Devondre is the best customer service in framing I've ever received. Beyond having a great eye for…read morematching frames/artwork/and matting, he is patient, kind, and efficient. I had 7 pieces of art that I wanted to update the matting for, some with multiple openings in one frame. He assisted with the color choices but was never pushy in an attempt to needlessly make me pay more than a fair price. Moreover, I have been to 3 framers for a very special custom piece and never went through with the order because of poor designs and awful customer service. Devondre did what they couldn't due in 15 minutes and I gladly paid $600 for this one special piece. From selling me a few quick ready mades, redesigning mats for pieces I already have, to custom work, I got 8 pieces completed in an hour. Thank you Devondre, you have a new regular customer in me.

This place is awesome! They're the "go-to" place for printing photos from a smart phone and…read moreuploading them onto their website, https://cheappetes.com/. Cheap Pete's has numerous locations and I go to their shop in Alameda. The staff are incredibly knowledgeable and offer great service. The best salesperson at that location is Melissa. They've probably printed at least 50 photos from my iPhone with the largest at 20" x 20". Melissa will always take the time and show you your print request before you leave the store. Nonetheless, each and every time I'm incredibly amazed at the quality of the print because they're beautifully done. Now that's great service!!!

Besides good eats, this gallery also represents perhaps the newest and best spot in town to…read moreinitiate an artsy orgy. It's an old Park street side loft turned sweet pad/bad ass art space. The entrance is a little inconspicuous (the graffittied grand stairwell entry is located between Park Street Antiques and Lee Auto Shop), but once inside, it does not take long to realize that these owners are the pimpest thing to hit the island since Percy Crosby. There is an invisible superhighway going on in here. I saw a couple people get side swiped with jutting hips and get fingers stuck in eyes due to art-inspired over zealous body language, as people not in cars flew around the room in what seemed to be a full fledged race to complete the most laps from the front to the back. The race, however, did not help the band set up before our mass exodus. Oh yeah, and I gotto say, maybe I can barely hold my own in a conversation about, aw shit, I don't know, Picasso, but still, we gotto get these two buck chuck dripping hipster clowns outta here and bring on the big swingers. I mean, at least take a minute to lint roll the pet dander off of your stinky pee stained skirt before you leave the house. Let's wear turtlenecks and practice our critical gazes, Alameda. Get in the game. Take one for the team. Brush your hair. Oh, will we be coming back here? Fuck yes. This place is a new hotbed for bay area booty. I will definitely be back.

As far as galleries go, this is the real deal. It is a beautiful gallery filled with many talented…read moreartists. Even with the upscale vibe it has going on, you are bound to see an eclectic group of people of all sorts in a very welcoming enviorment. Several of my favorite artists have studios here and the shows are always phenomenal. Jamie Banes who does these amazing light sculptures resides here as well as another talented local artist Chris Rummell. The owner, Silvie Lukacova, is also a very talented artist. So there is always something really great to see here. They often show work from all over the world and have solo exhibits. This is a landmark in Alameda and is one of the best galleries not only here, but just period.

I've driven by this yellow Victorian at the corner of Lincoln and Paru many times but did not…read morerealize this was an Arts Center that is a non-profit volunteer operated place for meetings, readings, showings and other creative doings. My friend's art exhibit brought me to the Center for the first time. As you enter, the Main Gallery is in front and the Signature Gallery, where my friend's Between Earth and Sky Exhibit was held is in the back. His 27 paintings are of recent landscapes, spanning the vast canyons and rock formations of the Southwest to the rugged cliffs and vibrant waters of the Pacific coast. It was great seeing the Exhibit and happy that there is a community art center for local artists to display their works of art.

