A Tom Matousek Gallery just opened in Lafayette o(n 11/23/12). With an emphasis on the…read morecontemporary, A Tom Matousek Gallery features upscale, unique, fine art across a variety of mediums including oil, acrylic, photography, even poetry, music and, soon to come, sculpture. The current show is featuring works by Tom Matousek (artbytom.jalbum.net)--his impressionistic face paintings have been seen at Cypress Restaurant (http://cypresswc.com) in Walnut Creek recently, Matthew Carden (http://matthewcarden.com), Susan Jenkins (http://susanjenkinsart.com) and the literary works of Jeff Reed. The show runs through December 31st and is opening on Black Friday, just in time for holiday shopping. You will see works by some of the best local artists. This quaint gallery is small, but the art will blow you away. A Tom Matousek Gallery is located at 3581 Mt. Diablo Blvd. Unit C in Lafayette, CA in the Clock Tower Building-just down the alley past Patxi's and around the corner from Venture (awesome men's clothing store: venturemensgoods.com).

The best kept secret in Concord! I had the privilege of visiting this gem for an art project. I was…read morewarmly welcomed by the owner, Fro, and her student. You will find an array of paintings, photographs, mixed-media, watercolors, and more. Local artists are featured in a rotating gallery every month, or every other month. There is art in every section of the cottage, including the bathroom. I am inspired to show some of my work, as encouraged by Fro. If you are looking for texture and movement, you will not be disappointed. There is ample parking and plenty of natural light.

This little gem of an art studio is tucked away right outside of downtown Concord. Great classes…read moreand art work at this cozy cottage. Amazing garden in the back. The owner is absolutely so sweet. She will make you feel right at home.

Piedmont Center for the Arts is an extraordinary asset to the community of Piedmont. The diversity…read moreand quality of the arts offered to the public is astounding. I encourage everyone to come and enjoy the beauty and power of art, right here, in Piedmont!

I have visited Piedmont Center for the Arts since 2007 when I attended San Francisco Art Institute…read more Great art events here. Tonight, I'm glad the Piedmont Center for the Arts invited Ms. Junko Kasahara, a world class artist whose fantastic music reminds me why I chose arts as the core of my life.

Nice local art gallery in a quaint town. Nicely priced art from local artists…read more I visited here during a reception

There is difference between art gallery and arts and crafts shows for me. You can see wonderful…read morecreative work at both. What is the difference, you might ask. I love wandering into art galleries where the work is well lighted and well displayed. This gallery certainly fulfilled that difference. There was a nice diversity of work, it was well displayed and the people working here were charming. Although I like to look, I seldom want to buy anything. I was really temped by two pieces in this gallery. A pretty watercolor and a wonderful piece of potter for an Ikebana arrangement really appealed to me. They were really not too expensive for one of a kind pieces of art. Common sense prevailed, I have no room for anything new, and I left. I do have about 5 weeks before they put of the next show in case I change my mind. The other difference, at art or craft show you can talk to the artist. I like to support artist so I go to both galleries and shows and every now and then I see something I just have to bring home.

A small but exquisite ART GALLERY in the heart of downtown Tiburon…read more The ART BAR has an ever changing exhibit of both well known and up-and-coming INTERNATIONAL ARTISTS. They also provide exclusive consulting services to help clients locate and acquire specific and unique pieces of art. As a service to their many art clients they provide a full selection of small catered events that range from simple wine tastings to book signings to holiday parties. Each of these events is CATERED from one of the many fine local restaurants in Tiburon, complete with BAR SERVICE and LIVE MUSIC. Next time you are in Tiburon, stop in and see the current exhibit. They are open Wednesday - Sunday, 11am - 5 pm. Monday & Tuesday by appointment only. If you are every lucky enough to get invited to a SPECIAL EVENT at the ART BAR, be sure to go. I have only been lucky just once, but it was wonderful!

What a wonderful gallery in downtown Tiburon. The owner is really knowledgeable about her artists…read moreand made us feel so welcome and comfortable while exploring the paintings. The artists are top notch and have exhibited in some important solo shows within the U.S. so it was a pleasure to see such quality artworks in Tiburon. We enjoyed learning about Adam Miller who creates life-size figurative paintings, really talented artist! We will return for sure to keep updated on her next show.

Really love the concept! (wouldn't call it a museum though, but that's not what we came for, so all…read moreis good) We came here on a Saturday for a kid's birthday party and my kiddo had a lot of fun with the art and tinkering. The provided materials were plenty and well-organized. And like I said, I like the concept.... the staff however... I mean, if you don't want to sit in a room with a bunch of rowdy kids on a sunny Saturday, I hear you. But hey, tough luck. It's what you signed up for. The long-haired guy was downright rude on several occasions. Totally uncalled for.

Today was my first time visiting the mocha museum for children in Oakland and it was a positive…read moreexperience. In fairness, I visited during a private event so it wasn't open to the public and I can't speak to how it functions during normal business hours. What I can say is that the location is great as it's BART accessible, and is part of the CITY CENTER, which is surrounded by eateries and other shops. There is minimal street parking, so I would highly recommend public transit. The artwork was beautiful and the staff was kind. This is definitely a great place to visit.

Lafayette Studio is wonderful! Classes are small and allow lots of opportunities to ask individual…read morequestions. The space is lovely and air conditioned in the Summer. There is a great variety of classes and teachers to choose from. Parking is easy. Great company of fellow local artists. Doug and Jody are very responsive to any questions you might have and run the Studio efficiently. You can also pay a monthly fee to come and go and use the studio as you like. Great for beginners and experienced artists alike.

Great location, studio space, instructors & fun group of artists! There is also monthly studio…read moretime for rent. Check it out!!

Need a one of a kind gift? Are you into American art glass collecting?…read more Well whatever your glass needs are, Glass Mountain can accommodate you. Glass Mountain works with Fenton Glass Art, Blenko, and other glass producers. They support the local Berkeley, CA art community and their artists. They are constantly hosting art shows and events to promote and show their original and collectable glass art. The proprietor Tony Weiden has a lifelong passion for glass, especially the stunning art pieces that have been created here in America for generations. Each time I visit I learn something new and interesting info about glass. If you can't find what you are looking for at Glass Mountain, Tony has many years of experience and knowledge with local vendors, antiques, etc.. and is always willing to help with your quest even if he does not make any $$ from it, that kind of business is hard to find now a days. I encourage you to check out his latest colorful Art Windows or "Dalle De Verre". He hand cuts pieces of colorful slab glass an inch thick to create images and patterns and would be willing to customize anything to suite your needs and/or imagination. I personally collect and love red glass and have purchased some beautiful investments from Glass Mountain i.e. a Blenko fruit bowl, vases, and the most adorable little red glass owl. I also go to Tony for Mother's Day and Christmas gifts each year! Check it out!

Glass Mountain is a great resource for me. I love the selection of American Art glass and lovely…read morelocal made pieces. The price ranges work for a wide selection of gifts from Mom to housewarming. The owner of the shop, Tony, is not only a great guy, but he always helps me find exactly what I'm looking for at a price my pocket can handle!