I shop at the Aloft Gallery in downtown Sonora often and I really enjoy the quality of art that is…read moreproduced by the artists. This gallery is all run by the local artists. Each quarter they change out displays I was told and they always have new items from each artist displayed for purchase. I frequently find great gifts such as jewelry and ceramics I buy for friends and family when I shop there. The best place to buy unique one of a kind handmade gifts in Sonora!

Great selection of local artists. Return and refund information printed on receipt and a sign at…read morethe register.

This is an AMAZING gallery in this tiny town of Groveland. Some of the artwork there would more…read morethan rival the finest galleries in Carmel and other similar art centers. My wife and I are both painters, so we like to stop to visit any art galleries we see along the way in our travels, and we were very impressed. The art and the prices here will be hard to beat anywhere. Plus, if you're in the mood to relax for a few minutes, there is a small wine bar with indoor and outdoor seating. Brandi, the owner, lives nearby and can fill you in on things to do and see in the area as well. Things slow down in the Winter (Jan-Mar) in Groveland but hopefully you will find the gallery open. We certainly recommend a visit if you are going through there... possibly on a visit to Yosemite which is about 30 minutes away.

Great place to check out the local art scene. Gallery owner is an amazing artist! The ambiance is…read morewonderful. Good music, wine bar, dog and people friendly. Just makes you want to hang out for a while. The owner's son makes these beautiful hand cut, natural tree/wood sliced tables and shelves. He even built her awesome wine bar! Be sure not to miss out on such a great gallery!!!

I had come across Twain Arte Gallery's booth at local Twain Harte Events in the past, but it wasn't…read moreuntil the Bigfoot Festival in Twain Harte recently - that their local art truly spoke to me. I was blown away by the vivid colors throughout many of the art pieces at their Bigfoot Festival booth. There was one particularly enchanting piece of Emigrant Wilderness that I kept on staring at. I was smitten. I ended up purchasing it and other beautiful art pieces at the festival. After the event - I reached out to the owner of the gallery - to secure some additional works. I can honestly say that each piece purchased has truly transformed our home. One of my favorite aspects of Twain Arte Gallery is that their art is local and it captures local scenery. There is nothing more beautiful than nature - and what better way to support local than through buying epic art inspired by the majestic nature that blesses this area. In each of the photography pieces that we bought - it's apparent that the photographer/artist has a genuine passion and love for the nature that is captured in their art. I am so thankful that we had opportunity to purchase the pieces that we did from Twain Arte Gallery. Both my husband and I adore them. On slow mellow days - we can easily be transported to Kennedy Meadow, Sonora Pass, Pinecrest Lake and the Emigrant Wilderness through the colorful images that now hang proudly on our walls. If you're local or happen to be in the area - be sure to stop on by Twain Arte Gallery during their weekend hours. Trust.

This was such a cute darned shop and I'd be writing a five star review if the storekeeper wasn't so…read moredarned unfriendly during our visit. Not good vibes for the retail world. Located in downtown Sonora, this shop offers a variety of woodland-Esque souvenir and gifts for those traveling through Yosemite. Think Pretty postcards, blankets, shirts, books, etc. Its location is also very accessible to several other shops and restaurants along the strip. The shop itself is decorated very well and gives off clamping vibes that make you want to curl up in a corner. We made a few purchases but probably would have lingered longer had we felt more welcome. Note that we were the only ones in the store at the time.

What an awesome store , the clerk was so nice and very friendly, we picked up a few items and had…read morefun chatting with her. Then , this is why it is 3 . The owner needs to be more engaging and friendly . I didn't want to say anything , but read ahead of my post, found the same experience. I felt as if he didn't like us and wanted us to leave! The store is so cool, but the owner isn't really nice.

Art on Main has some really great local artists. We took home some raku pottery and chatted with…read moreone of the featured painters.

I drop in here about once a month to keep up on what is new in the local art community. Pretty much…read moreall of the local artists on display here offer talent, interesting art, variety and reasonable prices. You will not find master works for thousands of dollars here, but a good selection of oils, water colors, ceramics and other eclectic stuff to choose a great memory of Murphys and/or the Mother Lode scene. Probably the biggest sellers are the note cards, all custom made, and the jewelry. But if you want to painting for you wall at home, you can find that here too.

what a beautiful material, and my delivery was super on time! i just wish they'd have more colors!!!read more

From the owner: The Straw Shop specializes in materials for straw artisans. We sell rye straw for marquetry. We…read moreare the only company in the United States offering this medium to artists, furniture designers, wheat weavers and "green" artists. We also carry affordable wheat straw plait for hat makers, re-enactors, wheat weavers and other textile artists. Our book selection offers scarce books to inspire the use of straw. Please enjoy our Gallery for additional inspiration!

Such a great local venue to enjoy at or to take dance class or to watch live jazz music. Such a…read morewarm welcoming quaint environment with lovely staff/docents. A great inexpensive night out in Turlock! Check out their calendar online for upcoming exhibits and events for your next date night!

If you're motoring on either I-5 or (esp.) CA-99 between Northern and Southern California and want…read morea GREAT place to get out and stretch your legs--one that is less than 2 miles from the freeway--you will really kick yourself if you miss this absolute gem of a museum. It may be small, but the works displayed are varied, and ALL are truly outstanding. And since none of the pieces are permanent, you can go back there every 2 months or so and see completely different artwork. Lisa, the curator/manager for the past 20+ years, is truly passionate about this place, and it really shows. (No, I'm not related to her; in fact, I just met her today during my first visit.) I heard about this place through the old (R.I.P.) AAA TourBooks, and this is *definitely* one of their better "finds."

Life without creative expression is stifling. Human beings have the need to be creative in…read morewhatever outlet that might be. While I am not artistic, I certainly appreciate artistic expression. I enjoy visiting museums, art galleries and art studios. I am in awe when I view many of the amazing works created by the artists. Thankfully, Murphys has its share of art galleries where one can go to appreciate a variety of creations. The newest one to open is Independent. The store is a working studio for the owner. It is also a retail location where customers can purchase paintings, woodwork, children's clothing, soy candles, ceramics and glass work. Most of the art is produced locally. Independent also carries art supplies so you can let your creativity flow. I feel it is so important to support our creative artists. They create beautiful pieces of art in so many forms for us to enjoy. So, if you ever have one of those days when you can't think of anything to do, go visit an art gallery and support the artists. Happy viewing!

This shop is so cute! They have a lot of locally made items and some other hand made items from…read morethis region. The lady who was working was really nice and conversational while we were browsing. They have a selection of some really dainty and pretty jewelry like this ring I bought and now love! Prices were great for the quality!

The gentleman that was running the art gallery was very personable and friendly. I enjoyed several…read moreof the art pieces! I didn't want to take too many photos, as I wasn't sure how each artist would feel about that. There are over 100 artists, he said. Therefore, I restrained myself. However, I took a photo of this little guy as we walked in and I love how he created a shadow behind him! There was a nice selection of art to choose from. They were unique and beautiful, each in their own way. There was birdhouses made of wine corks and little copper roofs, and some made only of corks! There was a darling little caterpillar card, obviously created by hand, appeared to be painted, and was of good value, in my opinion. It was around three dollars. If we were in the area again, I would probably stop in again.

Pinecrest Gallery is one of my favorite places to visit while in Tuolumne County. The gallery sells…read morea variety of beautiful stained glass creations, gifts, and art work including prints and note cards all representing the Sierra Nevada.