Wonderful place to see, do and buy art! The classes are…read morereasonably priced. The instructors are very knowledgeable . And the Center organize a incredible Plein Air Paint Out every summer

I have read of the controversy of the complaining artist (see below) who I do not know. I was…read moreunable to attend the event. No artist worth their salt would publically humiliate a curator, director or gallery owner. Privately is not any better and is not recommended. This kind of action says something important about the discretionary skills (or lack thereof) of the artist. Often there are small errors that occur even at the best planned events. Over reacting ("show nerves"), causing a scene, disturbing the event with histronics, trying to remove a work from a show during an event -- these are all major misjudgements on the part of an artist. Professional artists are wise in giving the venue a chance to remedy whatever errors/misunderstandings may have occurred. Be task oriented not vengeful. Public accusations, combined with character assassination, are large errors that can destroy the artist's career on a permanent level. There aren't all that many directors, curators, gallery managers and gallery owners in the USA. They all can and many do communicate with each other. "Difficult" means no other venue will want to show a complaining artist, especially when small errors are blown out of proportion. I respectfully recommend that this disgruntled artist reconsider and avoid the consequence of such poor judgement. Perhaps even deleting this mistake for your own sake. Good luck.

This art studio is an absolute gem and a blessing to the local art scene. Jess and Wes go above and…read morebeyond to create a special place right here in town with art shows, classes, fairs, fundraisers, and performances of ALL kinds (seriously, music, spoken word, live body painting, fire spinning... you name it!) Working with them is always a delight. They are super responsive, supportive, and are always there if I need anything before, during, and after an event. I wish them many many years of success and happiness here in our little island town.

In May, I shop for a couple birthdays and of course like to keep gifts locally made. So one May…read moreweekend I stopped in this maker's retail space and was delighted to find numerous affordable beautiful jewelry, art, and home & bath creations for sale. The staff was friendly and helpful too in answering all of my various questions. I decided on a few purchases that day, including this card for a Bay Area native friend. For any occasion that pairs well with a gift for a Bay Area enthusiast, I invite you to stop in.

Cute shop with nice selection of crystals. I got a few crystals and a bracelet. The woman who was…read moreringing me up asked me if I knew the price of two of the stones. I didn't, so she went to look. The total came out higher than expected, but I waited until I was home to review the digital receipt. Turns out I was overcharged for two of the stones and charged for 8 items when I only bought 7. Could possibly have been a mistake but enough to make me not want to go back.

Stopped by during First Friday's and this was our favorite gallery to visit! Modern artwork and a…read morebeautiful space. An IG-able spot for sure. It's got clean white walls, artwork that'll inspire you, and multiple rooms to explore.

The most consistently spellbinding gallery within Oakland Murmur…read more Johansson can be spotted on the corner by its text covered spotlight. Inside you'll find a classy gallery that has a faux grass ceiling. When I visited the artwork presented were oil paintings on aluminum and paint on transparency. These unusual mediums really played to their strengths. I didn't see anything else in Oakland this contemporary or experimental. Unfortunately I hear that they're moving to New York. I can totally see them thriving in a bigger city yet I cannot feel a tad betrayed. Nevertheless, I hope they strike it big.

This museum is so underrated!…read more There are plenty of exhibits to explore, along with interactive areas that make learning fun for kids. It's a great place to spend a day with the family, whether you're looking to learn something new, relax, or simply enjoy a beautiful day in Oakland. I especially appreciate that this museum participates in the Museums for All program, which helps make cultural and educational experiences more accessible to families. We had a wonderful visit and I'll definitely be coming back more often. If you're looking for a family-friendly activity that's both fun and educational, this museum is worth checking out.

I have been coming here for years. Specifically for their special exhibitions. They are always so…read moreinteresting and well planned out on display. The museum has three floors and their outdoor garden overlooking lake merrit. They have a little bit of everything, if you're curious about real history and wanting to learn more this is the place. Their annual membership is so worth. As they have several special events. Next to the museum they have plenty of parking. I take Bart as the stop is one block away. Chinatown is walkable for great restaurants. The Oakland library is close by too! There's a restaurant inside the museum while the food sounds great it's okay. I would recommend walking /driving to Chinatown or downtown Oakland for amazing food.