I contacted Alan Masaoka about designing a stained glass window for our new home. We just moved and…read moreI wanted to update the look and put my own touches to our new space. Our home was very 1997 and in need of an update to a 2020 more modern feel. Working with Alan was such a pleasure. His creative process and artistic talent was more than I expected. My thoughts were for a window with an Art Nouveau look. I wanted the look of a tree branch with a flowing soft look to it. My plan was for one window at my front door entrance. What Alan created was more than I could have imagined. Alan created a piece that is so beautiful and stunning. We were so pleased with the design we had Alan create four additional windows. Each additional window has its own creative design and feel to it. I truly enjoyed working with Alan. His creative process and attention to detail makes him one of the best Stained Glass Artists in his field.

We actually stumbled on Masaoka Glass Design while window shopping after breakfast. The owner,…read moreAlan, was just opening up and invited us in. We were immediately taken with his gallery-cat Rusty (who is VERY friendly) and while petting the cat and chatting with Alan, I mentioned in passing that it would be neat to see the glass blowing process some time. Alan said there was glass blowing going on right then, and to come on back. So we got a very cool front row seat to the glass blowers making a large glass flower. It was very interesting, and quite generous of them and Alan to let us observe (and ask a few questions). Afterwards, we bought a couple of blown glass pumpkins that look great in our garden window (the light really brings out the different colors). For the quality and workmanship involved, the prices are pretty reasonable (I think they were around $20 for the smallest pumpkins, to $100+ for the largest ones). Beautiful glass ornaments (about 4 inches in diameter) were $24. It looks like the gallery rotates items in and out every few months, so the "holiday" themed pieces will probably be replaced with something else soon. Highly recommended!

From the owner: We are an Art studio located in the West End Art District (Sand City) of the Monterey Peninsula…read more MGW is home to resident artists who use our dedicated space and equipment to produce their own artworks, and provide art classes and events. We specifically offer 3 services: 1. Studio Access/Membership - MGW offers both monthly member access memberships for local hobbyists and artists that would like to use or professional equipment and space as well as dedicated space for professional artists that need industrial class studio space in a collaborative collective artist environment. 2. Commissioned Art Works - Many of our resident artists accept commissions to create public or private installation works. We have resident artists that specialize in several mediums: Cast & Blown Glass, Contemporary Painting, Photography and Ceramics. 3. Classes & Events - Many of our resident artists provide both classes and private/corporate experiences for people who would like to experience making art with their hands.

I love Cindy and her beautiful, whimsical fused glass designs! I've taken my grandchildren there a…read morecouple of times for a kid's workshop. They LOVED it! She is so kind and patient. Her new co-op art studio, Studio 171, in PG is a collab among 5 family members and other local artists who consign their beautiful art as well! I purchased this beautiful ceramic whale made by an amazing local artist in this shop and I love him! The shop has many wonderful gift ideas. I swear, for an almost 79 year old woman, Cindy has more energy, motivation, passion, and commitment to her business and her customers.

Cindy is AMAZING! I went with a friend and our children for a class and we had the most fun and…read morewent home with fabulous creations and wonderful memories!!! Thank you fusion confusion for a creative fun experience.

I cannot recommend ZFolio Gallery enough! My mom surprised me with a beautiful Freywille ring for…read moremy birthday from ZFolio. Olga was extremely kind went absolutely above and beyond every step of the way. From answering my questions to helping me exchange my ring for the perfect size, she made the entire process effortless. Her communication, kindness, and genuine care were truly exceptional. It's rare to find customer service like this these days, and Olga made me feel like a valued customer even from hundreds of miles away. A heartfelt thank you to Olga, the owners, and the entire ZFolio Gallery team for your generosity, professionalism, and outstanding service. You've earned customers for life! We will absolutely be visiting the gallery the next time we're in town, and I can't wait to see all of the beautiful pieces in person. If you're considering purchasing a Freywille piece or any beautiful jewelry from ZFolio Gallery, don't hesitate. Whether you're local or across the country, you'll receive first-class service. Highly recommend to everyone, near and far! Thank you SO much, Olga!!

A gallery like no other, featuring local artists and artists from across the country. You'll find…read morejewelry taking many shapes, materials and colors. The gallery also features local photographer who has captured many beautiful images around Monterey. If you're in the area this is a must on your shopping list. Friendly people willing to answer questions and help you find your next treasure.

My husband and I found a lovely Nathan Oliveira painting here. We've been looking for the right…read morepiece by Oliveira for quite a while and this piece really grabbed us when we saw it. Because we'd been looking for a while we immediately knew the price was right too. Really appreciate their knowledge and no-pressure approach. Easily the best selection of modern art in Carmel.... We'll be back!

So glad we found this modern art gallery in Carmel! We had spent the weekend in San Francisco and…read morevisited virtually every modern gallery there and didn't find the right piece. They had a large selection and we ended up getting three paintings that we absolutely love. They also had a lot of really cool art glass and we may still buy one of those and have it shipped. Recommend you check out this art gallery when in Carmel.

