We went to Tahoe to walk around and spend the day. We came across the gallery which was having a Dr Seuss art exhibit so we decided to take a look and browse around as we are avid Universal fans where there is a Dr Seuss land. Upon browsing, we stumbled across some abstract art that caught our eye. It was by Fabio Napoleoni. His art is both whimsical and relatable; we decided we wanted a piece of our own. Brenda is the associate that assisted us. She was very well versed in sharing the background of the artist and the various proofs they had on site. As we considered the purchase she took us to a private room to see the print in proper lighting. She was professional and appeared to be genuinely excited to help us pick out the perfect frame for our investment. She is accommodating our request to ensure our piece is delivered specifically when we need it. The gallery was very cozy with lots of pieces to view. They have both paintings and sculptures to choose from. It is very clean and professional. We had such a great experience, that when we are ready for another print, I'd definitely consider coming back to see Brenda at Marcus Ashley. read more

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We stopped in just about a half hour before closing because I just had to see the Suess area. I am a huge fan of Dr. Suess and thought I knew quite a bit. Marguerite however is a treasure trove of Suess knowledge. She walked us through most of the pictures and also the unorthodox taxidermy. She stayed with us for over half an hour after closing. Never pushing us to purchase but sharing prices when we asked and during certain conversations about paintings. She left us her card and told us to let her know if we had to have something. Again still not pushing. And probably not expecting to hear from us. We wound up purchasing Anthony Drexel Goldfarb from the Suess taxidermy collection. But spending time with a salesperson who has such a deep love for and knowledge of an artist was the actual treat. Marguerite was the most professional and friendly person and I am so glad we started our collection with this gallery and Marguerite. read more

Marcus Ashley Gallery - This is our piece. I am in love. - Art Galleries Near Me - South Lake Tahoe, California

Beautiful art in beautiful South Lake Tahoe. What a great location and the art is just stunning. I was interested in moving Art sculpture for my backyard and this is the place to buy... The sculptures are beautiful when the breeze is blowing and bring peace and harmony. Everyone that worked there was very courteous and kind. If you are in the Lake Tahoe area and want to see some beautiful art sculptures this is the place to come. read more

Marcus Ashley Gallery - Wind sculptures - Art Galleries Near Me - South Lake Tahoe, California

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Driving around Lake Tahoe Boulevard last week, the missus spotted an art gallery which seemed to have a Dr. Seuss exhibit. We always try to expose our kids to art, and we are not above using their love for The Cat in the Hat to lure them into looking at "boring" art. They'll thank us someday (we hope). So this morning, we stopped by aforementioned art gallery - Marcus Ashley - which happens to be a South Lake Tahoe fixture. We found a place to park in the lot out front - not an easy feat on July 4th weekend when the tourists descend in droves (COVID or no-COVID). While the others walked straight in, I took a minute to admire the outdoor exhibit of kinetic metal wind sculptures (like those outside Aunt Meg's house in the 1996 movie Twister). These are worth seeing all by themselves. The paintings and art inside are also quite impressive. I especially loved the animal sculptures in copper with different colored patinas from an artist who is no more. These were too expensive for our limited family budget, but I'd love to buy one someday. Besides these, they had many other sculptures made out of wood, metal and glass, impressive landscapes and cityscapes, and scores of fantasy, still-life, and animal paintings. So next time you're in South Lake Tahoe - stop by. You may find something you love enough to put in your home. read more

