Heart Studio Adds Color to Downtown

Wondering about the large red heart sculpture on East Prospect Avenue?

It's for sale at the Heart Studio that opened at the end of March.

You'll find the door to the Heart Studio open, as Milo Di Vincenzo paints vibrant portraits of geishas and other subjects. Also for sale at the gallery are brightly painted mirrors, corkboards, picture frames and even a bed, created by the Heart Studio's owner Zac Innocenti.

When friend Innocenti asked Di Vincenzo if he would help run the art gallery, Di Vincenzo was happy to have a space to paint every day.

Di Vincenzo began painting just six years ago, attending California College of the Arts to study oil painting from 2002 to 2o04. He had painted off and on since then, until the opportunity at Heart Studio.

"When he [Zac Innocenti] leased the place he gave me the keys and said start painting," said Di Vincenzo.'This is the first time since art school that I've had a chance to paint everyday."

Innocenti is a landscape contractor in Walnut Creek who built tables, mirrors and other household items as hobby and to help furnish his home, for several years. When he saw the vacant space in downtown Danville on a month-to-month lease, he thought he would try his hand at selling the colorful one-of-a-kind pieces he makes from recycled wood and metal.

"People can do great things if they just try," said Innocenti."I like things that might bring a smile to someone's face."

The frames in the studio sell for $40 to $60 while cork boards and smaller mirrors sell for $100 to $120.

Love the heart sculpture out front? It's going for $3,900. Innocenti designed the sculpture and worked with a friend to construct it. He says more metal sculptures will be added to the garden area behind the studio.

"It's about being creative," said Innocenti. "Like Einstein said, creativity is greater than knowledge."

The Heart Studio is located at 160 E. Prospect Ave. It is open Tuesdays-Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.