The holiday season is once again upon us, and it’s time to start seeking out the perfect gifts for the special people in your life.
The Gallery at Richmond’s National Institute of Art and Disabilities (NIAD) displays art created by artists with developmental and other physical disabilities in a formalized setting where it is admired and may be purchased. This increases the self-esteem of the artists and provides a source of income. For each work sold, half of the proceeds go to the artist and the remainder supports the program.
Point Richmond is well known for its extensive artist community, which is quite evident when you stroll the streets of this hidden oasis of distinctive shops and galleries. Step into Guillermina Oriental Arts and Antiques shop and you will find yourself surrounded by exotic objects sure to please every personality. Point Richmond resident Guillermina LaFever has traveled the world, bringing Asian antiques and collectibles back home to her shop on West Richmond Avenue. In the trade for over 25 years, LaFever has personally selected an array of treasures from Japan, China, the Philippines, Burma, Thailand and beyond. The antiques are impressive and the trinkets are delightful, while the jewelry and adornment objects of art can’t be found anywhere else. In addition to her buying trips overseas, LaFever has acquired items from private collectors that haven’t been on the market for decades. Her loyal clientele are always eager to reunite with her after her latest journey to see what new treasures she’s brought home.
The Art Lounge in Point Richmond offers an unusual range of gifts from all over the world at below-wholesale prices every day. The store features jewelry made of the hottest trends like Murano glass from Italy and magnetic Hematite as well as freshwater pearls, U.S.-made porcelain dolls, beaded bags, oil burners, Swarovsky hair clips, fashionable hand-painted reader glasses and handmade earrings. The Art Lounge only buys handmade and handcrafted merchandise directly from the manufacturer on a clearance or liquidation basis in order to bring the best discount price to the customer. Many of the items are bought directly from small villages to the store, offering a unique range of items every month and there are hundreds of items priced at only $5.
Also located in Point Richmond is Outback in the Temple of Venus, a clothing outlet that specializes in designer and high-end lines but also offers products at all price points including unique gift items, cards, art and other unusual eclectic pieces. The “Temple Store” has been in business for almost 30 years but relocated to Point Richmond about two years ago. Owner and designer Devi, who loves her new location says that “living in Point Richmond and then opening this shop here has been such a blessing” adding, “somehow Point Richmond has stayed under the radar, but this is the Bay Area’s best kept secret with its yummy international restaurants, cool shops and other amenities.”
For something really distinctive, consider Richmond’s Cohn-Stone Studios, featuring the hand-blown glass works of Michael Cohn and Molly Stone. Their studio is one of the nation’s foremost producers of award-winning designer vases, decorative art pieces and one-of-a-kind works of art. Their exclusive Tortoise Shell series, based on a process developed by Cohn in the early 1970s, has evolved over many years into one of the studio’s signature lines, along with works based on pumpkins, acorns, squash, shells and leafs. The works produced at Cohn-Stone Studios are included in numerous museum, corporate and private collections around the world. A comprehensive display of their exquisite pieces can be viewed at their website (www.cohnstone.com). Although usually open by appointment only, Cohn-Stone Studios invites the public to visit its garden showroom and glass blowing studio on a few select weekends every year. The next open showroom weekend will be on December 11-13 for a special holiday sale. Don’t miss this rare event.
This is also a good year to think about creating handmade gifts yourself with the help of The Nova Studio. Lori Nova began making natural bath and body products in her kitchen in 2000 as a way to make family and friends homemade, practical gifts. Shortly thereafter, she opened The Nova Studio in Point Richmond to great success and acclaim. The Nova Studio features classes in making soaps, bath and body products, perfumes and candles.
If you are looking for something completely different for the person who has everything, consider a truly unique gift—and an easy way to help someone during the holiday season—by visiting the National Institute of Art and Disabilities (NIAD). NIAD is an innovative visual arts center that assists adults with developmental and other physical disabilities. The Institute promotes creativity, independence, dignity and community integration for the disabled participants, increasing their sense of personal identity and pride. NIAD provides a gallery at their Richmond location on 23rd Street, where at least four exhibits are held each year and an online gallery (www.niadart.org) is also available where you can shop from the comfort of your home.
Furthermore, several manufacturing companies located along Richmond’s shoreline produce popular items that are readily available online or at local retailers. We have included a list of numerous locations in Richmond that can provide unique, high-quality gifts. So when considering where to go this year for your holiday shopping needs, don’t forget the unique and wonderfully exceptional shops located along Richmond’s beautiful shoreline. This year, you’re sure to find something delightful and affordable in Richmond.
Art Lounge
145 Park Place
(510) 232-0084
Designer gifts at closeout prices, carrying handmade items from around the world with gift items to delight every age and gender.
Cohn-Stone “Glass Blowing” Studios
560 South 31st Street
(510) 234-9690
Hand blown glass works of Michael Cohn and Molly Stone. Featuring awarding-winning designer vases, decorative pieces and one-of-a-kind works of art.
The Grace Baking Company
3200 G Regatta Blvd
(510) 231-7200
Artisan bakery committed to providing a wide variety of innovative, quality breads. Their products are available in 250 restaurants and grocery stores.
Guillermina Oriental Arts and Antiques
109 West Richmond Ave.
(510) 237-0036
Rare and exceptionally beautiful objects collected from Japan, Burma, Cambodia, China, India, Korea, Philippines, Thailand and Himalayas.
Hydrangea Flowers & Gifts
145 West Richmond Ave.
(510) 215-4530
Fresh flowers, gifts and cards for all occasions. Delivery available.
Incurable Collector
140 Washington
(510) 234-7611
Fine custom jewelry and repair plus antiques and unique crystal and silver gift items.
Mona’s Murals
(510) 236-2254
Custom painted original murals for homes and businesses.
Mountain Hardwear
1414 Harbour Way South
Ford Point, Suite 1005
(800) 953-8375
Manufacturer of innovative and technologically advanced outdoor gear including sleeping bags, tents outerwear and accessories. Order online at website above.
Name the Occasion Gift Baskets
15501 San Pablo Ave #G301
(510) 275-3451
http://www.nametheoccasion.com
Gift baskets for every occasion.
NIAD (National Institute of Art and
Disabilities)
551 23rd St
(510) 620-0290
Innovative visual arts center assisting adults with developmental and other physical disabilities. Artwork and gift items available at gallery and gift shop.
The Nova Studio
24 West Richmond Ave.
(510) 234-5700
Unique classes taught in areas including making soaps, candles and natural bath and body products. Gift certificates are available.
Outback in the Temple of Venus
139 West Richmond Ave.
(510) 237-1199
Clothing outlet specializing in designer and high-end lines but also offer products at all price points including unique gift items, cards, art and other unusual eclectic pieces.
Steve Hurst Clocks
38 Washington, 2nd Floor
(510) 233-5393
One-of-a-kind and limited edition handmade clocks.
Title Nine
Ford Point Building
(800) 609-0092
Women’s sports clothing and accessories distribution center. There are several local retail outlets, see website for more information.
Zoe’s Cookies & Other Delights
1080 Marina Way So.
510-237-2490
Wholesale bakery specializing in homemade cookies, brownies, pies, fruit bars, etc.
Richmond Community
Redevelopment Agency
Office of Economic Development
(510) 307-8150
Create your own gifts this year like these handmade soaps from The Nova Studio.
