Art Integrity

From San Francisco's Psychedelic Sixties to Art-Making Visionary: The Journey of a Founder Dedicated to Crafting Art for Museums

The 1960s in San Francisco was a time of unparalleled cultural transformation. The city was not just a geographic location; it was a thriving nexus of creativity, counterculture, and innovation. For many, this was a decade defined by music, the revolutionary spirit of the civil rights movement, and a blossoming artistic renaissance that would shape the years to come. It was against this vibrant backdrop that Thomas Burkes' passion for music and the arts would evolve into a pioneering venture that would have a lasting impact on an individuals access to art daily.

The Seeds of Inspiration

In the heart of San Francisco, amidst the kaleidoscope of colors, sounds, and ideas, a young entrepreneur found his calling. Originally drawn to music, Tom became captivated by the sonic energy that resonated from every corner of the city. Whether attending underground performances at the Fillmore or sitting with friends in the Haight-Ashbury neighborhood, music was an inseparable part of his identity. Yet, as the decade wore on, his interests deepened. The way sound could move the spirit became intertwined with the visual arts — particularly the innovative, multimedia works springing up in galleries and museums.

It wasn’t just about the music anymore. It was about how art could transcend traditional boundaries and engage the viewer in unexpected ways. From the psychedelic posters of the Grateful Dead to the avant-garde installations at places like the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA), Tom began to understand the true power of art as a multi-sensory experience. In this dynamic environment, he realized there was a gap: while art exhibitions were growing more immersive and experimental, the tools to showcase this kind of work were lagging behind. The world needed better, more thoughtful ways to present art that could both honor the creator’s vision and engage the public.

Bridging the Gap: A Vision Comes to Life

By the late 1960s, the founder had honed his craft — not as an artist in the traditional sense, but as someone who understood the essence of art from an emotional and functional perspective. Armed with this newfound passion and an unwavering commitment to quality, he founded a company dedicated to producing art-focused products for museums. The goal was simple yet profound: to help institutions elevate their exhibitions and enhance the visitor experience by providing products featuring the art and a means to bring it home to enjoy and share with others.

The company's early work focused on creating high-quality daily items — from stationery and interactive games and activities, to cutting-edge art books. The founder’s dedication to representing art with authenticity and respect set his company apart. His team didn’t just build; they understood. They weren’t simply suppliers — they were collaborators with the artists and curators, ensuring that each project met the highest standards of craftsmanship while honoring the spirit of the work on display.

A Commitment to Quality and Representation

One of the founder’s key principles was that art deserved to be treated with the utmost care. His early experiences in the San Francisco music scene, where creativity and authenticity were prized above all else, informed his approach to business. Just as musicians strove to produce albums that were true to their sound and vision, so too did he want to ensure that the art projects his company produced were true to the artists' work.

This commitment to quality extended not just to the physical construction of projects, but also to the relationships his company fostered with the museums themselves. Tom believed that museums were not merely institutions for preserving history but were vital spaces for fostering culture, community, and engagement. He was determined that his company would help these institutions showcase art in ways that would invite deep, emotional connections with visitors.

As a result, the company quickly gained a reputation for excellence in the museum industry. From contemporary art exhibitions to historical retrospectives, they became the go-to provider for museum shops. But what truly set the company apart was their unyielding commitment to collaboration. They understood that every museum, every artist, and every exhibition had its unique challenges and opportunities. And they relished the chance to design and build bespoke solutions that would make each piece of art shine.

A Lasting Legacy

The 1960s may have come to an end, but the ethos that permeated San Francisco in that transformative era continued to fuel Pomegranate’s work. In the decades that followed, the company continued to grow, establishing itself as a leader in the art world. It didn’t just adapt to changing trends; it helped define them. From the minimalist design ethos of the '70s to the digital innovations of the '90s, the company was at the forefront of ensuring that the art world could evolve while staying true to its roots.

The founder’s legacy was not just one of innovation and craftsmanship but of a profound respect for the role of art in society. He had witnessed firsthand the power of art to inspire, challenge, and connect people. And he believed that the best way to honor that power was by ensuring that every exhibition, every project, and every collaboration was executed with the utmost care, integrity, and passion.

As the company flourished, he continued to be involved in the art world, supporting emerging artists, mentoring young curators, and engaging in the ongoing dialogue about the role of art in public life. His commitment to excellence never wavered, and Pomegranate continues to be a vital part of the fabric of sharing art products, allowing individuals around the world to bring art home.

Today, decades later, the company he founded remains a cornerstone as a producer of art based products, with a reputation for transforming the way art is experienced. And though Tom has largely passed the baton on to his son Darius, his vision — nurtured in the streets of San Francisco during the 1960s — lives on in every project that continues to push the boundaries of art presentation.