Grand Opening Village Shops and Galleries!

Start with a dream; add inspiration and a lot of luck; stir in hard work and sweat: lifting, carrying, arranging and rearranging; then combine with laughter and friends coming through big-time ... and what do you get? We've got a brand new Village Shops and Galleries to show off at our Grand Opening, Saturday March 16th, from noon to 8 p.m.!

Mixing the best of old and new, we've got vintage collectibles and antique furniture alongside brand new unique handmade art by amazingly talented (mostly local) artists and crafters. And we're so excited to introduce our new gift shop featuring work crafted by independent artisans, including fine silver jewelry by designer Lis Mahnken of ME Designs; artful clothing and accessories by Michele Battise, wooden bowls, boxes and pens by David Earls; exquisitely designed and stitched quilts by Carolyn Earls; mixed media and textile crafts and jewelry by Grace Taormina and Rachel Taormina; handcrafted soap by sassafras and Bubble Queen Soaps & Scents; and my own photo arts and crafts.

We're also proud to be the only place you can get the full line of collage artist Tamara Holland's wonderful new line of inspirational greeting cards - and believe me, you will want one of each!

The walls are bursting with color, from resident artist Mark Canepa's metal artwork and paintings to hand-pulled linocut and woodblock prints by Rich Fowler, vivid mixed-media paintings by Rachel Taormina, large-format photographs by John Hanses, and much more!

Looking for a classy, convenient meeting space for a private or public event? Searching for studio space? We have many options for rental -by the hour, day or longer. And it's a dream come true for my co-manager Grace and myself to offer a wide variety of art workshops and classes in our brand new classroom, fully stocked with art supplies and equipment. We will provide high-quality art and craft instruction at affordable prices in a range of subjects, for adults and children, and for all different skill levels. 

The Village Shops is at 10330 San Pablo Avenue, El Cerrito, between Eureka and Stockton streets. There’s plenty of free parking. Starting March 16th, we’ll be open Wednesday through Sunday from noon to 6 p.m.

Are you an artist or crafter interested in learning about opportunities to show and sell your work, or to teach? If so, come on by to meet us and fill out an application.  Questions? Call (510) 525-5661 or email me at heidirand@gmail.com

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