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I am a prominent civil rights attorney turned art collector who visited this gallery on Labor Day weekend, and the core of the consumer experience was horrendous. I read on page 19 of the local "Tahoe Tribune" newspaper "The Marcus Ashely [sic] Art Gallery will be hosting a Meet the Artist show with Michael Flohr from 12-5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 2-3. Enjoy a cocktail collection created by impressionist Flohr, where your favorite drinks will be showcased as beautiful original oil paintings...this event is free." What I witnessed was obscene conduct unbecoming of representatives of any artist from which I would by art. Some gallery staff used disgusting aggressive high-pressure sales tactics to separate bewildered tourists from their money. On my way out, I witnessed a bald male gallery staffer sporting a stilted colorful impressionist art shirt, angrily chewing out a twenty-five-year-old for drinking an advertised "free cocktail" without purchasing a $3,000-7,000 painting. I kid you not! This conduct was criminal--a misdemeanor (Business & Professions Code § 17500). Notwithstanding, there was never a contractual "consideration" for sampling the petty Costco hors d'oeuvre platter; it was legally a gift. Art galleries nationwide commonly throw public art viewing parties at their galleries, during which they use the opportunity to concurrently sell art to their--inebriated--audience. The party host attracts a wide audience which serves as "social proof" to successfully sell art to select buyers. Many art collectors are only able to open up to their emotional creative side--and thus their wallets--during such an event. What galleries may not do is to arbitrarily pick and choose "undesirables" who they prejudge will not buy art that day and ask them to leave. I am a civil rights attorney; I know a customer could someday win a discrimination lawsuit against Ashley & Marcus Mattila for that very conduct--which clearly affects the consumer experience for art collectors. Art collectors like myself regularly want the artwork on their walls to reflect their better aspirations. Nothing is more toxic to that ideal than snooty artists or their representatives who egregiously hate and discriminate against sections of the public--who they deem are worthless--in petty pursuit of the almighty dollar. One staffer boasted the gallery owners own two separate million-dollar homes on Azure Avenue and Tata Lane in town while intimidating someone to leave. A savvy gallery owner instead lures in the public in order to be broadly well-liked by all with baseline appetizers and then sells artwork to those select few; that's the best one can play the game. I remember back when I was a starving, indebted, judicial extern, wandering art galleries in Manhattan on the weekends--just waiting for the day I would make partner and then buy all the art I wanted. I feel bad for any aspiring art collector who first sets foot in this gallery so blatantly run by bloviating philistines. The consumer experience is that this gallery does not care about you or the artwork; they will even pressure you to buy art you do not want. If I were one of those artists, I would pull my art from that gallery. read more

Marcus Ashley Gallery - Business & Professions Code § 17500 -- False Advertising - Art Galleries Near Me - South Lake Tahoe, California

I have purchased four pieces of Theodor Geisel (Dr. Seuss) artwork. At EVERY purchase Ashley (the owner) assured me that at if some point in the future, if I wish to sell one of the prints, they would happily buy it for 50% of the current retail value. I have one piece that I have wanted to sell and for two years Ashley has said that they have too many in stock. I know that this is not true so take anything that they tell you with a full shaker of salt! read more

Beautiful indoor gallery on the edge of the Lake Tahoe Shopping center in the Raley shopping center. From what I could gather most are prints or some type of reproductions. If you love what you see, just make sure you know what you are paying for. It's a fun place to explore and you will see a lot of familiar artwork. The Dr. Seuss collection of taxidermy is a lot of fun and my favorite. If I were to make a purchase that would be the collection I'd choose from. read more

Beware of their business practices. I ordered a piece of art and paid the price for a 1of 25 with embellishments. When I received the art the picture was not framed correctly ( the artwork had not been stretch correctly when they did the framing. When I received the painting i found out that the art I received was one of 250, even thou I paid the price of 1 of 25. I asked for a refund and was told they would not issue me a refund. Beware of this art gallery as they do not stand behind their word and are only interested in maximizing their profits. A terrible company to work with, and there are so many other galleries around to deal with that treat your fairly. read more

Expensive expensive expensive! But why do they get the coveted 5 stars? Because they go above and beyond. So we were staying in a hotel in Lake Tahoe and we decided to walk around the hotel. Our first stop was here, and one of the paintings caught my parents' eye, a painting that changed while the light dimmed, a sunset in Lake Tahoe. You needed a light dimmer to enjoy the full beauty, and the employee (ooh I forget the name. Brenda and the Senior Guy I forget his name, but he helped out mostly) and he took the painting over to one of their viewing rooms, saw it didn't fit, took it to another room to show us. He gave us information about the artist, and prices for different sizes, with and without frames. It also helps in the back they serve crackers, salami or pepperoni with cheese, wine, orange juice, water, and cookies. They know how to bring service, and the art gallery shows and goes above and beyond to show you how much they care. Dr Suess too. I mean.. Theodore Geisel read more

