Dropping down into LA, we sidetracked to Eagle Rock to check out Cactus Gallery. This little gem is off the beaten LA track for galleries and it's brightly colored exterior only hints at the art inside. The owner, Sandra Mastroianni was a sweetie pie, showing us around with obvious enthusiasm for her space and artists. The inventory in the shop and gallery includes a plethora of hand made items, folk art & crazy local flavor, Day of the Dead objects, mosaic works and fine artisan crafts. Definitely a place to shop for gifts and yourself. The current exhibit - "Dollmakers" features art dolls by many artists, some which are very familiar to Eclectix visitors and readers - Christine Benjamin, Sheri DeBow, Kurtis Rykovich and Carisa Swenson and some wonderful new discoveries. All were fantastic, felted, sewn, carved and/or ceramic, each with their own individual style and footprint on doll making.
The place was packed wall to wall and floor to ceiling with eclectic art, every little nook and cranny. Even the tiny back rooms had killer pieces. A great place to explore and support. Below are just a few tasty nibbles - from the exhibit and the shop, enjoy!
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| Carisa Swenson |
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| Sheri DeBow |
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| Kurtis Rykovich |
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| Christine Benjamin |
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| Sheri DeBow |
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| Christine Benjamin |
Cactus' next upcoming exhibit looks promising as well, a tree themed show which opens April 9th.
An exhibit featuring the exquisite dolls of: JennyBird Alcantara, Anita Collins, Sheri DeBow and Kerry Kate.
Slightly twisted, painstakingly beautiful and hauntingly lifelike, these "art dolls" beg to be played with and fussed over. Quirky personalities that put Barbie to shame, the dolls are hand crafted wonders of moody, mixed media for the "big girl" (or boy) in you.
Exhibit dates: October 16th-Nov.29th
Opening Reception: Friday, October16th, 7 to 10 pm.
With live music by "Eclair De Lune" Catered by "Fume" Bistro & the "SweetRoll" truck will be rolling by...
Eclectix Gallery, 10082 San Pablo Ave., El Cerrito, CA 94530
Voted “Best Gallery” in the Bay Area by SF Chronicle’s ‘Best of the BayList’
For Hours and More - Please go to: http://www.eclectix.com