I love your stained glass art. It's stunningly beautiful!read more

Giving this place one star is generous. Wish I could do 1/2 or maybe even 1/4. Stained Glass is…read moreokay nothing too special but the owner. How rude can you be, she was on the phone the entire time I was here not once asking if I needed any help or assistance. Sounded like she was having some legal issues over not wearing a mask! If I were her I'd just wear one and avoid the problems. Anyways there's a nice local stained glass place in Monterey that I would highly recommend other than Theresa.

Absolutely stunning artwork! I remember walking past this gallery a few years ago and being blown…read moreaway by how vibrant and distinct Creason's style is- he uses blown glass pieces, foil and resin to create these masterpieces of women's closeups. At the time I couldn't stop because I was with my young kids, but I finally came back years later and the art still had the same mesmerizing effect on me. I had a lovely conversation with Richard, the sales rep, who also is an artist and clearly is passionate about what he does. I look forward to one day owning one of his pieces!

From the owner: Art like you've never seen before. Greg Creason artwork is a must-see, "you have to see it in…read moreperson" to understand its uniqueness.

A really cute hole in the wall shop featuring works of 20 odd local artists. The merchandise was…read morereally nice, especially the kids stuff. The best creature of the shop was the shopkeeper who was this amazingly sweet lady. She talked to us for quite a while, telling us different stories about products and locals. Such a blessing to find friendly faces especially in these hard times. I wish I could give this shop even more stars for hospitality on top of the shop and it's products :)

Come out to support Masiah and Friends in their new location at 744 Lighthouse Ave in Monterey…read more There is so much to see, such as hand-crafted wood serving trays, tables and custom bar stools. Beautiful paintings and hand-painted glass ornaments, jewelry, gift sets with cabernet jam and brie are just a few of the items they have to offer. Stop by to experience this unique store for yourself and celebrate their grand opening on Saturday, December 9, 2023, starting at noon.

Sofanya came through for us to make our wedding dreams come true despite super chaotic…read morecircumstances. When our wedding venue fell through a week before our wedding because they refused to let us put up a canopy to get out of the rain, she was kind enough to let us rent our cottage two days early and gave us several location options for our ceremony, whatever would suit us best. She helped me get ready & offered as much love, kindness & support as she could offer. Then, when the weather turned south & started storming extremely heavily during our outdoor ceremony, she generously opened up her own home to us in the top floor of the beautiful dome house to complete our special day. She truly saved the day for us, and treated us like family. The location couldn't be more beautiful. Everywhere you look, beautiful art peeks through the landscape as if placed thete by fairies, and the beauty of nature here creates a sense of tranquility among the redwoods crawling with ivy. Beautiful photo opportunities everywhere you look. A true hippy paradise! The Cala Lily Cottage was cozy, private and intimate, and we felt right at home. PLEASE avoid wasting your money at overpriced, inhospitable cabins/campgrounds out at big sur and come here instead, where you'll be treated like a treasured guest. My new husband and I look forward to returning on an anniversary!

What an aptly named little slice of paradise. Only a few minutes from breathtaking views of the…read morecoast, you take one turn and suddenly you are immersed in a lush redwood forest. This place is magical. I have so many good things to say about the Jewel in the Forest and Sofanya. I feel connected to them now as they are a part of my story, and I'm so grateful for that! On October 1st, I married my best friend in a small 10 person ceremony at the Jewel in the Forest. It was the most perfect day of my life, and there could not have been a better place for it. We rented out all 4 of the cabins on property to accommodate all of our guests. That allowed us to stay together and bond through the whole experience, while still providing ample privacy and sleeping space for our guests The Dome House is the most beautiful place I have ever stayed in my life. From the skylights that allow you a peek of the tops of the redwood trees, to the eclectic and beautiful furniture and decorations, to the wood burning heater, topped off by Sofanya's amazing artwork, it is truly an immersive experience. Sofanya provides games, movies, books, musical instruments, and a full kitchen. Everything you need for the perfect escape. We cut our cake and drank champagne as a group of about 12 in the living space comfortably. Most of our guests stayed at the Jasmine house, which has 3 private rooms and a large living space where we all enjoyed dinner the night before the ceremony. Sofanya even strung up the cutest string lights on the patio for us so we could enjoy the outside space as well. My parents stayed in the adorable Calla Lily cabin, which is perfect for a couple or small family. It is cozy and charming. Our photographer stayed up in the adorable Lotus Blossum, which had the most spectacular windows and a one of a kind outside bathroom. So cool! We held our ceremony near the stream amongst the redwoods. It was breathtaking. Overall, the space was beyond perfect for what we needed. Each of the cabins are unique and have so much character. I recommend that EVERYONE visit and escape from reality to this magical place at some point in your life. You won't regret it. Now, I have to say a few things about Sofanya. She is wonderful! She really went above and beyond making sure our wedding was perfect. She hung the aforementioned lights for me, provided several bouquets around the property, received packages with things for my wedding for me ahead of time, and ensured everyone's comfort the whole stay. Thank you so much for all you did to make my wedding truly perfect Sofanya.