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As a salesperson, I am familiar with how customers should be treated. I felt the need to address some issues to the owner. Thought it would be a good idea so future customers would be given better treatment. I pointed out the lack of feedback via text and emails. Furthermore, I unfortunately trusted the eye of the owner in getting several pictures framed. Usually frames draw the colors from pictures. In the case of two of the works the black frames didn't do the prints justice; there wasn't any black in those pictures. My purchases were done over the summer. Staying at a timeshare, I had arranged to pick-up the framed pictures before I left Lake Tahoe. To date, the three Certificates of Authenticity have not be rightfully sent to me. Refusal was done in retaliation for bringing the poor customer service to their attention. Please do the right thing, and send the certificates to me. 3 months is way too long. read more

Totally judged us! We weren't planning on going to this gallery but saw it as we drove by and noticed they were having a Dr Seuss exhibit. I was wearing sweats and a tee. i was looking into buying this nice Disney painting we had seen. Walked around the whole gallery for help but as soon as someone looked at is, they walked the other way! Lol... Gallery was full of art i was interested in. But hey, they don't want my money? Ok then...next gallery! read more

Marcus Ashley Gallery - The painting i wanted to purchase, but all the employees avoided me - Art Galleries Near Me - South Lake Tahoe, California

Beautiful art pieces, comfortable viewing rooms, and helpful staff. Parking lot makes for easy parking.

I stopped for a Starbucks and what I ended up doing was checking out this very cool art gallery. The artwork was varied and included paintings and metal sculptures - both metal and glass. There were more conservative pieces and modern pieces, but all of it was tasteful. The kids loved the Dr. Suess artwork. As far as art galleries go this is pretty welcoming, but what would you expect for an art gallery prominently displayed by the main road and a busy strip mall with tons of eye-catching metal sculptures spinning all about. We were not badgered by any of the staff, in fact, they were all very helpful and welcoming. The prices were very expensive, but that's to be expected. read more

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They will tell you anything in order to sell you a painting. And then when you actually expect to get the services they promised, in my case, the sales person is no longer there probably because he's terrible. The gallery had a chance to make good on what their salesman promised, and they couldn't even do that! read more

This is a fantastic Art Gallery! The staff that helped me were amazing! A shout out to Brenda and Boyd. I had a wonderful and peaceful experience. They know their pieces and more than anything, I learned from them about different techniques and the meanings behind some of the work. What a great time, I had! Of course , I brought home a new piece to join my collection! When in South Lake Tahoe - don't miss the experience! Dr. Seuss collectors - this is a paradise! read more

This was the first time I've been to this art gallery and Dr Suess in Tahoe nv. So much art from him in college and a few from his later in life. It's is original work art that he has made with proof of certificate. Also a few paintings of Disney inspired for sale I loved the stitch was so cute. If I had the money it would've been mine!!! read more

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I am not one to spend a ton of time in art galleries, but I will wander through them when on vacation, but honestly, I rarely enjoy things on display. However, this gallery is different. First, the staff is approachable, friendly and passionate about the art they have. Secondly, they actually have art that you could imagine in your house, and many of the artists are styles that I like - someone in charge has good taste!! Therefore, I recommend going here, as I always take guests to my Tahoe house to this gallery when they visit, and I even come by myself when in town alone. Also, if you want to actually purchase some art, this is the place. They are patient, informative, and not pushy. I have been eyeing one of the Dr Seuss secret art pieces for a year. Since I first came in, Pete Uhl was there, and helped me each time. He recognized me, always remembered which pieces I coveted, and again, was patient with me. I finally pulled the trigger last week and I am happy as can be! So, if you just want to look around, or are seriously shopping for art, go to Marcus Ashley Galleries. read more

My husband and I came in while vacationing in Tahoe, the gallery was beautiful we loved all the art, what wasn't so enjoyable was the staff who followed us around everywhere we went piping in on our conversations about the pieces. If I had questions I would have asked. That killed the experience for me. I couldn't just look at the art and take anything in without her jumping in to talk to me about the artist or financing. It was worse than a car dealership. read more

We were drawn in by the spectacular outdoor exhibit of sculpted metal pieces...thirty to forty amazing whirligig type objects. The gallery has an amazing collection of art. A must-visit spot. read more

