(Attended 03/15/14 SA & 11/29/14 SA @ 1:00pm): A non-descript storefront hidden among restaurants and music stores, but well worth seeking out!
If it weren't for a friend, Stephen Sandoval, who had pieces of art in two recent showcases at the Van Eaton Galleries, I probably wouldn't have known about this place. With its close proximity to the animation studios in Burbank and Hollywood, this gallery mostly catered to such artwork and often held exhibits and showcases throughout the year. Here were snapshots of some of my favorites from aforementioned exhibits that included drawings, mixed media, paintings and more. If you saw something you liked, please feel free to contact the gallery and inquiry within:
WHEN GOOD TOONS GO BAD: VILLIANS OF ANIMATION - 11/29/14
~"The Evil Queen At Home" (Chad Lenzi): http://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw&select=vIAQJ3raWcGRCKyC1ZCBsQ
~"Hag" (Javier Soto): http://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw&select=qy6GSiLW5yUdntCMwsqerQ
~"Angel Of Mercy" (Bryan "Mutie" Cunningham): http://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw&select=J0CGkwCSW8oEiswPrpEFvA
~"How To Make Cartoons" (Gavin Freitas): http://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw&select=oJqDMfXWAP7SEaWfCVtsqA
~"Feathers McGraw" (Tim Spain): http://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw&select=xF1n3eVOMVoipYlih1Nzmg
MOOSYVANIA: A GROUP ART SHOW TRIBUTE TO JAY WARD - 03/15/14
~"Quazy Energy" (Stephen Sandoval): http://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw&select=oqH9WgC7JKI01fbNUGgiQQ
~"Super Sauce" (Lee Petty): http://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw&select=Mb2sbi96ac4OM1EOG7G8tA
~"Drink'n At The Bull Winkaki" (Gary Clair): http://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw&select=2YsORjtuyXd2sRWInkIznA
~"Snidely And The Do-Wrongs" (Aidan Casserly): http://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw&select=fP1w8-3iVnl8CORFmbwlpg
Service - Each time I attended, a very kind shaven-head gentleman (Gabriel?) was there to answer any questions I had. Extremely informative about the exhibits as well as the other artwork they had available for sale, he and I struck-up long conversations that ranged from art, artists, travel and football (no one else was there during these times). And, if there was a particular animation piece (i.e. character, movie, show, etc.), they had the ability to at least research your request. Plus, they also purchased artwork if there was a demand for what you had (no idea on purchase percentage). Easy peasy.
Parking (Free) - They had a small four-spot parking lot in the back http://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw. Otherwise, there was plenty of metered street parking along the main drag of Ventura Blvd. and all nearby side streets.
Atmosphere, décor, ambience - A simple businessfront with two viewing sections surrounded by decent eggshell-colored wall space where all of the art pieces were hung http://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw&select=hGJ_uUlkS7JBto99-_MdqA. There were also a couple glass case displays and a few moveable shelvings that held animation that was for sale http://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw&select=YpzW1u70qEeufBYPM8zz2w. No tables or chairs to sit on, and although natural lighting came through the large front windows there was also plenty of electric lighting that came from the ceiling. A truly rudimentary plot of viewing square footage. There were no TVs nor background music.
Attire - Totally casual, so I would normally be in a t-shirt, boardshorts, and flip-flops.
Overall, the Van Eaton Galleries was a pleasant find in the San Fernando Valley...but with all the creative types in the area it shouldn't have been much of a surprise. Not at all a fancy gallery so best to have kept any expectations low. The service alone was incredible, and if you're at all an animation fan as I was, it'd be best to stop by and give them a try. There were a few Donald Duck and Uncle Scrooge pieces I wouldv'e loved to had, and the prices seemed fair and at market value! I found very good value based on the prices, service, and experience noted above (total paid experience was around $0.00; no tip required). And, although I didn't purchase anything, they accepted my credit card of choice...AMEX! 4.0 STARS read more