick building on Big Basin Way in summer 1992, proving that the community hungered for local art. This success led to Puder's partnership with landlord Kurt Stauss, and in 1995, Aegis Gallery was officially founded with five artists from the Art Guild, including Rich Johnson (wood turning), Virginia Fordice (oil painting), and Judith Marshall (printmaking).
The building itself carries historical weight. Constructed in 1895, it dates to Saratoga's rough-and-tumble logging era, dotted with saloons serving mountain workers. The original artists cleaned, repaired walls, and installed professional lighting—efforts reflecting the cooperative spirit that defines the gallery today. The name "Aegis," derived from Greek mythology, refers to a protective shield associated with Athena, symbolizing strength and divine support. The gallery created a website in 1995, making it an early adopter of internet presence for art galleries.
Today, Aegis operates as a 21-member cooperative where artists staff the gallery and curate exhibitions. A Featured Artist organizes monthly shows in the front gallery with public receptions, while work in three additional rooms rotates every three months. The gallery is deeply integrated into Saratoga's community, participating in the Chamber of Commerce, Spring and November Wine Walks, and Saratoga Nights (May-October). Recent initiatives expand its mission: in 2025, Aegis partnered a nonprofit to host a children's art show titled "A Day at the Beach," providing canvases and instruction. Currently, the gallery has collaborations with Saratoga Library on "Finding Beauty in Nature," and Hakone Gardens bringing art to new audiences.
Thirty years after its founding, Aegis Gallery exemplifies the values Pat Puder and her collaborators established: that art matters, that local artists deserve recognition and support, and that communities thrive when creative voices are heard. What began as a protective shelter for artists displaced by disaster has evolved into a safeguard for artistic expression and a gathering place for the entire community. For membership information and upcoming shows, visit www.aegisgallery.org or call 408-867-0171.
Aegis Gallery of Fine Art is located at 14531 Big Basin Way in downtown Saratoga.
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