My friend had a art painting in the La Galería Gitana's Intimate Moments Show. Tonight was the opening reception. I attended to support her creative endeavors. The gallery was much bigger inside than I initially figured from looking through windows. I wasn't sure if it was the correct place because there's plenty buildings in the vicinity. Parking was ample but scattered. Anyways, I met some really nice people not just artists. Also, all artists works showcased at the gallery were up for sale, unless otherwise noted. It was a wonderful soirée with a nice crowd turnout. Comfortable. Creative. Friendly with artists, intellectuals and local patrons. read more

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As the premier and only real art gallery in the Northeast San Fernando Valley...this is as good as it gets. You guys & gals really need to visit this gallery. They have been open for a little over a year and almost exclusively showcase art from Valley based artist. They tend to rotate exhibitions every 1.5 months and kick off each new exhibit with a reception (wine + cheese). There tends to be a pretty diverse crowd from all over the LA metropolitan area. My favorite art exhibit so far has been the "Best of the Best of Mission College" which opened last Summer. Karen Nichols, the gallery curator/owner and former public school teacher, identified various art students from nearby Mission College to showcase their work. The exhibit included video installations and other contemporary pieces from up & coming local artist. Currently, the "Urban Places: The San Fernando Valley" runs through March 20,2010. Entrance to the gallery is free. There's sufficient street parking and various public lots behind the gallery and on First Street. The gallery is located behind the Coldstones Creamery. Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zmxcE4KSE8M read more

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This is a wonderful gallery. We are very lucky to have a fine art gallery in San Fernando that showcases local artists -- many local to San Fernando and the San Fernando Valley. There are always different themed shows coming to the gallery, and they put a call out to the community for submissions for each theme too. I took my little baby girl here and my husband. We loved the beautiful art -- of all styles in the theme that month, which was Still Life. It was so cozy in there. They also have lots of seats and benches to sit and admire the art. They also have a little free library for kids where you can leave or take a book. It's a great place to spend your afternoon. They also have lots of art classes. Please keep in touch with them! I can't wait to see the next exhibition. Make sure you sign up on their mailing list. Ohh and did I mention that the staff here are so nice and welcoming. I really recommend visiting the Galeria Gitana as much as you can. read more

Frankly, the small city of San Fernando is no cultural hub despite its historic significance as the seedling town of the San Fernando Valley and being so close to a nice Spanish Mission. La Galeria Gitana, the brainchild of some civic minded individuals, developers and Karen Nichols, the owner/maven of the place fills a huge void all by itself. This ample gallery provides an invaluable service to this city -a strange mix of suburban sprawl , old Californio town and downtrodden ranchos- and enhances its identity by giving a venue to local talented artists and prospective creators. Curated with the right balance of fresh talent , seasoned artistes and original craftsmen, the exhibits are always interesting and sure to satisfy any demands for something beautiful and unique to replace those HGTV worthy IKEA posters that came with the house or freshen your walls with excitement in the form or art. read more

I don't write a lot of reviews, and starting the process with a 5 star might be a rookie mistake, but the honest answer for me is that I really like this place and people need to know its here. It goes without saying that the northeast valley is void of any real cultural "points of interest". This is not to say that those who populate this area are disinterested, without heritage, or talentless. Quite the contrary, we who live here do as most Angeleno's do and pile into the car and race somewhere else when we want to exercise that muscle. Things are changing, and the Galeria Gitana is proof that a small gallery can succeed in this area. Karen, who runs this gallery has done some excellent work. Over the past few years she has hosted exceptional shows. Her taste, her ability to blend a flair for the local into different themes has produced what in my non-artist opinion is great events with great art. Some of her shows have featured art commissioned and featuring local artists and local themes. The gallery itself is quiet, off the main street, convenient to get to and close to some of the few good eateries in town. I have had the pleasure to host several events at the gallery and find that the atmosphere provides something that people from other parts of Los Angeles do not expect, a quality experience matching anything here in LA. This is one location that I cant imagine the area being without. Go see it. read more

It is really nice having an art gallery, anywhere in the valley. This gallery is behind the Coldstone Creamery. We attended an opening of a show tonight, (although my preference is to see the art unencumbered by the numerous old men who stand crunching their crackers and cheese in front of the paintings (mostly the nudes). Not sure if they allow people in to see art after the initial reception, and it was nice they were so well attended, but really: some of the old folks were chowing down so you can be sure not too many restaurants are gettin' their bizinez tonight if you know what I mean. "Come on Henry look at this brie! I don't have to cook tonight if we stay and savor, you know...." I saw some good artists' work which was refreshing. There were some well known artists showing here. They also evidently sell jewelry, ceramics, scarves, and other sorts of art in a shop like atmosphere. It makes a lovely place for an exhibit but my own personal preference is not to have to weave past people's plates piled high with brie and wobbly elders in their best spectator heels with their third glasses of wine bobbing in and out between guests....The owner referred us to a place to eat also which is nice for both businesses. I think I will pass on the reception nights and hope that they can be open during the week when one can appreciate the beauty of the art and the gallery in peace. read more

I agree that this is the major gallery in the San Fernando Valley and each of the four shows I've been to have several gems. It's a precious addition to the neighborly feeling in the area, Karen creates a welcoming and unpretentious atmosphere, there are great tamales across the street, and we need to just squeeze by this recession so we can get on with rejuvenating and enriching San Fernando. The openings are fun and popular, and she also hosted some art history talks last year that were good. read more