Cayucos Art Association Gallery, Artistry by the Sea, Studios on the Park
Editor’s Note: Read Part 1 here.
After two hectic but fun-filled weekends attending SLO County Arts’ 2027 Open Studios Arts Tour, the Hubby and I were back to work researching and visiting art galleries and venues in the hopes of finding unique “just perfect” holiday gifts for the special people in our lives.
One of the best parts of living on our beautiful Central Coast is that almost anywhere you travel, you’re pretty much guaranteed a scenic drive. What a glorious place we all call home—it never ceases to amaze me. Driving up the coast to Cayucos, or to Cambria, or over the 46 to Paso almost feels like going on vacation.
Here are some new discoveries as well as several favorites that never disappoint.
Cayucos Art Association Gallery on North Ocean Avenue is filled with art and crafts created by local residents. Filled with art, textiles, jewelry and more, this quaint little building is a wonderful find. The quality is impressive and prices good. Open daily from 12 noon to 4 p.m. daily except Tuesday and Wednesday.
Artistry by the Sea is just down the block from the Cayucos Art Association on North Ocean Avenue. You’ll find this very special store stocked with high-quality handmade items, including owner Meagan Gittins’ jewelry as well as one-of-a-kind art, wearables, candles, ceramics, cards and much more. The inventory is beautifully displayed, the store is always full of customers, and the vibe is warm, welcoming and friendly. Open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.
Park Street Gallery in Paso Robles contains glass art, sculpture, textiles, ceramics and jewelry along with a huge assortment of high-end fine art. Owner Julie Dunn shows her unique style of tempera batik on paper as well as providing a professional setting for other well-known local artists, including Jason Mayr, Paula Delay, Ana Bass, Dotty Hawthorne and many more. Take a few moments to stop and appreciate the skill and talent this gallery houses. Open 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. except Tuesdays.
Studios on the Park is the brainchild of artist Anne Laddon and consists of six studios, 15 working artists, four galleries and a fine art/fine craft store. Keeping an art gallery alive, thriving and profitable year after year is an almost impossible task but Studios manages, especially with “Handcrafted for the Holidays,” its annual show providing local artisans the opportunity to showcase and sell their work from November through December in the main atrium. Resident artists include Dennis Curry (oil paintings of nature and wildlife), Deb Lysek (weaver extraordinaire), Lynn Kishiyama (mixed media), Helen Davie (printmaker), and others. Open Sunday through Thursday 12 noon to 4 p.m., staying open til 9 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.