This used to be a bookstore, but I must say I wasn't missing the books after I got to see the AWESOME Dr. Seuss art collection they have here. I hope someday to be the proud owner of one of the Unorthodox Taxidermy pieces. The staff was very knowledgeable, and although the prints are giclees, they'll definitely be valuable in the long run. http://www.drseussart.com/taxi.html read more

Marcus Ashley Gallery - Art Galleries Near Me - South Lake Tahoe, California

As an Art lover the first thing I seen was when moving to South Lake was the Gallery's around town. But this location is more welcoming to everyone whether your looking to buy, or just look at the glorious and beautiful pieces on display. The Staff is very informative, they do not pressure you into buying. They just want you to enjoy your visit. After 4 years, I've grown to respect the art, as well as made some friends on the way. Thank you Robert, Pete, Nick, Gavin an everyone there for being such a wonderful group of people. I would recommend this place to everyone to check it all out. read more

Wouldn't give me the time of day when I walked into the gallery because I didn't look like I was made of money. So all my questions were ignored. read more

I'm not an art collector but... A few years ago during some downtime at a retreat, friends stumbled across this gallery. I fell in love with the Rob Gonsalves piece "Cathedral of Commerce." After sleeping on it, I decided to buy it. Yes it was a mortgage payment. The art consultant Elliot was nice and was encouraging without being pushy. A couple months ago, I received the Marcus Gallery catalog. I ripped out a picture of the Gonsalves piece "And the Lights Went Out." I stared at it for three weeks before almost calling the gallery. I ordered the book "Masters of Deception" a book that features Gonsalves and other artists who created optical illusions. After finishing the book, and deciding a signed copy would would make a nice present for my stepmom who is an artist in her free time. I called the gallery and inquired about the painting. Elliott answered the phone and told me my original purchase had doubled in value-not that I'm selling it. The weekend the artist was visiting, my parents would also be in town. The gallery that weekend was busy. My family liked the painting and we learned the story behind his inspiration for "And the Lights Went Out". It was my first art dedication, and one I was thrilled to experience it with my dad, stepmom and her parents. My stepmom is now a fan of the artist and the gallery. It was kind of cool introducing her, to something new about art. I hope she likes her signed copy of "Masters of Deception." Since every place I want to travel to has been quashed by State Department warnings (thanks Al-Qaida), my travel fund for the next couple of summers has been allocated to my second Gonsalves painting. I still love both paintings, albeit it has only been a week since my second purchase. I knocked down a star, because I wanted to personally thank Elliott for his expertise and guidance, but he didn't work that weekend. The other staff were friendly and helpful and the gallery is pet friendly. If you have the opportunity, visit, browse and enjoy. Marcus Gallery will be one of my stops every time I visit Lake Tahoe. read more

Marcus Ashley Gallery - Rob Gonsalves display. - Art Galleries Near Me - South Lake Tahoe, California

What a great find! We were intrigued by the spinners displayed outside of their gallery but was in awe of their collection of Dr. Seuss' rare editions. We were met by Andrea who was so knowledgeable of his pieces and the history and background. Thank you Andrea for being our personal Dr. Seuss' docent. read more

This is the best art gallery I've ever been to! Every team member is amazing!! Ashley is so helpful and kind! I've purchased several pieces here from Rob Gonsalves to Dr Seuss. Ashley and her team have the best customer service of any Gallery in the entire area!! read more

The gallery has a Great selection of art. I called over a week ago to get prices on some pieces and still haven't heard back. Disappointing customer service...don't know if the pieces were priced "cheap" and there wasn't enough commission, or if they just don't care, or if it is just a bad experience. read more

so beautiful and peaceful all the artist inside were so welcoming! Definitely a place to check out if you are staying near!

