What a surprise! I expected there would be several reviews for the Berkeley Potters Guild and…read morefound only one, by my friend Kelly! The Potters Guild was established in 1971 and is the oldest and largest clay collaborative on the west coast, according to their card. I have visited them for years. People come and go and many of the pieces I have are by people who are no longer part of the collective. Kimi Masui works in porcelain. Her pieces are exquisite, light and graceful. Regardless who else is in the guild, I'm always eager to see what she has. Her studio is in the back, so for me, it's best for last. http://berkeleypotters.com/kimimasui.html I have been buying her work since she sold it on Telegraph Avenue. I have several of her cups and a covered jar that we use for nonfat dry milk. That jar has had a lot of use. It's chipped and the lid has been broken and glued back together. I came here to see if I could find a replacement. I went through the various exhibits of people's work. Some is functional and some decorative. Some is both. When I read Kelly's review and clicked on the link she included I saw that the woman whose piece she bought was one whose lovely, colorful work had attracted me as well: http://berkeleypotters.com/margaretgriszdow.html I'm not sure how many potters are here. It's a warren of spaces and hallways but if you wander through and double back a few times you can see everything. There's even a jeweler, Janie Rose, who I suspect used to be a potter who was part of the collective years ago and switched to jewelry. Her earrings are attractive and inexpensive. There are several potters who are new to the collective since I was last there a few years ago and there was a great deal to be admired, but I was looking for a couple of specific things. First was a replacement bowl for the cracked one, since I didn't find what I was looking for at the Potter's Studio. Finally I reached Kimi Masui's studio. I immediately found a bowl to replace the cracked one. Kimi was there and I described to her the covered jar we had and its condition. She was very accommodating and patient, going through her backstock looking for jars the right size. There was one that was a perfect size, but the opening was a bit too small so I didn't get it. I'll keep checking.

I had been wanting to check this place out for some time... they were open and Dr. R. was going to…read moreget Audi parts in the area, so I decided to give it a looksee. Yep, it was pretty pricey. I did buy an espresso cup and saucer for $35, but it was a beautiful cup which will bring me pleasure whenever I use it (like the other espresson cups I have in my collection). It was nice to meet the artist and when we took off the shelf, she gave me a couple of small slips that explained the piece and it's care as well as her general philosophy. Here is her website: http://berkeleypotters.com/margaretgriszdow.html I do love buying handmade ceramics. I bought the absolutely perfect cereal bowl from a crafts cooperative in West Virginia during a road trip and have always kicked myself that I did not buy two or even four. It is the perfect shade of blue and the perfect depth... feels good in the hand... that is the plus side to buying from the hand of the person who has made something. There is a recognition that a human being not only designed this object, but fabricated it to become a piece of your life. One sour note was at the cashier. There is a central clerical area, staffed by the potters. We arrived at the area, to be third in line. During the second transaction, we waited through a mutual compliment of each other's jewelry, conversation about who each of the potters were to each other and an eventual trading of email addresses with a plan to meet up later... all while we were waiting and feeling like chopped liver! :::laugh:: I know.. how high school can you get? It just left a sour taste in my mouth, which I quickly dispelled at Vik's!

Came here for the spring exhibitions opening reception and had a great time. Was a bit surprised…read morethat masking was still required indoors but they provided masks at the front. The exhibits were nicely organized and flowed well. The Richmond Art Center seems well-maintained overall and they did an excellent job with the opening reception, including the yummy food and drinks in the courtyard. I just wish they had more seating during events. While making my way around, I saw artwork from local students as well and the classrooms in the back which was cool. If you're an East Bay local, I highly recommend stopping by the Richmond Art Center at some point or checking out their class offerings.

I registered for a 10 am workshop, but arrived shortly after the art center opened so I had time to…read moreleisurely view the works on display in the main gallery and in other smaller galleries. I am always impressed by the caliber of the work on display, regardless of whether it's the work of professionals or young children who have taken classes at the center or work from area schools in coordination with their art teachers. Workshop participants created a paper plate "succulent" to take home. Although the workshop required pre-registration, it was free. Many parents worked along side their young children,?while teenagers clustered together. The presenter's own sculptures reminded me of Dr Seuss drawings come to life. It was evident that a fun time was had by all.

