El Paseo gallery owner accused of not paying artists for paintings Tom TuckerDecember 2, 2019 Money MGN_1280x720_90405B00-TQVCR The three women who say they're owed money met up on El Paseo in Palm Desert Monday to share their stories, just blocks away from the D Gallery, where they say gallery owner Ruth Dresser, also known as Ruth Hererra, has ripped them off. "She is very personable. She comes across as if she's going to do the best for you and your artists," said Palm Desert art dealer Deanna Miller. Miller represents artists Mardi de Veuve Alexis of Indio and Katherine Keane of Los Angeles. Altogether, the three women say the gallery owner owes them about $8,000 from the sales of two paintings. That is the amount of money a judge in indio says the women are owed after ruling in their favor in small claims court. "It takes a lot of work, a lot of effort and it's exciting when it sells, and disappointing to find out you won't get paid," said Kean. The two artists say they each had a painting sold at D Gallery last spring. Mardi de Veuve Alexis valued hers at $5,200 and Kean valued her piece at $5,900. Their say their agreement with Ruth Dresser at the gallery was that the artists would get half of whatever the pieces sold for. Miller would recieve a commission. "I'm dependent on selling my paintings. So, I'm pretty angry that somebody can get away with this kind of behavior," said de Veuve Alexis. Even after winning their small claims cases against D Gallery, Dresser is refusing to pay them and ignoring their repeated phone calls and emails. Getting nowhere, the women asked News Channel 3 to get involved. After speaking with the women and hearing their side of the story, we stopped by D Gallery, where the business was closed with chains on the front door. We also rang the door bell, but no one answered. Calling the phone number on the front door, we discoverd the number is disconnected. On the gallery's website we found a different number which we called, and Dresser answered the phone. She quickly hung up when we asked her to respond to the claims against her. "She doesn't deserve to have a business when she is not honest with her artists," said Miller. The women tell us the sheriff's department won't help them because their claims are "civil cases". After Ruth Dresser hung up on us, we called back and left a detailed message, telling her the story was airing Monday night, and we again requested a comment. Dresser did not return that call. Miller and de Veuve Alexis say they plan on picketing the D Gallery during business hours Saturday night. News / News Headlines / Top Stories read more

Beware, ARTISTS...these people are crooks! They sell art for artists and don't pay their artists and don't return the artist's unsold art. They are dishonest and lack integrity. read more

Locally owned and operated this Gallery has some beautiful pieces. Beautiful views of the lake located in the heart of Lake Arrowhead Village. read more

Great gallery, great art, great view, fabulous events...need I say more?

The D Gallery has some very incredible artwork, lots of crosses, hearts with chains a lounge bed hanging from the ceiling. Daniel has created his own line of essential oil sprays which are great, the women love it. Come by and say hello to Daniel, take a peak at his artwork and maybe have a glass of wine while there. :-) read more

Daniel Gerken, director of D Gallery, has great taste and there are always new contemporary works being hung. They recently moved into the gorgeous new location at Lake Arrowhead (right on the lake) and already has a big following at their monthly music & art events. The wide variety of collectible art at varying collectors' budgets keeps everyone happy. It's awesome to have the opportunity to meet and hang out with many of the artists in person during the events, too. I heard about an "Artists Salon" going on once in a while too. read more

Killing time while in Arrowhead village. Stumbled upon adoreable gallery. Amazing pieces and Daniel was charming and kind. Any and questions were answered. Stop in well worth your time. Enjoy the art, fantastic company and a glass of wine. Will definitely return. :-). Sonya read more

I like this place. Good art at affordable prices. The 2nd weekend of each month D Gallery has sort of an open house event, with live music , food and drink. Daniel the shop owner is a cool easy going guy, that I found very personable. read more

My husband & I stumbled upon this gallery while trying to kill some time waiting for the boat ride in the village, during our anniversary weekend trip to Lake Arrowhead. LOVE this place - I'm a huge fan of crosses and this gallery is full of them! All shapes & sizes, different styles (goth, beachy, ornate, rustic...) - I wish I could have bought them all!! The hanging bed is stunning and there are some really interesting pieces of work on display! Truly a hidden gem and one of the highlights of my weekend...wish I could've stayed for their gallery event (music, wine, etc) that afternoon, but we already had other plans. read more

I Love this gallery! Every time I am on vacation, I always stop in to whatever gallery I can find with the hope of finding that 'one thing' to buy and take home. I never find what moves me. This gallery is the exception. I ended up buying 2 pieces which now hang in my home, and each day when i see them I am moved by their beauty. I wish I could buy on line....It is a long trip by car from where I live. If you are ever in Lake Arrowhead, don;t miss this gem. read more