Local artist from Madera, MIchael Garcia, whose art pieces in the early 2,000's were influenced by…read morehis stay in Japan, is now showing his latest body of work at 1821 Gallery & Studios from January 4, 2018 though February 10, 2018. I have two of his earlier art work painted on recycled wooden grape drying trays to make raisins which is not only a cool way to recycle, but also using local materials that make direct connection to the environment surrounding the artist where he lives, thinks, breathes. Famous Japanese author, Mishima Yukio, is depicted in a series of portrait head images where each following image slowly progressively fades away. The second is a golden wash looking a lot like a Rothko color field. It's very Zen-like in creating a contemplative, nonexistential mood. Wishing Michael Garcia great success for this current showing. I tried to go Sunday afternoon only to find out it isn't open then. Look for opening time on my photos below.

What a beautiful gem downtown. I had the opportunity to check this lovely art gallery out during…read moreArtHop and I'm exceptionally glad I did. 1821 is gorgeous, an ideal location for an event in their front entrance area. They have numerous rooms that are rented out as studios to individual artists, and a few rooms that simply showcase the owners' collection and favorites. The main room has one featured gallery for a season. Each room was filled with interesting, beautiful, quirky art that I wouldn't hesitate to buy and hang in my house (in the future... when I have a house...). Even though this gallery is slightly tucked away on a side street and easy to miss, it would be worth your while to come check them out on your own time, or at least during ArtHop (you might get a chance to get a delicious frozen treat from Donna at Ooh De Lolli too!). I would be happy to have an event with them in the future, and I wish them all the best in keeping this beautiful location alive and well Downtown.

A huge selection of clays, tools, and glazes, and the most helpful and amazing people ever!…read more 10/10!!!

great shop, love the studio space and employees, everyone is so kind! Stocked up on some clay…read morematerials, great selection and fair prices.

This is a wonderful art gallery/studio of talented local artists. The owner, Chris Hays, presents…read morethe art in a tasteful manner. The service is great and the selection is expansive for such a small space. Many of the pieces I find are quite affordable. A great place to find that unique Christmas gift.

Only went there once to look at their paintings while they were having a class at the time so I…read morefelt kinda awkward, but the owner came and talked to me and was really friendly and told me that I can look around.

If in life you can enjoy simple pleasures, are you not better off? Yes! And so, how rewarding was…read moreit to visit the Studio and meet with the most interesting Diane Johnso-Mendes, owner of the gallery? Very! What a refreshing and wonderful time I had learning about Diane, art teacher background, and many of the various artists who have displayed work at the gallery. For me, the highlight of anything happening in the Tower Area. And are you getting a look at the breath and diversity of work flowing through on display??? It's what, if nothing else you should be doing when in the area. So impressed was I that I picked up 2 works from one of the artists in the area. Area to be filled in here: The works I chose are unique and resonated with my unique personality and Moon Base Alpha aesthetic. Something not produced anywhere else on the planet that I get to enjoy for years to come. While both stimulating and sedating, the art here, the crafts, different materials used, got my juices flowing and felt like a luxury spa for the mind. I left refreshed, delighted and feeling lucky. Mix it up guys, get in here for your spa treatment that works on the inside and the outside. You'll walk away feeling like you spend your time well off the beaten path... Thanks you local artists chasing your passions and making incredible things of beauty and worth that make our/my life better. And as always, thank you Lord for the resources to take a couple of these works home with me! -G

What an amazing little place. Very friendly owner, and such a cozy studio, but still so much packed…read moreinside. Makes you feel like you can see the art inside your own home when it's displayed like this. A great selection of a TON of different artists - I can see why this place was voted to win some awards. It took us a little bit of looking to find it, nearly walked right past it since it does kinda look like another house, but I'm so glad we stopped inside.

My favorite crystal shop! Great selection and real crystals not the junk you tend to find now.read more

This place is Rockin. Very fascinating and interesting just for window shopping. My kids liked it…read moretoo.

Love MHEAS&G!! It's always such a fun visit to browse around and see all the current critters and…read morecreations there. Margaret Hudson was such an amazing artist and person. I'm so happy that her legacy lives on through her creativity. I have a collection of critters that are most dear to my heart...bears, schnauzers, bunnies, birds and sea otters. You'll be sure to find something there you love, or find just the perfect gift for someone. You can even have items special made! Prices are very reasonable and the staff is super nice. I love to watch when there's an artist at the work table. The studio is in a house, on a residential street (Swift) just north of Ashlan. It's between Blackstone and the 41. Stop by when you can...you'll for sure leave with a smile on your face and something super cute for yourself or someone else!!

If you need cute gifts and appreciate excellent artwork, Margaret Hudson's Earth Arts Studio is the…read morebest place to go! All of the items are hand crafted and very creative. We've been purchasing there for several years. The artists are friendly and kind. Highly recommend.

The finest art gallery in Fresno, across from Trolly Park, adjacent to Fresno high. local fine…read moreartists, some who's works are internationally known, a must see in Fresno.