This Art Gallery use to be across the street, now it is in the same shopping area as Raley's but in the front near the Strip. We walked in here interested in seeing the Dr Seuss collection. It's part of his private collection so it has the look of the kid books but with a twist. I LOVE IT! (http://www.drseussart.com/secret.html) We were helped by DeAnna and she was super friendly and funny too! She also brought us into the viewing room to see a couple fo pieces under the trac lighting. What a big difference! She explained to use about the collection and the actual piece we were looking at. She waived the shipping fee and the prices are with frames form them that we can use the one they selected or chose for ourselves. She said she would make sure we get a very low number for out print and it will arrive in 6-9 weeks. They offered us Wine. Beer or water adn let us oogle the print for a while. It was such a great expierence being there and with DeAnna who was very helpful. I can't wait to see it in our house! I will write more about that when it happens... read more

I want you to understand the setting when i walked in for a browse. I am wearing a trendy Lake Tahoe ball cap, casual shirt, coat and jeans. No way would you think, I would be a possible client for the Gallery. Emily was the first to greet me, very pleasant, explaining how the gallery is laid out and how many artiest they have on display. Then allowed me to do my browsing. There are some very nice pieces there, some not so nice in my opinion. Rob Gonsalves pieces caught my eye at first, he is a Magical Realism, Seamless Transitions, Surrealism artiest. Goggle him and you will see some of his work. I just love it. Emily came back by and started talking to me about his work, giving me a complete history on his background and different pieces attributes.. She even took one piece I liked and we went to a lighting room so she can show me the different lighting highlights. I said thank you and that I will continue browsing. Normally this is a hint that I am not buying today. Once I saw Eric Christensen work, I was amazed at the picture like quality of his paintings. I mentioned in passing to Emily how that would go in my Tuscany kitchen motif. She again gives me her undivided attention and tells me the background behind the paintings and the artiest. You really need to look at the pictures of this artist... believe it or not all of his paintings are water color. Incredible! He will be at this location on 18-19 Feb 2012. I am very impressed with the level of attention to everyone that walks into the gallery. Even if not looking the wealthiest of clientele. Great Job Emily Couch! read more

What a fantastic Art Gallery. I have visited many art Galleries and I have to say that this one is the best. The people that work there are very knowledgeable ,especially Diane that was helping us out. She knew about every artist and what the artists work meant. We spent hours at this gallery. So much to look at. This is a must stop when you are in South Lake Tahoe. read more

I love this gallery, it has great pieces and unique artists that make for some fantastic collections. The staff is helpful and know what they are talking about. They have quite a large collection of Dr. Sues artwork which is different than a lot of galleries that I have seen. I bought a painting which is a great concept piece. The collection mine goes with are suppose to look as if they are book ends on a shelf and each is tattered and worn but all books have a theme. I bought the classic rock theme. Each book end is a portrait of the artist it represents. read more

Like William B's experience, we were a bunch of bummy looking kids (I say kids because we're Asians in our 30's which basically means we looked about 20) in our casual winter wear strolling in, and we were warmly welcomed by a nice lady whose name I unfortunately never asked for. She was very informative and was glad to answer any questions. They had a wide range of artwork, including paintings, sculptures, and these intricately carved gourds. My two favorite collections, however, were those of Dr. Suess and Rob Gonsalves. They have a great Dr. Suess collection, including a lot of his sketches and never-before-seen paintings (at least by me) that he had created for his wife. You can still see his very distinct style in these works, but they were definitely different than what you usually know of Dr. Suess. Really cool to see what this quirky visionary had created in his own personal life for his loved one. The Rob Gonsalves collection was probably my favorite. His style reminds me of a lighter, more whimsical M.C. Escher. I loved the playful illusion and double-meaning in many of his pieces. I couldn't afford to buy any actual pieces but I do kind of regret not at least buying one of the calendars or books on display. Fortunately, I do head out to Tahoe every other year, so I do hope to return again. read more

With kiddos in tow, a visit to an art gallery hardly seems appropriate. I mean, this wouldn't be happening in Sausalito or Downtown SF, at least, not with me. I had totally been eyeing the Dr Seuss art sign at this gallery from the first day or our visit, and we finally had some time but it was 940AM.... I knew they opened at 10, decided to see if we could just check it out from outside the window. Their doors were open at 940AM! What an amazing amazing treat... Dr. Seuss art, prints of the Lorax, sculptures of Horton hears a Who!, and lots and lots of other unique rarely seen prints and artwork. The works by Geisel at the library of my alma mater are still pretty darn cool, but the works here were such a treat. Kiddo *loved* seeing the Sneeches, Lorax, Cat in the Hat..... Horton..... It just solidified our love and huge respect for Dr Seuss and his work! It is absolutely our favorite these days, and it was a special moment to share his art since we read so many of his books every night. A must if you are in the area with a Seussophile! read more