For whatever reason, I am slow reviewing businesses in my own backyard. I take for granted that our…read morelocal shops will always be here, so it is sad when after ten years they shutter their doors. Kelly Nicolaisen and her husband Jacinto Castillo, owners of The Mom & Pop Shop have been vibrant members of our community. The shop was a destination for an eclectic collection of art, greeting cards quirky items, jewelry and other hand crafted items all sourced and curated from local artists. They also functioned as an art gallery. If you needed something in particular that wasn't in stock (a set of acrylic paint pens for example), Kelly was happy to order them for you. There was always so much to look at and take in. Our community wishes them all the best in their future endeavors!

A lovely art shop with tons of supplies, art, trinkets, gifts, and more. Great in-store service and…read moregood prices. Great community location.

This is a gold mine of hidden talent. Just purchasing a few things before the holidays. I found…read morethat this gallery has a wide selection of original paintings and affordable Giclee Prints. Fine jewelry, Pottery, gift cards just name it! Also if you have some spare time. They have weekly Art classes to choose from. Just look for the neon sign, Pinole Artisans = " )

From the owner: Fine art, jewelry and gifts for sale by local artists…read more About Us The Pinole Artisans Foundation is a non-profit community organization whose purpose is to promote the arts, provide a forum for Pinole-area artists and artisans and to sponsor lectures, classes, and other artistic learning events and activities

Now, I have to let you know that I worked at NIAD back in the day and met my husband there. He…read morestill works there and my leaving and time there was brutal! But, boy have times changed! I love coming here for the art, the comraderie of the staff and the clients are full of love, hugs and joy! I have bought art there, I have bought jewelry there, and we went to NYC to be present with one of their artists who had a piece in the Whitney Bienniel! I was hired to be the personal secretary to Dr. Katz who founded Creative Growth in Oakland, Creativity Explored in San Francisco, and Creativity Unlimited in San Jose (I believe they closed a while back). I was at the first conference of Art and Disabilities held at the center with representatives from the four centers and others. Some came as far away as Canada and Minnesota. At that time, Creative Growth was the star of the group and we all aspired to have their success. Well, NIAD has found it. The idea for the center started after the mental health facilities in CA were closed by Ronald Reagan. But before the closure, Florence, his wife and artist, would drive up with art supplies so that the people could create art. A lot of the clients were relocted to the bay area and he opened the center for them to create art. Eli was passionate about the clients and felt that they had a right to create and he created a center where that's possible. I'm sure that he is beaming over everything that NIAD has become - an inclusive, welcoming place where artists get a chance for creative expression and can earn money from what they make. Good job for keeping it up guys!

HOORAY!!! This…read moreproject reached its goal with almost a week to spare. Pat yourselves on the back, you are a mighty fine bunch of Yelpers!

Me and my friend went in the store abrams claghorn gallery because we are interested in art. But…read moreone of the employees kept staring at us, even though there was multiple others in the store so we left disturbed and uncomftorable.

This place is a total gem. I first encountered the gallery in 2020 when my photograph was included…read morein an exhibit in the gallery. I was impressed by the way the owner made efforts to keep the gallery both safe and welcoming in a difficult time. He was also creative about sharing work and events online. I live in Oakland, so it isn't convenient to do much of my shopping there, but I do find it to be a treat to go in when I can. Some stores feel so full, it can be overwhelming and some are so spare, it is almost awkward, I am in and out. I find the store to be just right. It's relaxing to browse and there are enough things to see to keep you there for quite a while. The presentation is quite nice. Nearly everything in the store is handmade by a local artisan.

One of my favorite artist communities to spend time at! over 43 artists in one room, with a mix of…read moremostly painters and also assemblage work, glass, mosaics, illustration, ceramic. and more. It is mostly a private studio for members to work, but there are open studios through the year and other moments to meet members and take a tour inside.

I just adore Firehouse Art collective! There are so many interesting Artist doing different kind of…read morework here. Really worth seeing the place when you can. If you're looking for a place to practice your craft, this would be a good choice.

I can't recommend Nielsen Framing enough. I've had two recent projects framed by them-one a rush…read moreorder which needed a super fast turnaround, and one smaller but more sentimental photo which needed a cuter frame-and each time they were knowledgeable, helpful, tasteful in helping pick out frames and mats...and also just really kind in a way I miss experiencing when I don't shop locally. I showed up right before closing (I'm so sorry!) and they still graciously took the time to help me out so I wouldn't need to make a second trip. The price of both jobs was way lower than you'll find online or in box stores, and the quality was just incredible.

These guys are great…read more if you have nice pieces that you want preserved for a long time, and a great colobrative process on picking through all the options - there is no other choice. When you are spending time and money on something that you want to last a lifetime (and beyond), they exceeded my expectations on the process and the final product.

I've had several paintings & photos framed & was very pleased. Pam helped me select unique frames…read morefor each & I love seeing them on my walls. This is also a great place to find new pieces for your collection (cool jewelry as well).

We rode the SMART train into town for fun one day. We didn't have a plan other than to walk around…read more We happened upon Art Works after visiting Riley Street. Both my kiddos are very artistic and were absolutely thrilled to tour this studio/gallery space. The front desk attendant was very welcoming, and we all really enjoyed being surrounded with so much creativity. There was something to see at almost every turn, and even a few interactive pieces. It really was a treat to see my kids soak it all in and to be in their element for a change. It will be our go-to destination on all future jaunts to San Rafael.

On my first visit I found a community of artists ready to invite me into their studios and share…read moretheir meaningful works of art. Barbara, one of the artists there, even gave me a tour of the space, galleries and filled me in on the history and mission of the building and community. As a non-profit organization they work to keep the costs low for renting studio space and allow artists to rent gallery space for exhibitions. And I'm very much looking forward to the next art walk which occurs every 2nd Friday of the month. If you're looking to find an artistic community in Marin County, or just enjoy speaking with passionate artists, then you've found the right spot.