This is a great gallery with wonderful artwork from local artists!read more

Always find amazing and unique gifts from this shop! We've gone several times over the past few…read moreyears and found interesting and unique stuff for affordable prices. If you like Brass Unicorn in tower district this place is bigger and has a huge variety of art and more. Also great service!! Thanks we will be back!

My late father posthumously received the highest honor in martial arts. I was willing to spend…read moremoney to custom frame his certificate. I was looking for a studio or frame shop that would meet my needs and expectations. I was so impressed with the finished product, I had them frame one of my certificates as well. Golden Coast Gallery has been in business for 33 years. The workmanship of the custom framing is professionally done. The quality of the matting and number of choices when it comes to frames is second-to-none. Moreover, the prices are reasonable considering the quality of the work and materials. Excellent customer care as well. Thank you Matt, Mary and Ken for the extraordinary service, care and attention to detail you put into your work. Highly recommended for framing all your photos, paintings and diplomas.

We visited Mixed Messages Art yesterday for my daughter's art project, and from the moment we…read morearrived, Kathleen welcomed us with such genuine warmth and friendliness. The gallery itself is hard to put into words, it's calm, quiet, and incredibly relaxing, creating a peaceful atmosphere that makes you want to linger and soak it all in. Kathleen Mattox, the artist behind Mixed Messages, is truly a seasoned creative with a rich life experience. Having started this gallery 40 years ago in Sanger, California, she brings decades of passion and experimentation to her mixed media work. Her paintings are meaningful and full of stories, blending impressionistic, expressionistic, and abstract styles with themes that range from music and florals to powerful language and symbols. What really stood out to me beyond her art was Kathleen's remarkable hospitality and spirit. She made us feel welcome and shared her creative journey with genuine kindness. It felt less like a gallery visit and more like connecting with a thoughtful friend who pours her soul into her work. If you're looking for a place that offers not only beautiful, layered artwork but also a warm and enriching experience, I highly recommend visiting Mixed Messages Art. It was a wonderful experience for me and my family, and I'm grateful to have discovered such a special artist and gallery.

So much to see in this compact gallery of treasures! There is a sense of awe from the moment we…read morestepped foot inside this 600 square foot building that sits on the edge of the parking lot of The Oasis in Sanger. We found brightly-colored whimsy in every corner that lifts the spirits. Every piece of art has a story embedded in it and who is the story-teller? Artist Kathleen Mattox was our tour guide through her own art, as well as that of numerous other artists that have their work beautifully displayed. Adding to the sense of colorful magic inside the gallery is a gentle studio kitty that doesn't know how gorgeous it is or that it has only 3 legs. My 94 year old mom was excited to find earrings in her favorite colors. We agreed we must go back. There is too much to enjoy in just one visit and we don't want to miss anything

Pricey but the work is flawless and they pay close attention to the materials best suited for what…read moreyou're framing. I've used them 4 times.

I don't doubt that the owner of this business has developed a reputation that has allowed him to…read morestay in business for 20+ years. Some of his employees, however, aren't helping his cause. I recently had a few things I needed framed and became acquainted with one of the stores employees who lives in my neighborhood. One thing led to another, and I learned that since this person worked at this gallery. I figured I could trust this person and have these things framed. It ended up feeling as if I were dealing with irresponsible high school students. First, I was told my items would be done in 2 weeks. 4 weeks pass by, and I'm wondering what's going on--but I had been distracted by long hours at work. Finally, I ran into this person, who says, "oh it's almost ready, they are cutting the matting." I called a week later, and the woman who answered the phone, says, "oh, it's close to being ready, they are cutting out the matting." I finally got worried, and asked, "Look, I was told it would take 2 weeks. We're on 5 weeks now. Can we get this done, please?" I got this "Oh, sorry, I'll talk to the owner, and we'll call you back later today." I never got a call. It turns out that when I originally placed my order, my phone # was transcribed incorrectly. "She tried to call you but it made a weird noise when she called," I was told later. Well, I could understand if my name were Jim Smith, but a little Google action would have dug up my number. I was finally getting the hint that these employees were clueless. A week later, I was told by running into this acquaintance that my frames were ready. I nicely told them that this really too way longer than originally planned. Well, it got worse. I never got an itemized receipt, and it turned out my 50% deposit was "calculated wrong." I honestly couldn't believe this place. It were as if the right hand didn't know what the left one was doing. I said, "Look, now you're raising the price after taking tripling the time it would take to get this done. How are you going to fix this?" We were talking about a $130 difference there. Her response: "Well, we can just take these out of the frames and give them back to you." I honestly wish I had done just that and walked out the door. There are plenty of frame shops out in Fresno, and my artist friends in town told me I could have done better instead of relying on a shop that just orders from Valley Moulding in Tracy. But I just paid and decided to get out of dodge. "You know, you got a really good deal." Uh, after asking a few friends from whom I should have gotten recommendations in the first place, I really didn't. My experience with this store was in one word, sour. I like to support local businesses, but in this case, I just can't. The irresponsibility of the employees, not to mention their tone and the way in which they carried themselves, makes this place a one-star in my books. I'll never go back, and will have someone else make my frames next time I have a batch done. Lesson learned. Shop around. Get an itemized receipt. And call and demand accountability- and make sure they have your number.