JACK VAN HIELE —  Artists and friends are mourning the passing of Jack Van Hiele, Director of Triangle Gallery on January 13, 2011, at age 93, from pneumonia. This year marks the 50th year of Triangle Gallery, the longest run for a contemporary art gallery in San Francisco. Jack was born in 1917 in Assen, Netherlands, where his father was a public works engineer. Graduating in 1938 with a law degree from the University of Leiden, Jack chose to work with the Salzburg Opera instead of practicing law. Starting as a stagehand, he became an assistant to the director. In his last project at Salzburg Opera, Jack was working with Richard Strauss in the world premiere of his latest work, which was cancelled as WW II ravaged Europe. Avoiding military service because of his employment, Jack was for some time forced into factory labor and ended up in an allied displaced persons camp at the close of WW II. Skill in languages earned Jack employment as a tour guide in Stockholm for northern Europeans anxious to visit warm southern destinations. Bringing back antique furniture and art works from Italy for his friends and clients, Jack opened an art gallery, Gallerie Venezia, in Stockholm and directed it for ten years.

While waiting to immigrate to the US, he visited San Francisco and decided to make the city his home. Jack opened Triangle Gallery in downtown San Francisco in July 1961 and was soon recognized for his cross-cultural selection of artists and art works. Traveling to New York, Europe and Japan, Jack was a leader in introducing Japanese and Chinese modern abstract painting to western US. As many art galleries came and went, Jack stayed on course with a loyal following over five decades, earning the respect of artists and collectors with his thoughtful and deliberate manner, positive attitude and integrity. Kenneth Baker, SF Chronicle’s art critic, called Triangle a “low-profile, enduring” gallery. As late as last December, Jack was doing what he loved most: working in his gallery as Director and sole employee six days a week and hiking in Marin County on Sundays. A “Closing Reception” will be held to celebrate Jack’s life at Triangle Gallery, 47 Kearny, February 12, 3-5 pm. No services are planned.