This annex location to the Luggage Store Gallery features local artistic talent and an association…read morewith the neighboring Tenderloin "National" Forest. Through their volunteer program, up-and-coming artists can choose to do a residency and showcase their work. I was here on January 30th for Brenna Ivanhoe's "Keepsakes," a touching collection of paintings and stories depicting the diverse culture and local flavor of the Tenderloin. I look forward to what the Gallery and the Annex has is store for 2012.

Someone else described it as pompous, and that felt pretty accurate…read more The art itself was weird in a bad way, very dark, heavy vibes that just didn't feel enjoyable or inspiring. The whole place felt small and honestly not worth making a trip for. What really made it worse was the staff behavior. One worker or volunteer took a photo of us and then awkwardly hid behind a wall, which was unsettling. Another staff member kept staring at us the entire time, then eventually approached to say we couldn't have a water bottle inside and had to check it at the front desk. That would have been fine if the front desk had mentioned it in the first place. The inconsistency just added to the uncomfortable atmosphere. Overall, not worth the visit at all. If you are deciding between museums, Oakland Museum of California is much better and a far more enjoyable experience.

I went there today for an international film named "La ciénaga". I love the fact that they show…read moreinternational and other interesting films there! Hollywood movies are getting so boring to me with the same old formulas, so this was a great find! Inside was very spacious, modern, and clean. Bathroom was super clean, too! Location is very near downtown Berkeley ( 2min walk) and so convenient! I would definitely go back:)

Charming studio with very unique contemporary artworks for sale from surrealism to pointillism. A…read moremust to visit.

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!

Daniel Hunter invited my Honey to his art opening. They are old colleges. I was thrilled. I've…read morenever been to Benicia. When we arrived I was surprised how quaint Benicia was and there huge art community. It turns out that we arrived for there 2nd Saturday Art Walk. I had no idea they still existed. I loved the environment and people. They were all so nice. Our first stop was Gallery 621. We lucked out at finding a parking spot a little over a block away. The place was packed. The gallery is a co-op gallery. Every member takes turns manning the gallery and they all pay in to show there art. They had a good collection of art work and a few statues. The galley was really buzzing. The few people I talked to either were artists or people who followed the artists. I talked to another couple and they drive in once a year to see Daniel's shows. He has quite a following. His work has evolved over the years. This show was wax and spray paint and many layers. Below you can see page 3. We are now proud owners of page 3. Honey is on the left and Daniel on the right. I love Daniel's shirt.

This lovely gem is right on the main street of Benicia. While my cousin and I were walking down the…read moreroad from Sailor Jacks. This gallery has a nice array of local and non-local art. This is a must is you are in the Benicia area. The owners are lovely and welcoming people that know their art and show the finest of local talent.WE were ready to walk in and they were hanging one of their Halloween displays outside and asked for our opinion. The next time you are in town..stop in and experience their art displays, who knows you may find a piece or two that you would love to buy and take home with you!!

My 1st time going to a art gallery my friend wanted me to come here and give my opinion on a…read morepainting that they were deciding to get when I checked out the painting at 1st I went whoa it's making me dizzy, lol but then after a while when the lady was shown us What it looks like when you lower the light how it brings out the colors in a 3 dimension of the painting was pretty cool. Tgey have a lot of Snoopy paintings sculptures of doctor Seuss really nice big Gallery they have chairs were you can sit down to rest If you get tired walking around. I don't remember the lady's name that was helping my friend but she was very talkative knowledgeable about all the stuff answer questions no pressure on them buying it really nice person she's the Manager director of the gallery.

Have u dropped by this gallery? it's open for viewing and right now they have Salvador Dali's…read moreobscure and rare work on display. This gallery is medium and the Dali is a museum style gallery show. It's neat to view this art. Salvador Dali, the Surrealist, is one of the greats and this showing is different. I walked by and it caught my eye. The art is at different prices in the thousands and the cheapest may be at $3000 for a series of paintings that are rare to find. The lady that works here says the owner has a relationship with the estate of Salvador Dali and that's what she could say.